A strong offensive performance from UNA running back Lamonte Thompson led the Lions to a 34-17 victory over Mississippi College in its home opener at Braly Stadium.

Thompson finished with 188 yards and two scores, the second highest single-game rushing amount in his career. Quarterback Luke Wingo added two passing scores in the conference-opening win.

“We got a good win in a conference game against a much improved football team,” said UNA head coach Bobby Wallace. “They played extremely disciplined football and utilized their people really well.”

The Lions (2-0, 1-0 Gulf South Conference) finished with 503 yards and 31 first downs on 78 plays from scrimmage.

“I thought we drove it well and did good in the passing game,” Wingo said. “First half, they gave us a lot of what we expected. We came out sluggish in the second half and then Lamonte took over. The offensive line played great.”

Defensively, UNA held the Choctaws (1-1, 0-1 GSC) to 278 yards and 12 first downs in the game.

“Coming in, we knew we had to come out and play,” said linebacker C.J. Jackson. “We knew this team would be better than they were last year. When they hit us with big plays, we regrouped as a team.”

The Lions will have a bye week before hosting conference foe Florida Tech Sept. 26 for the Panthers’ first ever trip to Braly Stadium.

“We will still have Monday off and go through our normal routine next week,” Wallace said. “We will practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to give us some time to figure out our game plan for Florida