UWA falls to West Georgia 38-20
By Staff
from school reports
October 10, 2004
LIVINGSTON, Ala. The University of West Alabama football team outgained West Georgia (1-4, 1-3) with 449 yards of total offense to 314 on Saturday at UWA's homecoming, however the Braves used four Tiger turnovers to pick up their first win of the season 38-20.
The Braves were able to win despite losing in time of possession 31:43-28:17 and going 0-for-11 in third down conversion attempts.
"I am frustrated and disappointed for our players," said UWA Head Coach Sam McCorkle. "Our guys wanted this really bad and were ready to play. You can't turn the ball over and make as many mistakes as we did and expect to beat a good opponent."
West Alabama struck first with a two-yard run by Marcus Ross with 4:04 left in the first quarter, but UWG blocked the extra-point as UWA led 6-0. West Georgia's John Vickers then connected on a 44-yard field goal on the ensuing possession, and Michael Alexis added a four-yard touchdown for the Braves at the close of the first quarter to give UWG a 10-6 advantage.
Alexis added his second touchdown of the game, this time from 24 yards out with 5:29 remaining in the second quarter to end the first half scoring at 17-6. Ross cut the lead to 17-13 on a 64-yard scamper with 13:20 remaining in the third quarter, capping a four-play 75-yard drive.
UWG's Lucas McMichen connected with Raffinee Gonzalez for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10:47 left in the third quarter to put the Braves up 24-13. Alexis then added his third rushing touchdown of the game from three yards out on the first play of the fourth quarter.
West Georgia would add a one-yard score from Ryan Davis with 1:36 remaining in the fourth quarter. UWA's Todd Wilson then found B.J. King for a 59-yard touchdown strike with 1:07 left in the game to end all scoring.
Ross finished the game with 150 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries for the Tigers. Josh Crouch completed 12-of-24 pass attempts for 156 yards with two interceptions, while Wilson threw for 119 yards and one score on 4-of-7 pass attempts.
Ross also led the Tigers in receiving, hauling in five catches for 70 yards. Andre Epps had four catches for 43 yards, while Utavius Ingram added two receptions for 50 yards.
Javari Taylor had 100 yards rushing on seven carries for the Braves, while Alexis added 62 yards on 10 carries. McMichen threw for 70 yards and one touchdown, completing 13-of-23 pass attempts. Gonzalez led UWG with four catches for 41 yards and one touchdown.
West Alabama (1-6, 1-4) continues GSC play next week as the Tigers travel to face Valdosta State for a noon kickoff.
