The University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils face an uphill challenge this weekend, as they travel to Florence, Alabama to take on the third-ranked University of North Alabama Lions.

   The Lions enter the game with a record of 5-0, with a 4-0 mark in Gulf South Conference play and are tied with Henderson State for first place (Valdosta State, at 3-0 in GSC play trails the two 4-0 teams by half a game), while the Weevils have struggled to a 1-5 record, with a 1-2 record in GSC play.

   “As head coach and defensive coordinator, it just blows my mind how we can give up 21 easy points (six came off a fumble recovery) in the first half and then come back and only give up six points in the second half,” said Mathews. “Up front, defensively, I don’t think that in the first half we came to play. In the second half we played a lot tougher.”

   Mathews knows that the Weevils continue have no margin for error both offensively and defensively, as the Weevils face off against a highly-touted UNA squad.

   “It doesn’t get any easier for us,” said Mathews. “They’re the number three team in the country. They’re number one in the league in offense. They have some really good players, and it’s their homecoming. They’ll have an electric atmosphere, and they’ll have a lot of fans in the stands. It’s a great place to go play a football game.”

   The Lions feature two of the top ten rushers in the Gulf South Conference, as Tim Hicks and Eric Packer rank seventh and ninth respectively in rushing offense, the top-rated passer in the Gulf South Conference, as well as one of the top offensive threats in all of college football, wide receiver and kick returner Anthony Merritt.

   “Merritt is an amazing player,” said Mathews. “He’s like a Reggie Bush out there. You have to pay attention to him.”

   Despite all of UNA’s weapons, however, Mathews is hopeful that his Weevils will not only be able to compete with the Lions, but even capture a big victory. “We’ve got to figure out a way to win some of these last five games,” said Mathews. “I think we’re capable of beating anybody we’ve got left on our schedule.”

   The Weevils have been without the services of tailback John L. Williams (Jr., Gainesville, Fla.) for the last two games due to injury, but the emergence of Delvin Shipp (So., Wilmar, Ark.) at tailback has Mathews hopeful that the Weevils’ rushing attack will finally be able to get on track. “We’ve been very sporadic offensively,” said Mathews. “I think Delvin added some excitement to our offense, he definitely adds some power.”

   Elijah McDonald (So., Morton, Miss.) remains a game-time decision for Mathews and his staff after taking a hard hit late in the Henderson State game, and should he be unable to play, redshirt freshman J.C. Ross (Fr., Crossett, Ark.) will get the start for the Boll Weevils.

   One player that caught Mathews’ eye on the offensive side of the ball was tight end Josh Green (Fr., Camden, Ark.), who caught two touchdown passes in the 33-17 loss. “I think we’re going to keep seeing Josh making tremendous plays for us,” said Mathews. “He made some great catches the other night, and he’s starting to get more and more comfortable.”

   Mathews also continues to be pleased with his team’s effort on special teams. “We’ve got to be at or near the top of the country in blocking field goals and extra points,” said Mathews. “We’ve done a great side on that side of things.”

   Saturday’s game will serve as UNA’s homecoming. Kickoff from Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence is set for 6 p.m., with the game carried live on the KWRF-FM 105.5 in Warren, KWRF-AM 860 in Warren, and KXFE-FM 106.9 in Dumas.

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