West Alabama 45, Stillman 33

The Stillman Tigers looked to avenge a 35-0 loss to UWA in the 2000 season, but were not able to quite make up a 24- point halftime deficit.

Stillman had an opportunity to draw first blood but kicker Eric Beech missed a 26-yard field goal attempt. West Alabama opened the second quarter with a five play 57 yard drive, which was capped by a 13-yard touchdown pass from Brett Gilliland to Gerald Gales with 14:33 remaining in the quarter. The Ben Thoma extra point kick gave West Alabama a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing possession Stillman capped its own 16 play 80 yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Tyvun Green to Anthony Hall. Beech's extra point tied the game a 7-7.

After Stillman's only score of the first half UWA went on to score four more touchdowns in the second quarter. With 7:20 remaining in the second quarter UWA retook the lead. Kyle Henderson hauled in a Gilliland pass for a 42-yard touchdown reception. Thoma's extra point made the score 14-7.

At the 3:08 mark Thoma made a 25-yard field goal, increasing UWA's lead to 17-7. Less than one minute later Ra Shun Judge intercepted a Green pass, setting up a 42-yard touchdown pass from Gilliland to Henderson. The Thoma extra point gave West Alabama a 24-7 lead.

At the 1:39 mark Gilliland connected with Henderson for a 58-yard touchdown pass completion. Thoma's extra point increased UWA's lead to 31-7. In the third quarter the West Alabama Tigers picked up where they left off in the second quarter. At the 11:37 mark Derick Spellers capped a five play 44-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown run. The Thoma extra point made the score 38-7.

Neither team was able to produce very much offense until Stillman scored on a two-yard Zack Berklin touchdown run. Beech's extra point cut the lead to 38-14. On the opening play of the fourth quarter Stillman's Shawn DeFoor recovered a Michael Allen fumble on the UWA 29-yard line, setting up the first of three Stillman fourth quarter scores. On the ensuing drive Green connected with Timothy Cole for a 29-yard touchdown pass at the 14:54 mark. With 13:43 remaining in the game James Patrick intercepted a Gilliland pass and returned it 22-yard to the West Alabama eight yard line, setting up a Green to Michael Trigg touchdown pass. Stillman failed to convert on the two-point conversion, making the score 38-27.

At the 5:30 mark UWA put the game out of reach as Spellers completed an 11 play 63 yard drive with a one-yard scoring run. Thoma's extra point made the score 45-27.

With 3:27 left in the game Green completed a two-yard touchdown pass to Drenzo Payne, cutting the lead to 45-33.

Gilliland led all quarterbacks with 349 yards and four touchdown, going 45-25-2. Spellers led all running backs with 82-yards and two touchdown and Gales led all receivers with 84-yards.

Green completed 29 of 60 pass attempts, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Hall led Stillman with nine receptions.

Stillman's Brenden Givan led all defenders with 15 tackles. Judge and Michael Sims led UWA with nine tackles each.

Stillman will return to action Saturday, September 14 as the Tigers host the Livingstone Blue Bears at Stillman Stadium. Kick off is scheduled for 5 pm.

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