AVE MARIA, Fla. | Florida Memorial scored 21 points in both the second and fourth quarters en route to a 56-13 victory over Ave Maria at Gyrene Stadium. It is the first road victory for the Lions in the modern era, since the program resurfaced in 2020.
FMU quarterback Cedquan Smith completed 14-of-23 passes for 242 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while running back George Young rushed for just under 100 yards and scored twice on the ground. The Lions’ offensive line dominated from start to finish, resetting the line of scrimmage on most run plays.
FMU running back Walter Wilbon rushed for 96 yards and produced a rushing and receiving touchdown, but it was Ave Maria transfer Quino Mauricette who finished with just over 50 yards on the ground and got sweet redemption when he scampered to the end zone in the second half for his first rushing touchdown of the season against his former team.
On the defensive end, freshman linebacker Morris Thomas led all Lions with eight solo tackles while sophomore defensive back Marcel Blocker finished with seven total tackles. Ave Maria transfer Charles Philias and teammate Gregorie Jules both generated a sack for Florida Memorial, who improves to 1-0 in SUN conference play. The Lions return to action on Saturday, October 7, as they host Warner for their home opener.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium in Miami Gardens. Click here to purchase tickets to Saturday’s home game vs. Warner.
