The UNA Lions bounced back from back-to-back losses in conference play to defeat West Georgia (5-4) 28-7 last Saturday to remain in the hunt for the playoffs.

Wes Holland rushed for 159 yards and Lee Chapple passed for 189 yards with three touchdowns, giving the Lions (7-2) the chance to play for a playoff spot in Saturday’s game on the road against a Valdosta State team playing for the same opportunity.

“It was a great effort for our whole team,” said UNA coach Terry Bowden. “It’s funny after our last two losses, you find yourself wanting to protect the win, and we got sloppy there at the end. I believe it falls back on us not wanting to blow this game.”

The game started with drama after UNA recovered an onside kick to open the game. The kicking woes continued for the Lions as Josh Montgomery missed a 30-yard field goal following the kickoff. The defense responded with a fourth down stop on its own 29, and, with 1:26 left in the quarter, the offense capitalized with a touchdown pass from Chapple to Jason Smith to go up (7-0).

The defense kept the intensity going throughout the first half, giving the offense plenty of chances to take control of the game.

Chapple led the surge, tossing two touchdown passes to Mo Milliam for 25 yards and Tristan Purifoy for five yards to go up 21-3 at the half.

“The last couple of games, it has been tough and hard on our defense with the way we lost the last two games,” Bowden said. “The defense met the challenge, and it was a great effort by them.”

The defense continued its dominance in the second half, allowing just three points for the game. Chris Coffey finished off the performance with a one-yard touchdown run to put away a feisty West Georgia team that defeated Valdosta State the week before 23-20.

Two weeks ago, the Lions were ranked the No. 1 team in the country, but after a 1-2 start in conference play, the showdown with Valdosta State could determine a playoff spot for the eventual winner. With an improved defense that seemed to take a step back after back-to-back losses, the Lions are primed to continue on past this weekend.

“Everybody faces adversity in life, and this team went from the No. 1 team in the country at 6-0 to two tough losses that went down to the wire,” Bowden said. “You have to respond one way or another, and I’m really proud by the way we responded so far.”

The Lions are scheduled to play Valdosta State in the regular season finale this Saturday at Valdosta State with kick-off set for 1 p.m.

On Sunday, the Lions will know whether or not they will be playing in the Division II playoffs as the top six teams in the South Region make it. UNA is currently at No. 5 with Valdosta at No. 6.