ST. GEORGE — A well-rested Utah Tech football team will look to keep building momentum in the United Athletic Conference.
Fresh off of a bye week, the Trailblazers go to Florence, Alabama for a UAC game against North Alabama on Saturday.
It will be the first ever matchup against North Alabama on the gridiron and represents just the third time in program history that Utah Tech has played a game east of the Mississippi River.
The Lions are seeking their first UAC win this year and are 0-3 in conference. Overall, they sport a 2-5 record on the season.
Meanwhile Utah Tech is coming off an invigorating 37-31 win over Stephen F. Austin on Oct 7. The victory at Greater Zion Stadium put the Trailblazers at 1-0 in UAC action and 2-4 overall.
The Lions are led by sophomore quarterback Noah Walters, who leads the UAC in total offense (1,780 yards) and is second in the conference in passing yards (1,601). He also has 12 total touchdowns.
Receiver Takairee Kenebrew has hauled in a conference-best 472 reception yards and six touchdowns.
The Trailblazers and Lions kickoff at Braly Stadium in Florence Saturday at 5 p.m. (MT).
Listen to the live broadcast of the game by Voice of the Trailblazers Rod Zundel at The Fan Sports Network.
Beau Sparks makes watch list
Utah Tech freshman wide receiver Beau Sparks was named to the 2023 Jerry Rice Award watch list on Wednesday morning.
The award, presented by FedEx Ground, is presented annually to the national freshman player of the year in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Sparks, from El Paso, Texas, has caught at least four passes in each of the six Utah Tech games this season.
He currently leads the United Athletic Conference (UAC) in receptions, at 6.5 per game. Sparks is tied for second in the UAC with 39 total receptions.
The freshman speedster is fourth in the conference with 471 yards and is tied for sixth in UAC action with four touchdown receptions.
Sparks is one of three UAC players to make the 22-player watch list, including SUU freshman receiver Zach Mitchell and Stephen F. Austin cornerback Aaron Sears.
The Rice Award, now in its 13th season, is named after legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. Past recipients include Cooper Kupp, Chase Edmonds, Trey Lance and Shedeur Sanders.
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