North Alabama secures first win over West Georgia, 25-16

On Saturday, North Alabama achieved its first victory of the season by defeating West Georgia with a score of 25-16. The game took place in Carrollton, Georgia, where TJ Smith played a pivotal role by throwing two touchdown passes. His performance included a crucial second touchdown pass late in the third quarter, which helped North Alabama take a 20-13 lead. Scott Payne contributed significantly with three successful field goals, including a 30-yarder that extended the lead to 23-13. West Georgia, despite trailing, managed to narrow the gap with a 32-yard field goal from Chance Gagnon, making the score 23-16 with under two minutes remaining. However, the Wolves were unable to recover an onside kick, and after stopping North Alabama's offense, they regained possession deep in their own territory. The game concluded dramatically when Jackson Bratton sacked West Georgia's quarterback Davin Wydner in the end zone, resulting in a safety that sealed the victory for North Alabama. Wydner had previously scored two rushing touchdowns, giving West Georgia a brief lead in the second quarter. However, North Alabama responded effectively, driving 75 yards to tie the game just before halftime. Smith's overall performance included completing 18 of 29 passes for 184 yards, showcasing his ability to lead the team under pressure. This win marked a significant moment for North Alabama, improving their record to 1-5 overall and 1-1 in the United Athletic Conference. The victory not only boosts the team's morale but also sets a foundation for future games as they look to build on this success in the remainder of the season.