By Bill Vilona
GoArgos.com Senior Writer

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The air show that has been such a part of UWF football was missing its usual assortment of wow plays and staggering yardage production

Instead, the sixth-ranked Argos grounded and pounded their way into a 42-3 victory against Shorter University on a homecoming Saturday at Pen Air Field that showed off this team's other capabilities.

Led by senior CJ Wilson, who rushed for a career-best 126 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown run. and averaged 9.7 yards on 13 carries, the Argos amassed a season-best 299 yards rushing. It's among the top team rushing performances in UWF's seven season. 

"I've known that we could get there," said UWF coach Kaleb Nobles, who has stressed since preseason how he wanted to get the running game better and the offense more balanced. "We've had some close plays where a guy just missed running for a big play, running for a touchdown and we finally did that (Saturday).

"Our o-line (offensive line) did a great job answering the challenge," Nobles said. "On Monday, we challenged them that we've got to run the football better and they answered the call. I'm excited with how they played. It was a great night for us, and I'm excited how we answered the challenge."

Two other running backs, senior Jamontez Woods (98 yards, one touchdown) and freshman TJ Lane (58 yards, one touchdown) also had tackle-breaking, hole-bursting, hard-driving runs, that elicited a crowd reaction from the 4,507 fans at the stadium.

"It was a good game," Wilson said. "I was telling the group… we need 400 (yards). I know that sounds kind of crazy, but I kept saying that we need 400. It is a good thing just to get everybody going. 

"We all complement each other really well. I was just staying patient and going out there to try and do the same thing we try to do every week."

Shorter focused its defensive strategy of dropping its secondary further to prevent big plays and keep UWF's star receiver John Jiles in check. 

The Hawks succeeded in the regard. Jiles was held to just three catches for 24 yards, but did get a TD grab. UWF's longest pass play was for a 49 yard completion to Caden Leggett, who led the Argos with five grabs for 109 yards.

Argos quarterback Peewee Jarrett still was able to pass for 257 yards and three touchdowns. 

'I felt like I was getting greedy a little bit in the first half and from what we have done the past five weeks with (receivers) just running by guys," Jarrett said. "(Shorter) played really good in the secondary and probably the best they have looked all year."

The Hawks' defensive strategy and effort forced UWF to adjust.

"They played a little bit different coverages than we anticipated, but our guys answered the call and ran the football well," Nobles said. "We have a very unselfish group. Our guys know the only thing that matters is winning and it doesn't matter if we are running the ball or throwing the ball."

With Saturday's win, the Argos improved to 5-1 overall, 3-0 in the Gulf South Conference. What comes next is the rest of October that will define the season. 

Three of UWF's next four games are on the road, beginning next Saturday at West Alabama. The following Saturday (Oct. 21) is a showdown with Delta State that could determine the conference champion.

Delta State (6-0), ranked No. 8, remained unbeaten with a 49-25 win Saturday against Valdosta State, the Argos' next home game opponent on Oct. 28.

"We know the toughest part of our schedule is moving forward," Nobles said. "We know historically that we are going to play some of the best teams in this conference in the next month. And finish out the season with great competition. 

"Our guys know we have to be ready to answer the challenge. It's about us being at our best. If we show up and play our best, I guarantee we have a good shot of winning."

Moments before the Argos took the field Saturday, they were surprised with a homecoming day gift of new uniforms. They wore a Nike design, Aero Blue jersey that stood out in a good way, along with a new helmet logo. 

"It was definitely a surprise to us," Jarrett said. "I know once I put mine (new jersey) on, coach (Ron) Dickerson (receivers coach) wanted to make sure I had good movement in the jersey. 

"So, I didn't get a long time to enjoy looking at it. They are really good jerseys. We have such a great support staff outside of the football program and making these things possible for us and we really appreciate it."

The game began with UWF driving to the Shorter 19, but missing a field goal. Jarrett then completed a 20-yard scoring pass to Jakobe Quillen, his second of the season, for the game's first points. 

From that point, however, three of the next four possessions did not result in points. Jarrett did connect with Jiles for 15-yard touchdown. Wilson scored on his 36-yard burst that provided a 21-3 halftime lead. The play followed a 30 yard punt return by Virgil Lemons to set up the one-play, TD drive. 

The second half, the Argos offense was more balanced. Also noteworthy, the Argos had just two penalties in the second half and finished with 82 penalty yards, their lowest of the season. 

"I thought we did a good job of playing a lot closer to 60 minutes," Nobles said. "I feel like our guys were a little bit more disciplined during the play and not worried about things after the play."

This was the third game of the season where UWF's defense did not allow a touchdown and yielded just three points. Sophomore middle linebacker Walker Robinson, a Fort Walton Beach High graduate, again led the way with eight tackles, including six solo stops and one tackle for minus-8 yards. 

UWF's defense limited Shorter to just 55 rushing yards, 250 total yards and picked off two passes. The Hawks only got inside UWF's 20 one time (for field goal) and barely crossed midfield on any possession in the second half. 

"I feel like we had a really complete game," Walker said. "The d-line played great, secondary played great. I think in all three areas, it was the most complete game of the season. 

"Since the beginning of fall camp we have always preached being physical, attacking (opponent) first. It doesn't matter if (Argos) offense scores every drive, we still have to go back out there. I see every week we are getting better."
 
HOMECOMING HONORED
As for the homecoming festivities, it included the return of former UWF star defensive back D'Anthony Bell, the first Argos' player to make an NFL roster, who took advantage of the Cleveland Browns' bye week to revisit former teammates. 

He spent the game on the UWF sidelines watching intently and encouraging players. 

"We are finally starting to get to the age of our program, where we have alumni and guys are able to come back and watch us," Nobles said. "And it's a great experience for them and great opportunity to get those guys back around."

UWF also honored a wide variety of guests who have made significant contributions. The group was led by Sandy Sansing, a 1969 UWF grad, whose business success has enabled him to own 12 auto dealerships in the Gulf Coast region including several in Pensacola. 

He has invested in the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center which is under construction, adjacent to the Darrell Gooden Center.

During a first half time out, Sansing and family were saluted on the field and UWF coach Kaleb Nobles walked over to exchange a hug in appreciation.

The Argos also honored the 1993 UWF women's softball team that finished 60-20 and won the NAIA national championship – the first national title won by a UWF athletic team. 

The UWF Singers performed the National Anthem and a homecoming queen and king were announced at halftime. 

"Great crowd, great atmosphere," Nobles said. 
 
And another big win.