FLORENCE, Ala. (Interstat) — North Alabama defeated Western Illinois 23-20 on Saturday in an NCAA Football Championship Division game at Braly Municipal Stadium. The Lions improved to 3-2, while the Leathernecks dropped to 2-3. Destin Wade paced North Alabama, completing 15 of 27 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Xavier Johnson caught six passes for 121 yards, and Snap Reed added four receptions for 44 yards. LaFenis Mays Jr. returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Avery Howard anchored the North Alabama defense with six tackles, three sacks and five quarterback hurries. Kamore Harris added five tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry, and Cayden Adkins made seven tackles. Western Illinois quarterback Kennedy McGill completed 15 of 28 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 24 yards. David Hargro caught four passes for 38 yards and two touchdowns. Ihson Jackson-Anderson rushed 12 times for 34 yards and caught five passes for 117 yards. Justin Buckner and Nick Reinicke each recorded seven tackles. LeBron Morgan posted seven tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry, while Cidney Johnson had seven tackles and 1.5 sacks.