ST. GEORGE — Two teams going in opposite directions will collide when Utah Tech University and Southern Utah University meet on the gridiron Saturday evening at Greater Zion Stadium.

The game marks both teams’ final United Athletic Conference game and final game of the 2023 season.

The so-called “Battle For the Ax” will be the fifth NCAA football contest between these long-time junior college rivals.

It will be only the second time SUU has played a football game in St. George in the last 61 years.

After splitting two games last year, the Ax resides at Utah Tech thanks to a 48-36 win over the T-Birds on Nov. 5 last year in St. George.

In the Battle of the Ax, Utah Tech football defeated Southern Utah 48-36 in the homecoming game at Great Zion Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 | Photo by Vin Cappiello, St. George News

Utah Tech (2-8 overall, 1-4 UAC) is in the middle of a four-game winless streak, the most recent a 30-17 loss to conference champion Austin Peay last Saturday.

Southern Utah (5-5, 3-2 UAC) meanwhile has won three in a row, including last week’s 45-17 road win at Stephen F. Austin.

Saturday’s game will also be Senior Day at Utah Tech as 19 seniors will be honored, both players and student support staff, in a pregame ceremony.

Note the kickoff time is earlier than usual as kickoff at Greater Zion Stadium on Saturday will happen at 5 p.m.

Listen to the Voice of the Trailblazers Rod Zundel call the live broadcast at The Fan Sports Network and follow St. George News for complete game coverage.

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