CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah returned to Eccles Coliseum for a United Athletic Conference matchup against the University of North Alabama on Saturday. The Thunderbirds took down the Lions 38-26. The win brings SUU's record to 5-5 on the season, with a 4-2 mark in conference play. UNA falls to 3-8 this year with a 3-4 record against the UAC.
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
1st Quarter:
Southern Utah opened the game by slowing the Lions' offense and forcing a punt. After starting the drive with a pair of false start penalties, the T-Birds drove nearly the length of the field to score on an 18-yard run by Targhee Lambson.
2nd Quarter:
The Thunderbirds started the second quarter with the ball in plus territory and the midst of a drive. The Thunderbirds scored once again on a run by Lambson, this time from one yard out to make the score 14-0. The T-Bird defense made another stop and posted another successful drive as Lambson crossed the goal line for a third time, making the score 21-0. North Alabama's offense roared to life with under two minutes to play, scoring on a two-play 78-yard drive.
3rd Quarter:
Southern Utah got the ball to start the half, but the offense stalled, and they were forced to punt it back to the Lions. The T-Bird defense held strong, though, giving the ball back to their offense on their own 26-yard line. The Thunderbirds drove but were forced to take a field goal. Jayden Rogers nailed the 50-yard field goal, the longest field goal since 2010. The Lions answered quickly, scoring on a long pass to bring the score to 24-13. The Thunderbirds added on with another touchdown when Jackson Berry found Shane Carr down the middle of the field for a touchdown pass. North Alabama once again responded quickly, scoring on a loss pass to make the score 31-19. After the next T-Bird drive went nowhere, the Lions cut the lead to 5 on another long touchdown pass.
4th Quarter:
Southern Utah opened the scoring in the final quarter with a 49-yard pick-six by Kameron Rocha to make the score 38-26. The Lions had a drive moving with time, but the Thunderbirds picked off the ball on their four-yard line with just over two minutes to play. The T-Birds let the air out of the tires, gaining a fist down on the ground before getting into victory formation.
Offensive Leaders
Jackson Berry led the offensive charge in the air, completing 21 of 31 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown, with a long completion of 33 yards. He managed the offense effectively, avoiding any interceptions despite being sacked three times. On the ground, Targhee Lambson was a standout, rushing for 166 net yards on 31 carries, including a 39-yard breakaway, and finding the end zone three times. His consistent gains helped the Thunderbirds maintain control, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Braedon Wissler contributed with 18 rushing yards on five attempts. Gabe Nunez was the top target in the receiving corps, making seven catches for 94 yards, followed by Shane Carr, who had five receptions for 72 yards and the team's lone receiving touchdown.
Defensive Leaders
Mason Stromstad led the team in tackles with eight total (two solo, six assisted) and half a tackle for loss. George Ramirez also contributed significantly with six tackles, five of which were solo, and broke up a pass. Trent Whalen was active in the backfield, recording four tackles and one tackle for loss, while Raymon Crump and Kameron Rocha each made key interceptions, with Rocha returning his for 48 yards and a touchdown. Payton Payne, Dean Jones, and Lando Brown each added tackles for loss, with Brown achieving the team's only sack for a six-yard loss and a total of three quarterback hurries. The defense also saw strong contributions from players like Ricky Rich and Joe Tongamoa, who each recorded partial tackles for loss, while LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson made two pass breakups.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will head back out on the road next week as they take on the Central Arkansas Bears. The game will take place on November 16 and kicks off at 3:00 p.m. MT. You can watch it live on ESPN+.
The Coaches Show
Don't forget to catch the Thunderbird Coaches Show this Monday at 6:00 p.m. MT. You can watch it on YouTube or listen to it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Tickets
Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com.
Follow Us
For all the latest on Southern Utah football, follow @SUUFB_ on Twitter, @SUUFB on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Football Facebook page.
Donate
Consider donating today to support Thunderbird athletics. To learn more about how you can help, click here.
