It was midway through the third quarter, and the University of North Alabama and West Alabama appeared to be in for yet another classic.

Then Diamond Simmons took away all the drama.

The Hanceville product sped 37 yards for a touchdown, extending the Lions’ lead to two scores and sending them on their way to a crucial 24-16 road victory. The win clinched at least a share of the Gulf South Conference title for UNA (9-1, 6-1), which will find out its first-round opponent for the NCAA Division II playoffs Sunday afternoon.

Simmons, who scored from 76 yards out against Shorter just five days earlier, needed only seven carries to compile 73 yards. Sheldon Lewis, another former Bulldog, helped out with a tackle.