The UNA football team used a powerful offensive attack to vanquish the North Greenville Crusaders 52-21 in a non-conference, Super Region 2 matchup Oct. 22 in Braly Stadium.

The Lions finished with a season-high 653 yards on the day, which is the fourth highest amount in program history. Senior quarterback Jacob Tucker finished with a career-high 378 yards passing and three touchdowns. He added 132 yards on the ground and two scores.

“We have great players,” said UNA head coach Bobby Wallace. “That’s what creates the big plays. I am very happy.”

UNA (5-1, 4-0 Gulf South Conference) started the game with an early lead on a 56-yard touchdown pass from Tucker to sophomore wide receiver Jaylan Jackson and a four-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Dre Hall.

The Lions kept the Crusaders (4-4, 0-0 DII Independent) to seven points in the first quarter. Tucker added another touchdown with a 21-yard quarterback keeper at the end of the quarter. The PAT from junior kicker Kevin Henke made the score 21-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Crusaders started the second quarter off with a three-yard touchdown run. A 40-yard field goal from Henke brought the score to 24-14 at the half.

The Lions added three touchdowns in the third quarter to make the score 45-14. Tucker connected with junior wide receiver Hagan Scott on a 12-yard pass. Tucker then added another touchdown on a 21-yard run, and sophomore running back Damon Cox scored off a one-yard rush.

The Crusaders added another touchdown, but not before the Lions were able to put the game away with another touchdown. The extra point from Henke made the final score 52-21.

“It was just a complete offensive performance,” Tucker said. “There wasn’t really one person that really stood out. We all kind of did it. I’m proud of the guys.”

The Lions resume their quest for four GSC titles in a row Oct. 29 when they travel to conference rival Delta State.