LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The Monroe University football team battled on the road Saturday afternoon but came up short against West Alabama, 45-17. The Mustangs (2-6) totaled 203 yards of offense, including 124 on the ground, while West Alabama (6-4) used a balanced attack to produce 441 total yards. Monroe found the end zone twice on the afternoon, both times on rushing touchdowns by Lasean Sharp.
HOW IT HAPPENED
West Alabama established control early, scoring twice in the first quarter on short rushing touchdowns by Brayden Jenkins and Kendrick Joseph to take a 14-0 lead.
Monroe responded with a 39-yard field goal from Dimitri Grieb, cutting the deficit to 14-3. The Mustangs' defense also created an opportunity in the opening quarter when Brandon Wilson recovered a fumble forced on a sack of West Alabama quarterback Luther Richesson.
The Tigers extended their advantage in the second quarter with an 81-yard touchdown reception by Torrey Ward. Monroe answered with a sustained drive, capped by Sharp's first touchdown of the afternoon on an eight-yard run with 1:50 remaining in the half. Grieb's extra point made it 21-10.
West Alabama added another score just before halftime, connecting on a 22-yard touchdown pass to Contravious Blanks with four seconds remaining to take a 28-10 lead into the break.
The Tigers opened the second half with another touchdown, this time on a 27-yard reception by Jaylon York, extending the margin to 35-10.
Monroe's defense continued to battle, forcing turnovers and creating pressure throughout the afternoon. Davon Sawyer and Da'Vaine Cushnie each recorded interceptions, while Gavin Rembert added another pick in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs also recovered multiple fumbles, including a second-quarter recovery by Wilson.
Sharp found the end zone for the second time with an eight-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, bringing Monroe within 35-17 after Grieb's extra point.
West Alabama answered with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 22-yard scoring reception by Michael Dujon, before adding a 22-yard field goal to close out the scoring at 45-17.
MUSTANG STANDOUTS
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Lasean Sharp led the Monroe rushing attack with 47 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. He also added four receptions for 21 yards.
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Zavry Ward accounted for 148 yards of total offense, completing 13 of 26 passes for 74 yards while rushing for a team-high 74 yards on 11 carries.
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Benogo Diaby paced the defense with 11 total tackles, including one sack and two tackles for loss.
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Gavin Rembert finished with nine tackles, three tackles for loss and an interception returned 10 yards.
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Davon Sawyer and Da'Vaine Cushnie each recorded an interception, while Cushnie also forced a fumble.
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Brandon Wilson recovered two fumbles, helping the Mustangs generate multiple defensive stops.
STATS & NOTES
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Monroe finished with 203 yards of total offense, including 124 rushing yards and 79 passing yards.
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The Mustangs recorded 64 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks.
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Monroe forced four fumbles and recovered three, while also recording two interceptions.
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Sharp accounted for both of Monroe's touchdowns.
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West Alabama finished with 441 total yards, including 337 passing yards and four passing touchdowns.
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The Tigers held a 24-10 advantage in first downs.
UP NEXT
Monroe concludes the 2026 season on Saturday, November 14, when they host Keystone College at 1:00 p.m.
