#3 NORTH ALABAMA LIONS

THE 2006 UNA LIONS finished with the school’s fourth perfect regular season and a 12th trip to the D2 Playoffs. However, the search for a fourth national title was extinguished by Gulf South Conference rival Delta State in the regional final. North Alabama lost several talented players including All-American and Harlon Hill Finalist, Anthony Merritt. Coach Mark Hudspeth, 2006 GSC Coach of the Year, will be in his sixth season with the Lions. He has a record of 44-17 at UNA including two GSC titles and three trips to the playoffs (twice to the semifinals). The Lions, returning 13 starters, were picked first the GSC Pre-Season Coaches Poll and will be led by All-GSC selections Covington Wright (TE), Michael Johnson (LB) and Yuta Fukuda (PK) along with returning starting quarterback, AJ Milwee. He threw for 2,039 yards and 16 touchdowns last season and rushed for eight more. UNA also returns a big-play threat in Jason Messing who has 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 17 touchdowns over the last two years. North Alabama opens the season on September 8 hosting SAC foe Tusculum. The Lions have defeated the Pioneers in the last three season openers. A nine-game GSC schedule is highlighted by visiting rival Valdosta State and home games with Delta State, West Georgia and the return to Florence of former Coach Bobby Wallace with his West Alabama Tigers.