LAFAYETTE, La. — Gio Lopez recorded touchdown runs in both the first and second quarters, thereby leading South Alabama to a tight 24-22 win over Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday night. Kentrel Bullock contributed with a two-yard touchdown run, while the Jaguars successfully defended a crucial two-point conversion attempt from their opponents.
In the opening quarter, Lopez managed a short two-yard touchdown run that put South Alabama (5-5, 4-2 in the Sun Belt Conference) ahead 7-0. His second touchdown came just six seconds into the second quarter via a nine-yard rush. Bullock then added to the scoring with his own two-yard run. Laith Marjan capped off a strong first half with a 35-yard field goal on the last play, extending the Jaguars’ lead to 24-3 by halftime.
The Ragin’ Cajuns staged a comeback in the fourth quarter, beginning with Kenneth Almendares converting his third field goal of the night. Backup quarterback Chandler Fields then connected with Dre’lyn Washington on a 66-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 24-16 with 8:28 left on the clock. Fields later drove the team 86 yards over 12 plays to score another touchdown himself with a two-yard rush, but the attempt for a two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving Louisiana-Lafayette searching for answers.
Lopez had an effective game, completing 24 of 34 passes for a total of 285 yards, although he had one interception. Jamaal Pritchett was a standout receiver, racking up 11 catches for 170 yards. On the other side, Fields finished his night with 185 passing yards, going 14 for 17, marking a solid showing for the Ragin’ Cajuns (8-2, 5-1). This loss not only marked their first in the conference but also ended a six-game winning streak. Starter Ben Wooldridge had struggled, completing 8 of 13 passes for 91 yards accompanied by one interception.
Overall, the match showcased competitive performances from both teams, illustrating the high stakes involved in the Sun Belt Conference. The Jaguars are looking to build momentum, while the Ragin’ Cajuns are left to regroup following their first setback in a while.