This Thursday UNA’s football team will be opening their 2011 season at Braly Stadium in hopes of conquering Central Oklahoma.

The Lions come into the season ranked no. 6 in the pre-season polls, making it the sixth straight year the Lions are ranked in the top six.

The Lions also carry with them six consecutive years of participating in the post-season.

New challenges are at hand, just like any new season, with returning lettermen and new players, but the Lions said they are willing to work hard as a team to defeat the competition to reach their goals.

“Everyone has learned to do their job and be accountable for their actions,” said Janoris Jenkins, a cornerback and University of Florida transfer.

During the two seasons that head coach Terry Bowden has coached, he has led the Lions to a 20-6 record. Thursday begins a new attempt to improve upon the past two seasons in hopes of winning the Division II National Championship.

In preparation for the opening game against Central Oklahoma, the players have been watching film, going over formations, routes, combinations and the plays that Central Oklahoma throw at them.

Studying the opposing team keeps the players on their toes mentally until they physically have to battle the opposing team.

Central Oklahoma, a team with 33 returning letterman, is eager to rebuild its image, which has fallen during the last few years.

The Broncos will try their best to defeat the competition this year to hold high their reputation of being a program with tradition that ranks them as the third all-time Division II program with 591 wins.

UNA has a record of 26-3 overall in games versus non-conference opponents at Braly dating back from 1993 to 2010.

Lee Chapple, a returning quarterback who threw for 3,051 yards and finished with 21 touchdowns last year, will lead the team.

The Lions also return their top three rushers from a year ago, one being Wes Holland, the team’s leading rusher, and newcomer Demetrius Goode.

The Lions also return three key veteran offensive lineman Kyle Thornton, an All-American, All-GSC performer Jamie Dixon and Daron Rose.

UNA will showcase its defense with returning players such as Lucas Darr, Rod Woodson, and Bryan Thomas and new players like DeAndre Morgan and Janoris Jenkins.

Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Braly Stadium. The game will be televised by Comcast as well as Charter Sports Southeast (CSS).