Jags hold off West Alabama, 20-10

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - South Alabama used two second-half scores from former Vigor standout Kendall Houston to beat West Alabama, 20-10, Thursday night in front of 21,158 fans at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Houston, the Jags starting tailback, and backup Demetre Baker were both suspended for the first half of the game for violating team rules, according to a Jags spokesperson.

It’s a good thing for Jags fans it was only a half. Houston and Baker combined for 118 yards in the second half as the Jags broke a 7-7 tie at the half.

South Alabama, now 18-0 in its history, is now 1-0 in its third season. The Jags host Lamar on Saturday, September 10.

Houston scored on a two-yard run in the third quarter and then put the game away with a powerful 10-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Jags redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Bennett struggled in the first half without his go-to running backs. He fumbled a snap and threw three interceptions. He had two all of last year in 140 attempts. Bennett finished 12-of-25 for 151 yards.

The Jag defense was led by former Blount standout Enrique Williams (11 tackles) and Alabama transfer B.J. Scott, the former Vigor star, who had 10 tackles.