University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

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MOVING FORWARD. (Photo, top of page) Kevin Winfrey attennpts to plow past a Youngstown State defender to gain yardage. Youngstown, capturing the Division l-AA national title, handed the Lions their only loss of the season. Photo by Matt McKean, courtesy TimesDaily. Sports 27

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Lions enjoy another championship season By Kim Jackson Everyone wants to know they can make it to the top. But what happens when you make it? Well, the best thing to do is look back on your accomplishment and put on a big smile. That is exactly what Lion players, coaches, and fans did this sea- son. The defending national championship football team of the University of North Alabama began the 1 994 season as the team to beat among the 142 schools which compete in Division II football. The Lions, with 1 5 starters returning from last year ' s champi- onship team, entered the season ranked No. 1 in almost every national poll. They were the overwhelm- ing favorite to win the title again. And just a few short weeks later, the Lions came togeth- er in Braly Stadium on December 10 and became the national champions for the sec- ond consecutive year. UNA capped a 13-1 season with a 16-10 win over Texas A M Kingsville at Braly Stadium. The Lions ' only record blemish was a close loss to two-time defending l-AA champions, Youngstown State. PRAYER OF THANKS. Senior short prayer of thanks for his Dakota State in the Division II Photo by Amanda Shavers. 26Sp i The Lions started the season with a win against Fort Valley State. Head coach Bobby Wallace had pre-season concerns about the Lion offense, but learned they could handle the job by pounding Fort Valley 35-0. In their first game, the Lions piled up 618 total yards and 29 first downs. After a first game pounding, the team took on arch rival Alabama A M. The Lions romped A M 58-1 3 in front of a sellout crowd of 14,217 fans. The defending national champions led A M 44-0 at half-time. While visiting the Mississippi State Choctaws, the Lions handed out their sec- ond shutout. And against Delta State, another shutout, Kenyatta Jones rushed for 1 53 yards on 18 attempts and the Lions pounded out 389 yards of total offense against the Statesmen. UNA had 1 1 different players run the ball at least once and four players picked up 38 or more yards. The Lions ' winning streak ended with a loss against Youngstown State. The Division l-AA champi- ons were surprised by (Continued on page 28) Anthony Brooks kneels dow n to give a touchdown completion against North playoffs. Brooks is a senior from Elba.

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Yieir from the top I their opponents ' power, only taking a 17-14 loss. UNA maintained its No. 1 ranking in the poll despite the loss. UNA bounced back to beat Gulf South Conference opponent Henderson State. The vic- tory gave the Lions their 10th straight confer- ence win and 19th straight win against Division II opponents. The Lions came upon a near miss against Central Arkansas. The team squeezed by with a 28-21 win. Central Arkansas finished with 14 first downs to UNA ' s 10. The Lions rebounded in proper fashion with a smashing victory against conference rival Livingston. The Lions defeated the Tigers 50-7. The most anticipated game of the season came along with the Lions still on a high with their conference victory. Valdosta State, ranked No. 2 in the Division II poll, played the Lions in televised competition. Although the match was expected to be close, the Lions came away with a 38-21 victory. Wrapping up the regular season was a win against West Georgia. The Braves tried to han- dle the Lions ' offense and defense, but fell short with a 37-25 loss. The Lions ' real test began with the champi- onship playoffs. After bringing home a Gulf South Conference championship, the Lions were hungry for more. The opponents were itching to beat the defending champions, but none could make that a reality. The Lions started the series with a 17-13 win over Carson-Newman, leaving fans on the edge. The close game sparked anxiety as to the teams winning luck, but was laid to rest when the Lions defeated powerhouse Valdosta State in double overtime. A Jamie Stoddard field goal handed the Lions a win. Only one more win would take the Lions to the championship game. UNA exploded with 433 total yards against North Dakota State to place themselves in the title game. All of the anxiety and anticipation drew a Braly Stadium capacity crowd to watch the Lions (Continued on page 30) tmmtm BARNEY BASHING. Leo wasted no time beating Barney to pieces during the NCAA championship playoffs. Photo by Amy Bridenbaugh. TEAM PRIDE. Players touched the UNA Pride Rock before each game during the season and the playoffs. The Pride Rock symbolizes the honor brought to the university by the national championship teams. Photo by Brentwood Reid. 28 SpiirlK