CEDAR CITY, Utah — On Saturday, Targhee Lambson showcased an impressive performance by rushing for 166 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the first half, leading Southern Utah to a 38-26 victory over North Alabama. Kameron Rocha made a pivotal contribution with a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown, marking the only score of the fourth quarter.

Lambson began Southern Utah’s offensive surge by capping a lengthy 13-play, 84-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 7-0 by the end of the first quarter. He soon followed with touchdown runs of 1 and 2 yards, extending the Thunderbirds’ lead to 21-0 just two minutes shy of halftime.

North Alabama responded just before the break with a quick two-play scoring drive orchestrated by quarterback TJ Smith. This sequence included a 56-yard pass to Kobe Warden and concluded with a 22-yard touchdown reception for Dakota Warfield, providing the Lions with their first points.

In the second half, Smith launched a 70-yard touchdown pass to Justin Luke and a 75-yarder to Takairee Kenebrew, narrowing the gap to 31-26 by the end of the third quarter.

Southern Utah continued to demonstrate resilience, with Rocha’s interception return serving as a decisive moment in the game as he added the final touchdown with just over 10 minutes remaining. Southern Utah’s quarterback, Jackson Berry, displayed accuracy as he completed 21 of 31 passes for 230 yards, which included a 33-yard touchdown throw to Shane Carr that established a 31-13 lead for the team.

Gabe Nunez contributed significantly with seven receptions for 94 yards, while North Alabama’s Smith recorded a personal best of 452 passing yards, completing 21 of 34 attempts but also facing two interceptions. Kenebrew emerged as a standout receiver for North Alabama, finishing with five receptions for a remarkable 187 yards.