MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Football team secured a season opening 27–17 Red Tails Classic victory over Tuskegee University at the Cramton Bowl on Sunday.
After a tightly contested contest through three quarters, West Alabama (1-0) created some separation in the fourth quarter to earn a 10-point win. UWA outgained TU, 411-363, while forcing and recovering three fumbles. In his UWA debut, Luther Richesson was named the Red Tails Classic MVP. Richesson led the Tigers' with 215 passing yards, 93 rushing yards (Red Tails Classic Record for a QB), and three touchdowns.
"What a cool opportunity to start out the season in an exciting atmosphere like this one," said head coach Scott Cochran. "To be able to start the season off on ESPN 2 and at the Cramton Bowl was amazing. We knew this would be a war and it was one tonight. I love seeing my team respond to adversity and I feel as though we didn't falter after some unfortunate plays tonight."
West Alabama started the first quarter by deferring the kickoff, allowing Tuskegee to receive and begin play at its own 17-yard line. The Tigers forced a Golden Tigers' punt before Luther Richesson and the UWA offense drove down the field. Brayden Jenkins capped off a 13-play, 80-yard drive with a one-yard TD run to put West Alabama ahead early. The Golden Tigers answered with a scoring drive of its own, highlighted by an 18-yard touchdown pass from McGrew to Jermaine Hardy Jr. The successful extra point by Lorcan Ryans tied the game at 7–7 as the first quarter concluded.
In the second quarter, West Alabama capitalized on a critical drive to extend its lead over Tuskegee. West Alabama's Richesson executed a 34-yard rush that set up a pivotal scoring opportunity. Richesson later connected with Madixx Morris for a 30-yard touchdown pass at the 8:06 mark, putting UWA ahead 14–7. Following the successful extra point kick by Guyton, Tuskegee struggled to regain momentum, facing stiff defensive plays from West Alabama, including a sack by Jeremiah Tatum and Fred Grooms.
The Tigers' third quarter opened with a strong kickoff return by Kendrick Joseph, aided by a TU personal foul, setting their offense at midfield. Moments later, Dakarai Shanks led West Alabama's ground attack with an eight-yard rush for a first down, but the drive stalled when Guyton missed a 19-yard field goal attempt. TU capitalized later with a significant 45-yard rush by McGrew, but their drive ended without points after Tuskegee missed a 43-yard field goal.
In the fourth quarter, West Alabama extended its lead with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Richesson to Kaden Cupp at 7:34, making the score 20–7. On the PAT, Tyranny McGowan blocked the attempt which was returned for a score, giving Tuskegee two points. On the Golden Tigers' next drive, Chrissean Jones forced a fumble which was recovered by Jamil Peterson, giving UWA prime field position. The Tigers capitalized with another touchdown connection between Richesson and Cupp, this time from 13 yards, increasing the lead to 27–9. TU responded with a nine-yard rushing touchdown by McGrew, narrowing the gap, but West Alabama's Anthony Oatis' sack fumble late in the quarter put the stamp on a 27-17 UWA win.
While Richesson led the way, Cupp contributed significantly with two touchdown receptions and totaled 50 receiving yards. On the ground, Jenkins added a rushing touchdown along with 43 yards on 17 carries. Defensively, Oatis recorded five tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble.
West Alabama will be back in action on Saturday for a 2:00 p.m. CST road matchup against Lenoir Rhyne.
