HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — North Alabama opened its season with a 22-10 victory over Samford on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Joe Davis Stadium.

Destin Wade threw for 229 yards and a touchdown and added 18 rushing yards as the Lions built a 16-7 halftime lead. Wade connected with Xavier Johnson for a 95-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and North Alabama also recorded a safety. Ty Watkins rushed for a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Roderick Taylor Jr. scored on a 3-yard run.

Samford’s Gabarri Johnson passed for 245 yards and a touchdown, an 86-yard strike to Marquise Henderson. The Bulldogs added a 26-yard field goal by T. Ippolito in the fourth.

Jalen Nelson led Samford with 14 tackles. North Alabama’s Tae Martin and Cayden Adkins each had two sacks. The Lions forced one interception, by Kanijal Thomas.

Samford fell to 0-1. North Alabama improved to 1-0. Samford hosts Southern Illinois on Thursday, and North Alabama travels to Arkansas on Sept. 5.