The Lions secured three turnovers to hold off Tuskegee University en route to a 30-27 victory this afternoon at Braly Municipal Stadium. 

“They came out and played a great game,” said head coach Bobby Wallace.  “We didn’t play our best, but I’m glad we came out with a win.”

UNA got out to an early 7-0 lead on a nine-yard touchdown reception by Chris Coffey.  The Lions marched 69 yards in nine plays to finish the drive.

Tuskegee answered with a 45 yard Trevor Wylie field goal to the cut the lead to 7-3.

After a three and out by the Lions, Tuskegee’s Rashard Burkette hit Larry Cobb down the sideline for a 57 yard touchdown to give Tuskegee a 10-7 advantage.

“We didn’t play disciplined much of the day,” Wallace said.

The Golden Tigers botched a snap and the Lions recovered the ball on the Tuskegee three yard line. UNA cashed in three plays later with a one- yard Luke Wingo touchdown run.  UNA retook the lead 14-10.

Will Craig boosted the lead to 17-10 after a 20 yard field goal.  With 1:32 left in the first half Chris Coffey powered through the middle on a one-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 24-10.

Tuskegee answered immediately when Hoderick Lowe took a handoff around the left end and scored to cut the lead to 24-17 going into the intermission.

The Tigers picked up where they left off to start the second half.

Burkette hit Kalee Williams on a 29 yard touchdown pass to cap off a six play, 75 yard scoring drive to even things up at 24. 

“They made some plays in the passing game, and they deserve credit for that,” safety Nick Williams said.

 It took the Lions 28 seconds to answer, when Luke Wingo threw a 36 yard pass to Korey Jones to recapture the lead 30-24.

“We needed to do something to slow down their momentum,” Wallace said.

Tuskegee’s Trevor Wylie kicked a 36-yard field goal to cut the lead to three late in the third.

Neither team was able to score in the fourth quarter.

UNA forced two turnovers and two punts on Tuskegee’s final four possessions to hold on for the win.

“Sometimes you play well and don’t win, and others you don’t play well and win,” Wallace said.  “Its always a better learning experience when you get the win.”

UNA will travel to Pembroke, N.C. to face University of North Carolina-Pembroke in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday Nov. 30.