The Lions (2-2) defeated the Shorter Hawks in a 41-0 blowout on Oct. 5 and are preparing for their homecoming game against the University of West Georgia on Oct. 12.

“I thought we played a pretty good game overall and I am very pleased with the execution of the offense and defense,” said head coach Bobby Wallace. 

He said the players would not have a problem improving before the UWG game.

“There is always room for improvement,” he said. “That is the good thing about film, which is we can point (the problems) out. When you are looking at the film, you don’t necessarily know the score so you are just looking at the play. And we will be able to point out some things that we can improve on.”

Wallace said he realizes the importance of the game to those who will be attending.

“It is important because to some people, alumni, because this is the only game they come back for in year so we want to make a good impression,” he said. “As far as our situation with the conference, playoffs and things like that, it is not any different than any other game.”

 Wallace said the Wolves offense is a lot like UNA’s.

“West Georgia’s offense looks like ours from a schematic standpoint,” he said. “They like to run zone reads and the quarterback will run. They will throw off of play action passes. “

The defense of UWG (0-5) is different than that of the Lions, though UNA has seen similar defenses before.

“Defensively, they are a 3-3-5, which is a lot different then ours, he said. “Then at the same time, we have seen it before. It is very similar to that of Delta State’s defense.”

The Lions gained 204 yards and 21 points against the Statesmen’s defense on Sep. 21, but Wallace said the experience would help UNA.

“Anytime you go against a similar scheme of defense, it helps you and you will be better the next time just from the repetition standpoint,” he said.

The most important objective to the Lions success will be taking care of the ball, Wallace said.

 “It is always that way in football — the most important thing is not committing turnovers,” he said.

This game is important for conference play, Wallace said.

“It is a very important Gulf South Conference game, all of them are and this is a team that beat us last year and we have to prepare hard for them and be ready to play,” he said.

UNA lost to UWG 38-23 last year in Carrolton, Ga.

“We’re playing a team that defeated us last year at their

place, and we feel like we owe 

them a little something,” said defensive coordinator Chris Willis. “We’re glad we have them at home.”

The Lions hold a 19-11 all-time record against the Wolves.

UWG brings a 4-1 record to Florence and are 1-0 in conference play.

“It was a tough game last year, and it’ll be a tough game again this year,” Wallace said. “I just hope the outcome is different.”  

Student writer Matt Suleski contributed to this story.