The UNA football team clinched a dominant win in their home opener against Valdosta State Sept. 17.

The Lions (1-1, 1-0 Gulf South Conference) cruised to a 44-19 victory over the Blazers in each teams’ first conference game.

In the first quarter, both teams started out slow with neither scoring until the end of the quarter.

“It took us a little while to get things started,” said offensive coordinator Steadman Campbell. “We would like to start better than we did tonight.”

The turning point for the Lions came when senior defensive back Levi Fell intercepted a pass from Blazers quarterback Roland Rivers and returned it 25 yards.

“I was happy he threw the (pass) the way he did,” Fell said. “I was happy I could make the play and do something for my team.”

Redshirt freshman running back Terence Humphrey took advantage of the field position in enemy territory by putting the Lions on the board first with a five-yard touchdown run.

Valdosta State would add two field goals to make the game 7-6. This would be the smallest margin between the two teams.

Sophomore defensive lineman Eddquerion Harris scooped up a Blazers fumble for a 28-yard touchdown return to make the score 13-6. Humphrey and senior quarterback Jacob Tucker would add a touchdown each in the second quarter to extend the lead 27-9 after a Valdosta State field goal.

“I am completely fine with (running the ball),” Tucker said. “Coach Campbell and coach (Scott) Harper do a really good job of seeing the field and knowing when to call running plays like that.”

 Senior kicker Kevin Henke added a 49-yard field goal to give the Lions a 30-9 lead at halftime.

The Lions would add a few more touchdowns in the second half to seal the win.

“We played pretty good,” Fell said. “We beat them convincingly and it does not get much better than that.”

The Lions will travel to Livingston next to face rival West Alabama Sept. 24.