LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama Football team picked up a 45-17 victory over Monroe on Senior Day/Hall of Fame weekend on Saturday afternoon at Tiger Stadium, improving their record to 6-4 record.
West Alabama (6-4, 0-2 GSC) totaled 337 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air while holding the Mustangs (2-6) to 203 yards of total offense.
"Grateful for our team and our fans who showed up for our guys on senior day," said head coach Scott Cochran. "Everything is confidence with our guys. Confidence is what we're trying to build because they have no clue how good they can be."
The Tigers got off to a fast start, taking advantage of a blocked punt by Antonio Williams to set up their opening touchdown. Brayden Jenkins punched it in from one yard out to give West Alabama a 7-0 lead. After the defense forced a turnover on downs, Kendrick Joseph added a five-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-0.
Monroe got on the board with a 39-yard field goal late in the first quarter, but West Alabama took at 14-3 lead into the second quarter.
UWA answered Monroe's field goal early in the second. Luther Richesson connected with Torrey Ward for an 81-yard touchdown pass, extending the Tigers' advantage to 21-3. The Mustangs responded with a touchdown drive to make it 21-10, but West Alabama closed the first half with an impressive 93-yard scoring drive. Richesson capped the possession with a touchdown pass to Contravious Blanks with four seconds remaining, sending the Tigers into halftime with a 28-10 lead.
West Alabama continued to build its advantage in the third quarter as Richesson found Jaylon York for a 27-yard touchdown to make it 35-10. The Tigers' special teams unit also came up with a big play as Levi Manson blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt to keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard.
Monroe added a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but West Alabama quickly responded with a 75-yard scoring drive. Carter Hankins connected with Michael Dujon for a 22-yard touchdown to push the lead to 42-17. The Tigers added one more score late in the fourth quarter as Elijah Guyton connected on a 22-yard field goal to secure the 45-17 victory.
Richesson finished the afternoon completing 14-of-23 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Jenkins led the ground game with 70 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Ward hauled in an 81-yard touchdown reception, while York led the Tigers with five catches for 61 yards and a score.
UWA will conclude the regular season next weekend, Saturday, November 14 for a 12:00 p.m. matchup against Northeastern State.
