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

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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

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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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' H ' o be national champions, to be ranlced No. 1 every weeic and to have everyone wanting to beat you, it ' s just a great tribute to our players. -Head Coach Bobby Wallace UNDER PRESSURE. Junior quarterback Cody Gross takes a corner run to gain yardage and avoid defenders during the Mississippi College game. The Lions won 24-0. Photo by Amanda Shavers. 0C ' SACK THAT QUARTERBACK. Marcus Keyes plows through the University of Central Arkansas ' offensive line to get a piece of their quarterback. The Lions won 28-21. Photo by Shannon Wells. STRIKE A POSE. Kevin Winfrey smiles for the camera after coming out of the ball- i game. Photo by A manda Shavers. I SiK.rts 29