Bears crush North Alabama 49-21 as Chambers, Myers lead UCA offense

FLORENCE, Ala. — Central Arkansas (3-4, 2-1 United Athletic Conference) powered past North Alabama (1-5, 0-2) with a 49-21 win Saturday at Braly Stadium.

The Bears produced 486 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers to earn their second conference victory.

UCA established its rhythm on the opening drives. Cornerback Mark Dorsey sacked North Alabama quarterback Ari Patu early, forcing a fumble that rolled out of bounds and set a physical tone.

After a UNA punt, UCA quarterback Austin Myers hit Malachi Henry for a 56-yard completion to the Lions’ 1-yard line.

Running back Landen Chambers finished the series with a 1-yard touchdown — his fourth consecutive 100-yard game — to give the Bears a 7-0 lead. North Alabama answered late in the first quarter when Patu connected with Noah Gregg for a 19-yard touchdown pass, tying the score at 7-7.

The Lions briefly went ahead 14-7 in the second quarter on a 4-yard touchdown run by KJ Fields, but the Bears responded quickly.

Myers found Tyrell Pollard streaking down the right sideline for a 76-yard touchdown, pulling UCA even again.

A fumble recovery by Jacoby McQuiller and an interception from Dorsey helped turn momentum firmly toward the Bears, who used both turnovers to build a 35-14 halftime advantage behind touchdowns from Chambers and Henry.

Second-quarter surge shifts momentum

The second quarter belonged entirely to Central Arkansas.

The Bears’ defense consistently pressured Patu, collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws.

Dorsey’s interception at midfield came just three plays after Chambers’ 19-yard touchdown run, giving UCA an opportunity to extend its lead.

On the ensuing drive, Myers capped an 8-play sequence by finding Henry for his second touchdown of the half, stretching the lead to 21 points.

The Bears’ offensive line dominated up front, giving Myers time to make deep reads while Chambers found consistent running lanes between the tackles.

UCA’s 28 unanswered points in the quarter showcased balance on offense and execution on defense.

By halftime, the Bears had racked up 326 total yards, including 138 on the ground, while forcing two turnovers.

North Alabama struggled to match the Bears’ pace.

The Lions managed just 10 first-half first downs and were held to 2-of-8 on third-down conversions.

When UCA’s defense wasn’t forcing turnovers, it was stalling drives with physical tackling and strong coverage.

Chambers and Myers lead efficient attack

The Bears maintained control through the third quarter, methodically moving the ball behind their veteran backfield.

Myers completed key passes to Ty Durham and Henry to extend drives, while Chambers continued to wear down the Lions’ front seven.

Midway through the quarter, Chambers broke free for runs of 40 and 20 yards on consecutive plays, setting up Cameron Young’s 13-yard touchdown.

That score pushed the margin to 42-14, effectively sealing the outcome with more than a quarter to play.

UCA’s defense again held firm on North Alabama’s next two possessions, forcing a turnover on downs and a punt.

The defensive front, anchored by Marcus Washington and Dorsey, limited the Lions to 54 rushing yards after halftime.

Myers delivered his final scoring strike early in the fourth quarter — a 13-yard pass to Henry, who finished the day with 119 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bears led 49-14 with 10 minutes remaining.

Late touchdown not enough for Lions

North Alabama added a late score when backup quarterback Destin Wade found Justin Pegues for a 7-yard touchdown, trimming the deficit to 49-21.

It proved cosmetic, as UCA used Elijah Jackson and Desmond Davidson to grind out the remaining clock on the ground.

Chambers ended with 184 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, while Myers completed 11 of 22 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bears averaged 6.5 yards per play and outgained the Lions by nearly 200 yards.

UCA’s defense forced three takeaways and recorded two sacks, maintaining consistent pressure throughout.

The Bears also won the battle in first downs, 26 to 25, and dominated time of possession in the second half.

The victory moved UCA to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in United Athletic Conference play.

North Alabama, now 1-5, remains winless in league competition. The Bears travel to Carrollton, Ga., next Saturday to face West Georgia at 1 p.m.

Key takeaways

• Landen Chambers posted his fourth straight 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 184 yards and three scores.

• Austin Myers threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns while leading an efficient, balanced offense.

• UCA’s defense forced three turnovers and dominated the second quarter to take control of the game.