LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Football team continued their winning ways on Saturday with a decisive 52-14 victory over Barton College at Tiger Stadium.
Quarterback
Spencer Arceneaux put together another career defining performance as the senior totaled a career-high 370 yards and a career-high six total touchdowns to lead UWA (4-0) over Barton College (0-4).
"The goal is to play for 60 minutes, and every game that we've played so far has been filled with ups and downs, but today is the closet we've gotten," said head coach Scott Cochran. "Having Spencer as my QB just makes me comfortable. Our Wide Out room continues to get better and their chemistry with Spencer continues to grow. The sky is the limit for that room."
The first quarter began with the Tigers demonstrating strong defensive pressure, as
Marquis Robinson and
JT Hooten teamed up to halt the visitors' first drive. Following a fumble recovery by Hooten, Arceneaux found
TD Parker for a 45-yard touchdown pass, putting West Alabama on the scoreboard at 10:25. Later in the quarter, Arceneaux added a 49-yard rushing touchdown, securing a 14-7 lead for the Tigers by the end of the quarter.
The second quarter began with Barton tying the lead after a four-yard touchdown pass by Al Lee, but West Alabama quickly responded. At 11:20, Arceneaux connected with
Houston Johnson on a 38-yard touchdown pass, reclaiming the lead. Arceneaux continued to drive the offense effectively, later finding
Tyrek Williams for a 57-yard touchdown at 3:33, expanding their lead. As the quarter closed, Guyton added a 24-yard field goal to extend UWA's advantage to 31-14 at the half.
The third quarter began with a strong return by Williams, setting up the Tigers at their own 32-yard line. Arceneaux quickly capitalized on this field position with a 61-yard touchdown run at 13:56, extending the lead.
Devonte Harris then intercepted a pass, returning it 39 yards to set up another score, as Arceneaux connected with Parker for a 15-yard touchdown pass at 12:19. The quarter was marked by West Alabama's control on both offense and defense, including a late 13-yard rushing touchdown by
Ja'Marian Johnson at 1:32, solidifying the team's commanding position.
The fourth quarter began with UWA emptying their bench.
Gavin Brown spearheaded a productive drive and long West Alabama drive, rushing for a total of 40 yards, including a critical seven-yard gain on fourth down to keep the chains moving. Brown and the Tigers' offense continued to drain the clock as West Alabama cruised to a 52-14 victory.
Arceneaux led the offense with 257 passing yards on 13-of-22 attempts and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 113 yards and two scores on five carries. Parker contributed with four receptions totaling 96 yards and two touchdowns. Williams made an impact with two receptions for 63 yards, including a touchdown. On defense, Harris recorded an interception and returned it 39 yards.
"It was fun to see the young guys get in and it was fun to see guys step up because we're pretty banged up and injured right now," Cochran continued. "Going into next week's game against North Greenville, we'll find out a lot about ourselves."
West Alabama will hit the road next Saturday when they travel to Tigerville, South Carolina for a 11:00 a.m. CST matchup against the North Greenville Trailblazers.
