UWA shifts focus to Limestone after big loss

LIVINGSTON – No. 23 West Alabama travels to Limestone College for their first road game of the season Saturday in Gaffney, S.C.

Following last Saturday’s lose to Valdosta State (58-24), UWA coach Brett Gilliland jumped right into the new week of preparations. Gilliland started the week Sunday with meetings separately between the offense and defense followed by a correction practice Sunday night.

“We want to challenge this team and have everyone take ownership of how we can improve,” Gilliland said.

The 58 points were the most given up during Gilliland’s tenure at UWA. Transitioning into a three-game road stretch, Gilliland hopes to keep the “one game at a time” mindset for his team.

“Even though the scoreboard was pretty bad it only puts a one in the loss column,” Gilliland said. “We will learn from this and then put it as a distance memory.”

The Tigers enter Saturday’s game as the highest rated offense in the Gulf South Conference, averaging 288 yards per game. Four UWA receivers rank in the top 10 in the GSC, including senior tight end Qua Boyd who leads the conference in receptions (20) and receiving yards (259). Bayley Blanchard (fifth), Christian Saulsberry (ninth) and Dominique McNeely (10th) round out the Tigers in the top 10.

After a scary injury in the fourth quarter last Saturday, Boyd was “up and about” Sunday around the team.

“Most of the actions taken last Saturday were precautionary,” Gilliland said.

Boyd will travel with the team to Limestone.