Seniors go out in style

FLORENCE - Senior Night will be a special time for North Alabama on Saturday as the Lions close out the regular season by hosting West Alabama.

While the game will be a memorable one for all 34 seniors it will be even more special for 10 seniors that have spent five years in the program.

After being redshirted in 2005, they have compiled a 43-5 record over the last four seasons to rank as the most successful class in UNA history.

"It's been a fun five years because we've been so successful," punter Will Batson said. "We had a lot of guys come in with us that are no longer here. It's a great feeling to have been here five years and to have been a part of this success."

In addition to Batson the fifth-year seniors include: running backs Tim Hicks and E.J. Riggins; tight end Marcell Craft; offensive linemen Luke Chenault, Mike Horton and Matt Hurst; defensive linemen Montrell Craft and Domini Pittman; and linebacker Michael Johnson.

The group has never lost a regular season game at home. Their only loss at Braly Stadium came against Delta State in the 2006 playoffs.

"It's hard to fathom that we are the most successful class because there have been so many good ones at UNA," Chenault said. "We've had a great run at home because of the great support we get. Nothing compares to UNA fans."

Montrell Craft also gives credit to the fans for making Braly Stadium such a big home field advantage for the Lions.

"I feed off of our crowd," Craft said. "When they get hyped up it gives me a boost of energy. We have such a faithful group of fans. They are there week in and week out - not just for the big games."

Craft said the seniors take a lot of pride in their record over the last four years.

"Winning at least 10 games every year means a lot to us," he said. "In Division I you can go to a bowl game with a .500 record, but in Division II we take pride in the number of wins we have. It's a great feeling to be known as the winningest class at a place with the tradition of UNA."

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@TimesDaily.com.