LIVINGSTON – A 9-4 record and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs helped the University of West Alabama football team finish with a No. 21 ranking in the final American Football Coaches Association Division II Football Top 25 Poll.

The Tigers won the Gulf South Conference championship, going undefeated in league play including a win over eventual national champion Valdosta State. The Blazers defeated UWA in the second round of the playoffs on the way to the national title.

“We put together a good season, won a conference championship and went to the playoffs despite having several obstacles to clear,” 2012 GSC coach of the year Will Hall said. “I couldn’t be more proud of a group of guys than I am this team and we look forward to building on their success next season.”

Valdosta State finished No. 1 in the AFCA final poll. The Blazers and the Tigers are the only two GSC teams to finish in the top 25.

UWA has advanced to the NCAA playoffs three times in the last four years and both years under Hall’s direction.