TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The University of West Alabama Football team (6-5) closed out the regular season with a 34-13 loss to Northeastern State (7-3) on Saturday afternoon at Doc Wadley Stadium at Gable Field.
The Tigers were held scoreless in the first half before finding the end zone twice after halftime. Kendrick Joseph provided the biggest highlight of the afternoon with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, while Michael Dujon added a late rushing touchdown.
Northeastern State opened the scoring in the first quarter, putting together a 77-yard drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown reception from Donnie Smith to Deuce Roberson to take a 7-0 lead.
The RiverHawks added to their advantage in the second quarter with another touchdown connection between Smith and Roberson, this time from two yards out, to extend the lead to 14-0.
West Alabama had opportunities to get on the scoreboard before halftime, including a 21-yard completion from Carter Hankins to Brayden Jenkins that helped move the Tigers into RiverHawks territory. However, the drive ended on downs, sending UWA into the break trailing 14-0.
Northeastern State extended its lead to 21-0 early in the third quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown before adding another score following a fumble on the ensuing punt return.
The Tigers answered in a big way as Kendrick Joseph returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, putting West Alabama on the scoreboard and cutting the deficit to 28-7.
West Alabama's defense followed with a strong sequence, highlighted by a sack from Anthony Oatis and an interception by Nate Thomason to give the Tigers another opportunity.
The RiverHawks added a field goal in the fourth quarter to push their lead to 31-7. West Alabama responded with a 15-play drive that reached the Northeastern State 11-yard line, but the Tigers were unable to convert on fourth down.
After Northeastern State added another field goal, West Alabama put together one final scoring drive. A 27-yard completion from Hankins to Griffin McLean helped set up Dujon's four-yard rushing touchdown with 13 seconds remaining, bringing the final score to 34-13.
Northeastern State finished with 427 total yards compared to West Alabama's 241. The RiverHawks also held the advantage in first downs (21-13) and time of possession (36:38-23:22).
West Alabama recorded 101 rushing yards and 140 passing yards. The Tigers also totaled 178 kickoff-return yards, highlighted by Joseph's 95-yard touchdown return.
Defensively, West Alabama recorded three sacks and an interception by Thomason.
UWA concludes the 2026 season with an overall record of 6-5.
