UNA DEFENSIVE ASPECT

UNA DEFENSIVE ASPECT- As the undefeated 3-0 Lions prepare for their second away game of the season, they prepare themselves not only for their next opponent, but also with the challenge of maintaining a solid defense.

The No. 3 ranked Lion’s prepare for toughest challenge thus far this season in the Lambuth Eagles
By Alexander N. Brown-Clay
456 Words

FLORENCE- As accustomed, the University of North Alabama Lions have had another strong week of practice. Now, as this week draws to an end, anticipation mounts as fans and onlookers of the sort watch to see if the Lions can keep up their strong defensive play.
So far this season, the Lion’s intimidating defense has made their presence known. Offenses have been hitting a wall in their offensive rushing attack as no team this season has managed to exceed 100 rushing yards in a game against the Lion’s. In that same respect, no team has managed more than 300 total yards in offense against them either. Statistics also reveal that this defense has not allowed any opponent this season to score a touchdown in the second half of play. More specifically, the defense hasn’t allowed more than one touchdown per game and has averaged two interceptions per game.
Terell Bailey, defensive back for the UNA Lions, gave this accomplishment of defensive success to the coaches and fellow teammates as a whole. In an interview with Bailey, he mentioned that the intensity on the field of both players and coaches alike is in part, reason for their success.
“…the coaches come out for practice intense and we do a lot of repetition. Everybody is paying attention, doing their part, and yeah, we do a lot of repetition and make sure we get everything right,” said Bailey.
Bailey also mentioned that the defensive game plan hasn’t changed much from the previous year, just that the coaching staff does well at mixing up the defensive packages, keeping their opponent’s offense on their toes. When asked if anybody on the defense has stepped up as a leader, Bailey gave homage to defensive end Courtney Harris and defensive back C.J. Foster. He said that their leadership on the field makes the other teammates want to perform better and get things right the first time around.
The Lambuth Eagles are averaging 18.7 points a game so far this season and have already upset No. 8 ranked West Alabama on the road in a 14-13 victory last Saturday. Whether or not the Lion’s defense can maintain their strong defensive play and shut down the Eagles in their first home game of the season will be decided this weekend in Jackson at Trinity Christian Academy.
Alexander N. Brown-Clay is an undergraduate of UNA double majoring in Entertainment Publicity Promotions and Public Relations
Source: www.roarlions.com/Lion_Sports/Football