Episode summary

This episode focused on UNA football's recent success, including a dramatic 28-21 win over West Florida and the team's pursuit of postseason play. Coach Brent Dierman and players like Dallas Johnson and Roderick Taylor discussed key plays, team dynamics, and upcoming challenges against West Georgia.

Highlights

  • UNA head coach Brent Dierman discusses the Lions' 28-21 win over West Florida and their six consecutive one-score games, positioning them for potential postseason play.
  • Dallas Johnson is highlighted for his crucial fourth-down stop and touchdown-saving tackle at the goal line, with plans to interview him during the show.
  • Roderick Taylor rushes for a career-high 100 yards and a long touchdown run, leading UNA's successful rushing attack against West Florida's strong defense.
  • Coach Dierman emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present game against West Georgia rather than future playoff hopes.
  • Avery Howard breaks the program's sack record with his 9th sack, two away from the all-time mark, despite facing double teams and quick passes.
  • The show previews UNA's upcoming game against West Georgia, noting their new head coach and strong defensive capabilities.
  • Dallas Johnson reflects on his journey from NAIA to Division I play and discusses his favorite play of the season, an interception in the end zone.

Full show transcript (text version of the audio, for readers who are deaf or hard of hearing)

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[0:00] It's time for UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza. For the next hour we'll go in-depth as we talk to your University of North Alabama Lions. UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza is brought to you by Lost Pizza Shoals, Burnley Spine and Sport, Singing River Brewery, Southern Pride Pest Control, Alabama Health Guidance, The Carriage Wine and Market, and Brown Equipment Company. Live from Lost Pizza in historic downtown Florence, here's the voice of the Lions, Benjamin Ray. Hello and welcome back down to Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence for another week of UNA Football Night.

Benjamin Ray and Mike Ezekiel with you and we're celebrating another North Alabama win. The Lions have made it seven consecutive one-score ballgames, excuse me, six consecutive one-score ballgames with a 28-21 win against West Florida at Bank Independence Stadium. And Mike, we're used to these battles. It was another one and with Alabama had another thriller at home. Yeah, you shared the stats. Six straight games that have been decided by one possession. Seven total this season if you go back to the Southeastern Louisiana game. But four and two in those last six games. It's been the Cardiac Lions show and we saw that again the other day. And look at there, you see all the finishing plays and one of those that were really big there at the end. Fourth and goal stop, Dallas Johnson. He was involved last week on the fumble recovery against UCA. We're going to talk to him tonight, but he came up with the big touchdown saving tackle at the goal line on the two-yard line. Almost reminiscent of the Titans in the Super Bowl. I was reminded of that. Kind of broke my heart. But this time on the right side of it, it was really good to see. And a huge win for the Lions.

We're going to hear from Dallas tonight. We got the 100-yard players. Snap Reed, Rod Taylor. Coach Dierman's in the house as well. And Mike, with another tight win, North Alabama continues to position ourselves for potential postseason football. But it's got to continue against West Georgia on Saturday. Yeah, I think if you go back to the loss at Austin Peay, I think at the locker room, the conversation was, guys, we're not out of this completely. You know, our back's against the wall. We're going to have to win out and kind of run the table here. And that's exactly what's happened. Go to Central Arkansas, get a big win there. Step two of that was the win against West Florida. And now you got to go on the road, beat West Georgia, and then it sets up a big match against Tarleton here at home next week. So essentially, the playoff started two weeks ago for UNA. You just got to keep winning and give yourself a chance. And this is going to be a big one. This is a West Georgia team that they're one and nine, but you got to look past their record because a lot of their games, Austin Peay, it was a two-possession game. Other teams that they've played, it's been very close.

So this is a West Georgia team that's dangerous, especially at home. And North Alabama's got to be ready to go. Two games remaining this year. It continues this Saturday in Carrollton, Georgia, taking on West Georgia. All right, it's time for our favorite segment every single week. Let's do some tailgate eats here at Lost Pizza Shows. Yeah, a round of applause. The people love it. We got Miranda Haithcock coming on up here. And Mike, she has brought some delicious looking sandwiches. Just when you think we've seen it all, they come up with something new. Miranda, I like what I'm seeing up here. Tell us what you have delivered to the table here. Okay, so I have our full quart press, which is essentially a Cuban. It's going to have ham, pork, provolone, pickles, and mustard.

And we've got it with the side of our house chips, which is made in-house. And then I've also got a new sandwich. This was a limited time thing last spring that we just brought back. But I got a new one. It's with the LPC sub. It's essentially just like pizza on a sandwich. It's going to have sausage, pepperoni, provolone, and marinara. Wow. And what is this sauce right here that goes with it? This is the side of our potato salad, again, also made in-house. You know what? Anybody that knows me and Chuck knows this. I've been asking for the full court press for a long time. And I'm so glad basketball season's back because it means the full court press is back, too. I'm so excited.

We introduced the full court press last year during UNA basketball night. And I know my wife, for one, is very excited. It's back. She likes it a lot. It's a phenomenal sandwich. But I love the homemade chips here. Oh, this is my favorite thing to snack on, especially. And again, made in-house every day in our own seasoning that we also do on our wings. It's just the Delta Dust dry rub. I think it's one of my favorite things we have. It's the way to go. Mike, you want to… Hey, wait. What's the sauce with this? Oh, this is jalapeno ranch. Oh, yeah. Again, another thing made in-house. We use it to dip it, the chips in it. Again, if you haven't tried it, you should. It's probably the best way to eat the chips. Mike, I'm going with the full court press. I'll let you do that. I'm going to try the new sub. I'll go press later. Save me one of those. Cheers, my friend. Cheers. Our favorite segment each and every week. That is delicious. It's got marinara. Yeah, it's got marinara. It hits you right away, and then you get the meat and the cheese. Fantastic. It's a great ratio as well.

[5:07] It's just as good as I remember it. It's great with the jalapeno ranch. I'd never had a Cuban sandwich before until I had this one, and I'm a huge fan of this. Chuck is always a mastermind with all of this. Miranda, tell Lion fans how they can get this as part of their tailgate order for the final game of the year. Okay. Yeah, you just call in-house. You can do it literally any time between the week. You can also do it the day of and just add on. We have a tailgate menu, but you can just say, I want to add an order of the full court press or the LPC subs, and we can take care of you. Just call into the store. Miranda, thanks so much for bringing us the goodies. Thanks for pinch-hitting for Katie as well. Your second time.

Thank you. Thank you. We'll take a time out when we come back. Brent Dierman stops by for the first time. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA Tailgate only.

Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life. One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger point. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our Lions performing at their best. Roar Lions.

Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events? Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South and football season is officially back at the carriage. All season long we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day. Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, two dollars off wine slushies, harafs of mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence. Well you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans. Protecting your home from pests, termites, bed bugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes. Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010. We're here when you need us most. Send those unwanted guests packing. Call 256-383-1890. Southern Pride Pest Control. Locally owned and operated.

protecting what you're proud of. When you have pests, we have solutions. We're back with you here at Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence for UNA football night. Benjamin Ray, Mikey Ezekiel. We're excited to welcome in for the first time this evening head football coach Brent Dierman. North Alabama is coming off the 28-21 win against West Florida. The Lions head to West Georgia this Saturday to continue UAC play. 6-4, 3-2 in UAC play. North Alabama has one of the best records in the league as well. Receiving votes in the top 25 polls this week for the great play so far this season. North Alabama head coach Brent Dierman is up next.

And coach, another tight, dramatic win at home. Every game we've played has been a thriller. How did this one feel? Oh, I was probably animated a lot in the fourth quarter there. If anybody was watching me, I thought we could have put them away when the games 21-7 come out of half. I felt like we had all the momentum in the game and we made some bonehead plays, bonehead decisions, let them get back in it, gave them some hope, gave them a little bit of momentum back. But I was still proud of our guys.

[10:21] I mean, defensively, they were one of the better defenses in our conference. Offensively, they've kind of been up and down all year long, but have some talented players. And to see the grit and the fight in our players, I mean, it's just going, anytime you're in a diverse situation like that, it just makes your team better. And if we win by 30 points in that game, we all probably feel a little bit better in the second half. But when you win games like that, it grows your team in so many different ways. So you've got to see the positive in those things and to see the fight our guys had for all four quarters. Coach, there's been three teams in the nation this year that have had seven one-possession games to lead the nation. We're one of them. And then Southern Utah and Furman are the other two. They're one in six in those games. We're four in three. And so to be able to pull out wins in those close games. And you said you haven't been a part of that many games where it's come down to the goal line. But just talk about what it's like being on the right side of that. Oh, you go back to last year. I mean, last year we lost three games in overtime. Yeah, I believe all three of them either by missed field goal, missed extra point. You had a lot of one possession games last year that I bet. We were not winning those games. And to be winning these games now, to have a winning record in them, it just shows the sign of upward movement with our program. It shows the culture we have in our locker room of guys that are just resilient, that never quit. You know, you got one of them here tonight. You're probably going to talk to Dallas about it. But to see Trey Young and Dallas both didn't have great games as a whole. But it come down to those two guys that that previous drive both got butt chewings on the sideline that they knew that they had some busts in the game, but never quit, never pouted, never tucked their tail between their legs and to make big time get plays in that game. And like you said, I've been 18 years of coaching and I haven't won games inside the five-yard line my entire 18 years of coaching. And to have three wins inside the three-yard line really is pretty remarkable. The defense does it yet again. And coach, the offense had had a pretty good night as well. A hundred-yard rusher in Roderick Taylor. We're going to hear from him. Snap Reed, a hundred yards. And you get most of it with a lot of yak yards after catch. He was just running away from guys. Destin had a hundred-yard game. X was very close to a hundred-yard game. We almost had two hundred-yard rushers, two hundred-yard receivers, which would have been the first time in program history. Yeah, it was a special night, especially in that first half. First half, I thought everything was working and popping, going really well. We had some busts, some errors, some mental errors, some technique errors in the second half preventing us from doing it as well in that second half. But man, you're starting to see it come together. You're starting to see the flow of all three phases. When offense, defense, and special teams all play well, we've got a chance to beat anybody in the country. So you'd like to see that momentum of that first half offense continue on. And Ben rattled some of those off. It was a match to career high in rushing for Destin. It was a career high in receiving for Snap. But Rod Taylor, career high for him as well. And that touchdown run was the longest run of his career. And it really broke the game open there in the second quarter, the go-ahead score. Talk about Rod and just the ability he has to run the football.

You know, that was a big play in the game. We had just, I think we're in a third and 20 plus, third and long. 23. We had an O-lineman jump off sides on a freeze play, and I was losing it on the headset. A lot of times, Coach Partridge gets an earful from me because instead of yelling at the player, I end up yelling at Coach Partridge so I don't get the player in the dumps. So Coach Partridge takes a lot of the players chewing sometimes. And I was still in mid-Yale. And we just called a power because there's not many plays designed for third and 24. So we just called a run play and to see our guys execute right there, see Rod have that big play in the game. And like you said, that was really the momentum swing of the game was that third down conversion for a touchdown.

And Coach, the win keeps the postseason hopes alive. Now we got to take care of the next task at hand, West Georgia. But what's been the continued message to the team as we got the win on Saturday? You know, the message to them was it's a win. You always celebrate wins in college football. It's a conference win, which is even more important. But now, you know, most people are going to look at a two-week time period. Most people are going to look at the next two weeks of what can be.

We're not going to do that. We're going to focus on today. We're going to focus on really the next five days was our message at the end of practice yesterday. You've got Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday to prepare for a good team on the road. We were not going to look ahead. We're not going to think about the future. We're not going to think about playoffs. We're not going to think about Tarleton State. We have West Georgia on our mind and we're going to give everything we can to tomorrow's practice on Tuesday. We've got to win tomorrow. That's been our message.

Coach, it's obvious to me. I want to go to the locker room after the game. And it seems like anytime you get emotional, it's probably going to be in there when you're with your guys or celebrating with you. And something that means a lot to me, it's the guys like Jahing Ingram, Colin Wright, and they're coming over to you and they're hugging you because they've been through it with you. And to see the buy-in from this team at this point in the season and to see how much they want to celebrate with you, how much you want to celebrate with them, it's got to mean a lot.

[15:44] I'll tell you what, this one hit me for whatever reason. It hit me after this game. I walk in the locker room, Jaheim Ingram's always the one standing there waiting on me. He's got the sledgehammer in his hand. The whole team's standing there waiting around the rock to see who's going to get to swing the hammer. And it hit me, man. Like, to see Jaheim and Colin Wright, what all we've been through, I started tearing up a little bit. They started yelling at me, Coach, don't cry in front of us here. But, I mean, to know where we've come from, to know the struggles, to know the heartache, to know the tough losses that we've had, to know all the things and the obstacles and the hurdles and the driving across town to go practice 12 minutes away every day, the wrecks that would happen out there, all the stuff. And to see the moment we've been in, in this beautiful stadium, and the team that's come together, and to see the us winning the way we are, it all just hit me in that moment. And it was just a special moment after this game.

And Coach, we're building a lot of traditions at Bank Independence Stadium, and it's also pretty cool to hear the band play the battle hymn, the fight song as well. What's it like after those wins with that team over there in that moment? Well, I'm usually trying to fight y'all at this moment in time. Mike is usually pulling me to do TV or radio, and the team's down there about to sing the fight song, and half of my heart's down there in the fight song. But, man, it's not just the band. It's the cheerleaders. It's the dance team. We have an amazing student section. And somebody highlighted this to me earlier. I think it was Matt doing news earlier today. We score a touchdown.

Everybody's celebrating. Big Josh White, after the QB sneak, goes and celebrates with the student section. I mean, our student section's amazing. So, I think we've just created an amazing home atmosphere, and our players want to soak it up as much as they possibly can, because everybody contributes to winning. It's not just the 22 players on the field. It's the game day ops that helps to winning. It's our fan base that helps to winning. It's the cheerleaders that help winning. Everybody that's there helps us win football games.

Yeah, and it's amazing that it kind of takes place in the end zone. You talk about that one side, but I'm thinking a snapper. He's touched down on the other side of the field. He's blowing a kiss to his girlfriend. He's high-fiving all the kids down there. Kind of a cool environment to have the end zones, you know, lined up that way. Yeah, it is. One section of the field, you've got the kids rolling down the hill for three hours straight going crazy. I think most of Snap's touchdowns, I think, have been on that end of the field. So, he gets to celebrate with the eight-year-olds rolling down the hill.

The other end of the field, they're having a different kind of celebration that probably started earlier in the day that carries over into the student section. And they're just big kids. I mean, they're big kids celebrating. And some of them are still rolling down the hill over there for other reasons. But it's an awesome environment. It's turning into a great place to play indeed. And we've got one more game at home. But first, we've got to go on the road to West Georgia. One o'clock Central time kick. We'll get to more on West Georgia here in just a little bit. Let's take another timeout. When we come back, we've got some big plays to talk about with Coach and Mike's trivia question as well. That's on the other side of this break. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

Game day's coming. And your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710. Again, that's 256-648-5710.

Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life. One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger point. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our Lions performing at their best. Roar Lions.

Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events? Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage. All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day. Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, perhaps some mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread.

[21:43] Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence. Make the most of every lawn with Kubota commercial landscaping equipment. From the productivity-boosting Z700 mower to the reliable SVL track loader, it's a lineup built to get the job done right. Because when your reputation is on the line, you need equipment that will never let you down. Visit your local Kubota dealer today. Stop by Brown Equipment, located at 826 North Military Street in Loretto, or visit them online at brownequipmentcompany.com. Football night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9.

The score continues. Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel, alongside head football coach Brent Dierman. We got a lot to break down from this one. North Alabama wins it 28-21 at home against West Florida. Two games remaining on the road at West Georgia this weekend. Tarleton State to close out the regular season in two weeks at BI Stadium. Coach, let's jump into some of the heroic efforts we saw from players, and let's kind of start on the defensive side of the football with a record watch. Avery Howard got credit for a sack in that ballgame.

He continues to have one of the most spectacular seasons in program history. Now up to nine sacks. He's two away from the all-time record. And, again, it's getting harder and harder for him every single week. Yeah, I mean, he's getting double-teamed. He's getting tight ends chipping him, tailbacks chipping him. They're getting a lot of quick game passes out on him. He's a special player that's having a special season. And so, because he's drawing attention to him, you're seeing other guys that are having good numbers as well.

I think we lead the league in sacks. I think we've got 30 sacks on the season as a whole. And a lot of us because we've got so many good pass rushers. Our defensive staff does a great job of scheming some things up. But, man, I'm so excited for Avery, a guy that's really sold out to this program and his development and being here four years and now getting to reap the benefits of everything that he's done. Yeah, we're coming up on that FCS record, Coach. And we were talking off air earlier, did he get credit for the sack?

It was kind of an unusual one, but actually he did. At first it was considered a tackle for loss because the quarterback got flushed out of the pocket. And then you have to determine, is he going to throw the ball or does he tuck it and run? The tucking would change that from a sack, but he actually kept it in his throw in hand so we determined it was a sack. So he got it in an unusual way. But Avery Howard, he's just so good on the boundaries.

And even a play like that, he could get credit. Well, he can run with all quarterbacks. I mean, he's probably the first or second fastest player on our football team, which is unbelievable for a defensive end. And there's not a quarterback in our league that can outrun him. So that's why that quarterback had to run out of bounds this past weekend because Avery was gaining ground on him. And he thought he had an angle but realized he didn't. So his speed, his bendability that he has is what makes him as good as he is.

The other player we need to talk about for the sixth time in ten weeks, Xavier Johnson wins UAC Freshman of the Week. One of the weeks he didn't win it, he was honorable mention National Freshman of the Week, which is kind of ironic. But there he is, fourth most receiving yards in a season in program history, knocking on the door of Dre Hall in third place, Michael Edwards in second place, just 13 yards away from that. He held that record from 94 to 2016, trying to catch Dre Hall's all-time mark of 2016.

And Coach Rasol X break loose with a deep shot as well. And two games left, he can really have another big impact on this program. Yeah, we were talking about it earlier. You think about some great players on this list. Dre Hall that season, I think he played 15 games because that was a national championship season. Michael Edwards played a lot of games that season. I bet he was wide open in that offense that they were running a lot of times, running that waggle pass. And to see X to do it in really nine games, because he didn't really play against Eastern Kentucky, just tells you how special a player he is.

The whole game, I'm bugging Coach Partridge usually, because I want to run the ball, because that's what's in me, is my dad, my O-line coach's dad, we want to run the football. So he gets conflicting messages from me, because I tell him, hey, let's run the ball. But then I'll say, hey, how are we going to get snapped the ball? How are we going to get X'd the ball? How are we getting Rod the ball? Like, the whole game, I'm just bugging him. So after the first quarter, I don't think X touched the ball in the first quarter.

And I was already, hey, what are we going to do to get X'd the ball now? We've got to get X rolling here. So I'm usually in his ear bugging him to death. Yeah, and X has already broken the D1 record that Takari had originally set for 100-yard games in a season. One more would actually break the all-time record, because Dre also had four. So he's a guy that could do it. He gets these 100-yard games. He gets these big chunk plays as well. And a really good target for Destin down the field.

And Destin does a good job putting it to him. Yeah, he tries too much. Both of Destin's interceptions came from him trying to get Xavier the football, because he fills such a security blanket with X. Sometimes he forces it to X. But it's a good thing, because sometimes I'm yelling, hey, he's got single coverage, means he's not covered. But then we get an interception, and I'm yelling the other way. So he's just a great player. We've got a bunch of great players. Because of X attention that he gets, it's probably why we had two rushers for 100 yards between Destin and Rod.

[27:10] Because of the attention X gets, snap usually gets single coverage as well. So I think they're all thriving off of each other right now. Quick programming note, the UNA men just tied Oklahoma on the road 25-25. The UNA women are up nine on the road against Jacksonville State as we head into this crossover time. So good Monday night. Victory Monday hopefully continuing for multiple programs. Coach, let's jump into our plays of the week. I mean, we picked a lot in the first one. Let's give a lot of credit to Snap Reid here.

This show just kind of grow man football as a wide receiver. Yeah, it's a third and four, third and five. West Florida had a heavy tendency of playing man coverage. Coach Partridge, our offensive staff, did a good job of we're going to get in this bunch of formation and try to have receivers going all over the place to set picks for each other, which allowed Snap to get kind of loose coverage with the guy that's trying to play him off man, makes the catch, big body, gets vertical, breaks through a tackle, and once again gets to go down to the end zone with the little kids and have a great time right there.

But great job with our offensive staff scheming something up against man coverage. You know, it's funny, Dre Hall, we talked a lot about him on that list. Snap reminds me a little bit of Dre Hall. It seems like he catches everything thrown his way. He caught that one in stride. He's just so physical, too. And to break that tackle while holding on to the ball, I mean, that's not an easy thing to do. It isn't. A guy's coming from behind you, usually just grabbing around your waist.

You've got to have a great kind of balance to you as you're going through this. You've also got to keep your eye on the ball. So there's a lot that goes to this, but he's one of the best that we have. So just a heck of a play and a big moment in this football game that tied it up in the first quarter right there. And, Coach, he had another big catch go in the other way where he really dragged defenders down the field. So a strong guy as well.

He is. He's a big body, thick receiver. He's got, you know, thick upper body, thick legs. So that allows him to play kind of bigger than most receivers. Let's jump into the next play. And this is one of my favorite plays of the game, and you touched on this. We just had a holding penalty, backed us up 15 yards. A false start, backed us up another five yards. You said, what do you do? You just kind of run it up the middle. And Roderick Taylor, the offensive line coach, it felt like they may have been looking for redemption on that run.

Yeah, I'm going to give a shout-out to the O-line a little bit here. I think West Florida was giving up only about 120 yards rushing per game. One of the best rushing defenses in our league. And our offensive line, our running backs, our quarterbacks did a great job of running the football. To rush for over 200 yards against them, really set the tone for this game. Third and 23, if they would have had me somewhere in this picture to start this play, I was probably blood red, ticked off because of holding penalty, all sides penalty.

And then to see him burst through there, right about now I'm starting to change my tone and get excited. But Rod's a downhill back. He hit it downhill. I don't know if he made a cut in that play. He was going downhill and he was going to score on that play. Right here at the beginning, let's go back to Peter Okafor and his pull right there. It seemed like he made a really good block. He did. The tight end and the right tackle do a good job of what we call a trade block or a double team to the backside linebacker.

Peter's pulling for the Mike linebacker. And I think their Mike linebacker is one of the better linebackers in our league. Peter gets inside out on him and kicks him out, opening up that kind of B-gap area right there for Rod to run a downhill run. So, a lot went into that. And, Coach, we're talking about the O-lines and the penalties. We just mentioned Peter Okafor. You also work in Eli Long. I mean, these are not guys who you expected to have starting, but they have stepped in and they continue to do a great job on the offensive line.

They do, and I'll tell you what, something that we probably don't get as much credit for because we're playing with a five-guard lineup now. They have one of the best pass rushers in the league in per year, and I don't think we give up a sack, from my knowledge. And to go against a team like that that has some really talented pass rushers and not give a sack up is pretty good. So, I think our offensive line is playing really well right now. And, Coach, the last play that we want to look at, well, it's the game-winning play right here.

Fourth and goal, it came down to this. Almost got the sack. Everybody got scared here in Dallas. Johnson said, hey, I've been here before. Absolutely. I mean, just the week before, he's the guy that recovered the ball against UCA in the end zone, had a pick in the end zone. He's played a lot of football. I think that's what separates Dallas. You know, he's been a starter at the NAI level, been a starter at the D2 level, and then comes here playing good football right now.

And, Coach Bowen dialed up a zero blitz. And when you go zero blitz, those DBs are on an island completely. It forces the quarterback to try to get the ball of his hands a little bit earlier than he wants to. And for Dallas to make that play, never give up, get that guy on the ground, that was huge. That was the game-saving play right after Trey makes the heck of a tackle on the tight end of the shoot right there. Now, I don't know how many times you've gotten to watch us play and try to, I guess, go into the offensive mind of West Florida, but who do you think they're trying to target there?

[32:19] Do you think that was their primary guy? I think that's the primary guy. I think they're running a dagger concept where the tight end is trying to run vertical, try to take a safety out of there. And then they're trying to replace it with a dig route. So, the tight end is really kind of option one, but he's rarely ever open because he takes everybody's attention. And they're trying to get that dig route behind them with some run after catch right there. And Dallas was right there on him, so he couldn't do it.

So many heroes of the night that helped North Alabama get the 28-21 win against West Florida. We're going to give Coach here a breather. We're going to catch up with him towards the end of the show. When we come back, we've got all three heroes, Snap, Rod, and Dallas. We just chatted about their plays. Now we're going to hear directly from them next after we get Mike's trivia question. Wow. How about that? Almost got it. Almost forgot it. Hey, he play-actioned us right there. I was faked out.

All right, Coach, I didn't tip you off to this one at all. You said, I don't know what to expect. I said, maybe go back two years ago to West Georgia. You said, well, we held the ball for a long time. So it's funny. That is today's trivia question. What was our time of possession the last time we played in Carrollton? Time of possession that night had to have been like, I'm just going to take a guess and say 40 minutes. It was over 40 minutes. It was a school record, 43-16.

43 minutes is unbelievable. And if you can go back and just kind of remind us what happened in that game. What worked so well for us to hold the ball that long? I don't know how many people remember this, but it was a hurricane hit the day before. And the hurricane got all the way up into the Atlanta area. And all of Atlanta was flooded. That's right. And Carrollton being just outside got hit pretty hard. And that grass field was very, very soft. It was hard to cut.

And so we kind of, when we got on that field, we said, we know it's going to be a struggle throwing the football. We were running the ball well at that time. So we just committed to the run because of the conditions of the field more than anything. And, you know, we had a running quarterback with T.J. Smith, which helped us out as well. So a lot of different things went into that one. There's one more part of this question, too, Coach. We had a safety earlier this year against Sanford, and that was the first time we had had a safety since that very game in 2024.

Do you remember who had the game-winning safety in that game? Game-winning safety from that day. Oh, Jackson Bratton? It was Jackson Bratton. Well done, Coach. You got one right today. It was a good day and a good play to end it. He was a good player. He was. We'll take a time out. When we come back, we'll catch up with Snap and Rod. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd.

It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you're looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

Again, that's 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic, located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life. One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger point. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our Lions performing at their best.

Roar Lions. Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events? Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sit, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage.

All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day. Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, harafs of mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

[37:36] Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans protecting your home from pests, termites, bedbugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes. Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010, we're here when you need us most. Send those unwanted guests packing. Call 256-383-1890. Southern Pride Pest Control. Locally owned and operated, protecting what you're proud of. When you have pests, we have solutions. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals.

Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel. And we've got some offensive heroes from the win against West Florida. Sitting right next to me, we've got Roderick Taylor. Rod had 15 carries, 101 yards, one touchdown off of a 45-yard run. He's from Baker, Alabama, or Baker High School. And then we've got from Tennessee State, the transfer. Glad they're both Lions. We welcome in Snap Reed. Six catches, 117 yards, a touchdown as well. Fellas, thank you both for joining us here tonight. Snap, return visit here for you, man. How good did that win feel on Saturday?

I felt great getting a win against a – they used to be ranked, West Florida. That's right, earlier this year. It was a good old West Florida team, so that was a good win to get. Rod, have the win feel for you? It felt good, good team win. Yeah, big one for both of you guys. And I want to ask a question that's complimentary to both of you. Snap, you can answer it first, and Rod, I want you to answer after. What does a guy like Rod Taylor in the backfield do for a wide receiver like Snap Reed?

And then, Rod, what does a wide receiver like Snap in that wide receiver room, what does it do for you as a running back? Rod running the ball so good, and then we've got X on the field too, so it opens up a lot. Like, you can't double – you can't really go out there and double nobody. Then you want to stack the box against Rod, but you can't because then it's going to go over the top. So, Rod running the ball so good, it just opens up the whole offense for everybody.

Yeah. And with the receiver, with Snap and X, the safety is going to be over top, you know, so that make it good for the run game. So, what does it snap? Just it. Yep. Rod, I want to go back to you, man. You're running the football so hard. Where does that physical style of running the football come from? It's just in me. It's just in you? It's just in me. It's just in me. Is there any running back you try to emulate, copy, run-like? I just try to be myself.

I watch a lot of running backs, though. Who are some of the guys you watch? I watch Derrick Henry. I watch a lot of running backs. Nick Cho, I watch a lot of running backs. Well, you named off a lot of guys that run like you do. Yeah. And then Snap, for you, man, the yak, and you were running through guys the other night. I mean, do you classify yourself as a physical receiver like that? Yes, sir. I think I classify myself as a physical receiver.

My dad will talk about me bad if I'm not physical, so, you know. No, we love it. It's really good to see. And I want both of you to kind of talk about those touchdown plays that you had. Snap, obviously you had the first one, so we'll start with you. Talk about that touchdown catch. You had to shake off a guy right there to run to the end zone. And then I want to hear about the celebration after. Okay, so we got in a stacked look that Austin Peay did against them when they played them.

And it gave me leverage on the corner. I was playing like 10 yards outside of me, one-on-one. So, the look, it worked out perfectly. You know, X, he took up the point guy right there. And then Noah Gregg took two people with him on that play. So, I got the one-on-one. And I was just fortunate enough to, you know, make the guy miss and then go run to the end zone with nobody there left. And then the celebration, my girlfriend was watching. So, I blew her kids.

And then the fans and the kids, I love the kids. So, you know, when I was a little kid, I used to love going to high school games with my dad. So, I just know, like, how big that can be for kids as an end zone. So, I like to celebrate with them. I love that. Rod, let's jump into your touchdown run, man. The offensive line had a tough couple of moments, right? What were you seeing as you hit the hole right there? Nothing but the end zone?

Nothing but the end zone. Peter cleared it up. When did you know you were going to score? When I seen Peter Butt. So, when Peter Okafor pulled, you knew that was when you were going to score, man. Was that kind of the cherry on top, the sweetness for your game, your 100-yard game with that touchdown run right there? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And it looks like there's a safety there at the top that he slips a little bit. You had to make him miss. Once you got past him, too, you probably knew you were gone.

Yes, sir. And then tell us about your touchdown celebration. What were you thinking when you hit the end zone? Oh, sharp. Sharp, sharp, sharp. Sharp. What's it like celebrating with the students down there? Oh, yeah, I feel good. They loud, you know. It was good. It was good. And that was the longest run of your career. Did you feel a little gassed after that? No, I was ready to go again. I was ready to go again. I love it. Well, fellas, we appreciate both of you guys stopping by.

[42:51] Back in action on Saturday against West Georgia. 100-yard performances. Let's get some road dubs. Thank you both very much for stopping by. That's Snap Reed and Rod Taylor. We'll take a timeout. Coming up next, we got Dallas Johnson. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate.

Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

Again, that's 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic, located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life. One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger point. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our Lions performing at their best.

Roar Lions. Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events? Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage.

All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day. Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, harafs of mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

Make the most of every lawn with Kubota commercial landscaping equipment. From the productivity-boosting Z700 mower to the reliable SVL track loader, it's a lineup built to get the job done right. Because when your reputation is on the line, you need equipment that will never let you down. Visit your local Kubota dealer today. Stop by Brown Equipment, located at 826 North Military Street in Laredo, or visit them online at brownequipmentcompany.com. Chatting with the heroes from North Alabama's 28-21 win against West Florida on Saturday. Next up, you've seen them make the game-winning play the last two weeks.

Dallas Johnson from Orlando, Florida, first-year cornerback. He started all ten games, stops by two weeks ago in Conway. He recovered the fumble in the end zone that sealed the win. This week, he had the game-sealing tackle on the two-yard line on fourth down to give North Alabama the win. The double dose of heroism. Dallas Johnson is up next. I mean, Dallas, game's on the line, man. How does it feel back-to-back weeks to make the big play like that? Man, it just feels good just being in that position to be able to make a play.

It's always just always a good feeling. And, you know, just having that support system behind me, it just feels good. And to hear Coach Dierman talk about, you know, how you responded. It wasn't the best game for you at the time, but then you go in and you make that big play. To have that trust to be out there on that last play and to hear Coach say that and he believes in you and then he gives you the sledgehammer, how does that feel? Yeah, that felt good.

I know, yeah, in the beginning of the game I didn't have – I wasn't having the best game. I just knew I had to finish, you know, I had to finish strong. And, shoot, when my opportunity came, I had to, you know, I worked with it. And then, yeah, after the game, you know, he gave me the hammer. He told me, great finish. I knew, you know, I had to help my team win. What goes through a defensive back's mind, fourth and goal from, what, the 16-yard line, you know you can't let them score.

[48:01] But when it's your guy that's targeted, what's going through your mind in that moment? Yeah, when it's my guy, it's the play on me at that point. So, I knew I had to make a play. And when it comes to me, it's just – it's a lot going on, you know, through my head. When any time it's on you, you know, you just got to make a play. And I knew what I had to do for the team. You know, I wasn't trying to go out with an L that day.

So, I knew what I had to do to win. Now, I know in Conway, you recovered the fumble when Raylan Sims had the hit. And then, for this week, you made the tackle. Was there a difference in feeling for you or celebration? Can you compare them at all? Man, it definitely was a little different just because the first time, it was one of my teammates who made the play. I just, you know, just piggybacked off him on that one. And then, the second time, I made the play.

And it was a different feeling, but it was kind of the same, just out there making plays and, you know, out there with my team. You know, just – that is a good feeling, though. Yeah, and just talk about this defense around you and some of the guys you've gotten close with since you've been here. I know you're really close in the DB room and some of the other guys that you've gotten close with. Oh, you said, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, Leo, he's been here.

He's a great teammate. I love Leo. You got K'Najah back there. You know, both of them great communicators. I love being back there with them. And, you know, the other corner, Trey, they all – you know, we all just work together, you know, off the field, on the field. So, we all got a great connection off the field. So, anything – anytime, you know, on the field, the connection is just there, always. Started your career at the NAIA level. Played two seasons at St. Thomas. Then you transferred to Livingston Division II.

Had a great season there. Now you get the opportunity to go to the Division I level. How has it filled this journey for you? I mean, you have climbed the ranks and you continue to perform. Yeah, man. It's been a long journey. But it's been – it's been tough, but it's been fun, too. I ain't going to lie. It's been fun. Just seeing the different type of – the different type of – the level. It's definitely different now that I'm at UNA. But it's all the same at the same time.

You know, the game speed, it might have – it's a little bit faster now. But football is football. So, it's all the same. Just keep doing what you're doing. Well, and Dallas, you've been part of some big plays this year. We obviously talked a lot about this week's play, the tackle at the two-yard line. Last week you recovered that big fumble and had an interception at Central Arkansas. What's been your favorite play just personally this year? Well, my favorite play this year, I would probably have to say the interception.

Only because, you know, interceptions is – whenever you get an interception, it's a crazy feeling. I haven't got an interception in game since about a year. So, I mean, shoot, I can't even explain the emotion I was going through around that time. So, that would probably definitely be my favorite moment this year, yeah. It was a good one. Interception in the end zone, fumble recovery in the end zone. No desire to want to scoop and score, pick six. Nah, nah. I just – I wanted to be safe and sorry.

You know what I mean? Just get on it. Just get on the ball. Make sure we got the ball. Just tuck it and, you know, bring the offense on the field. Technically, both of his plays were made in an end zone. I mean, the interception was in the end zone and the fumble recovery was in the other end zone. So, technically, I guess you've been in pay dirt, kind of. Yeah, it's – yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't know. End zone – I don't know. Making plays in the end zone, it just come my way.

There you go. Well, Dallas, keep making plays, man. We're glad you're a lion. Thanks for chatting with us. Yes, sir. That's Dallas Johnson. Let's take a timeout. When we come back, Brent and Deere, we're going to wrap up this week's edition of UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate.

Order for pickup or delivery to UNA Tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash Shoals. From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you're looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710. Again, that's 256-648-5710.

[53:19] Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic, located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life. One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger points. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our lions performing at their best.

Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events? Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage.

All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day. Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, harafs of mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans protecting your home from pests, termites, bedbugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes. Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010, we're here when you need us most. Send those unwanted guests packing. Call 256-383-1890. Southern Pride Pest Control. Locally owned and operated, protecting what you're proud of. When you have pests, we have solutions. Open up another great night from Lost Pizza Shoals.

UNA football night continues. We'll be back with you next week as well. Lions on the road taking on West Georgia. One o'clock kick central time. Here's a jump in our Burnley Spine and Sport preview. Mike had to slide out. The UNA men tied up at the half with Oklahoma. The UNA women trying to escape Jacksonville with a win as the Gamecocks have come back. Closing seconds. UNA's up three right now. But, Coach, we're locked in on West Georgia on Saturday. They're transitioning. They've got a new head coach.

They're one and nine on the season. But when you really take a deep dive, much like a lot of teams we have played, they've played a couple schools pretty close there. Yeah, they're a good football team. Let's make sure we all understand that West Georgia, same team that went eight and four last year, same team that we lost to by possession at home, they are a talented football team. They've got two quarterbacks. One quarterback was, I think, the player of the league last year at Presbyterian.

Their other quarterback that's started here lately has been a gunslinger throwing that thing around. They can score a lot of points defensively. They've got a lot of team speed on that side of the ball. So, we've got our work cut out for us this week. Going on the road is always tough in conference. There's not an off week in this league. You've got to bring it every single week. I think they had a lead on Austin Peay at halftime. They battled Tarleton State tough. So, they're a good team.

And, Coach, what we've seen out of your team already, two road wins in conference play. We've talked about the close games as well. But going on the road is hard. And the fact that we already have two this year really helps this team, I guess, with the experience of kind of, hey, we've been there, we've done that. Yeah, it's been something that we've struggled with my first three years here is trying to go on the road and win. We've had some tight ones on the road, but we couldn't get the W.

And here lately, we've been able to be on the other side of it. And you usually are defined by how you play on the road. Everybody plays well at home. Everybody feeds off your home crowd. But how many wins you can get on the road really determines what your season looks like. Coach, let's wrap it up with this. Snap, Rod, Dallas, all three. Great. I want to start with Rod. He's from your area, right? And I know he's a young man that means a lot to you.

Yeah, Rod Taylor. I think we… I think the women just won there. There was a lot of cheering. It wasn't for me and you. I thought it was for Rod. Yeah. But Rod Taylor is kind of a special situation to me. Rod's mom and dad both went to my high school. Just understanding Rod's background, where he came from, and what all he's been through in his life, and the way that we got Rod here. You know, Rod was committed to Jacksonville State, and we got him from Jacksonville State.

[58:25] I think the week of signing day gets here, is killing it in fall camp, and tears an ACL. And it really took him two years to get back from that ACL. He was a different running back last year. You know, he would get in, and he had a little bit of hobble still. He wasn't the back that he is right now. And to see him back healthy, and he looks like that running back that we signed a few years ago now. He's running the ball hard.

That's what separates him, is how hard he runs the football. It's been great to see all these dudes go at it, and they'll be back at it. Carrollton, Georgia, West Georgia, Saturday, 1 o'clock. Our coverage will start at 11 a.m. Coach, best of luck on the road. Let's go get the road done. Absolutely. Roar Lions. That's North Alabama head football coach Brent Dierman. We'll be back with you next week with another week of UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza. Scholes, thanks to everybody for coming out. For Braden, for Zach, for Ty, behind the scenes, Blair back at the station, Mike Ezekiel.

For UNA head football coach Brent Dierman, I'm Benjamin Ray saying Roar Lions. You've been listening to UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza. Tonight's show was brought to you by Lost Pizza Scholes, Burnley Spine and Sport, Singing River Brewery, Southern Pride Pest Control, Alabama Health Guidance, The Carriage Wine and Market, and Brown Equipment Company. Thanks for listening. And Roar Lions.

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