The Florida Memorial Lions football team fell 27-13 in non-conference action at Victory Field, where both teams combined for nearly 1,000 yards of total offense. Although both teams play in the Sun Conference; only the rematch at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium on Oct. 29 will count as a conference game.
Southeastern scored on its opening drive, but the Lions responded with a touchdown of its own, converting on two fourth downs, including a fourth and goal play-action bootleg to the right where FMU quarterback Antoine Williams connected with tight end Cedric Madry, Jr. for the touchdown.
On the following drive, the Lions defense stepped up as the former Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Week Antwan Davis forced a fumble that was recovered by FMU. After the Lions drive stalled, Southeastern countered with a stadium record 51-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-7. Florida Memorial responded by driving all the way down to the goal line yet again, but this time Williams was stuffed on fourth and goal on a designed quarterback run.
The Fire responded by driving all the way down the field, just outside of the red zone. However, this time Fire kicker Ashton Garner missed a 27-yard attempt to give the Lions additional hope before halftime. After another stalled drive, Southeastern’s Garner nailed another field goal to give the Fire a 13-7 lead.
After another three and out by the Lions offense, FMU’s defense came alive again with another forced fumble from “Tarzan” Davis that was recovered by the Lions. FMU kicker Danny Diaz buried a 41-yard field goal just before the clock expired, cutting the deficit to just three points at halftime.
In the second half, the Lions offense could not finish drives, leaving points on the board while the Fire added an additional two touchdowns to seal the deal. FMU kicker Diaz generated another field goal in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough as FMU drops to 1-2 on the season while the Fire improve to a perfect 3-0.
FMU quarterback Williams went 16-of-36 for 224 passing yards, including one touchdown and one interception. FMU running back George Young was brilliant all night, rushing for 156 yards on the ground on 23 carries.
On the defensive end, Davis finished with two forced fumbles while Terry Smith added another. Teammate Christian Mabel and Philman Roundtree both finished with a sack and three tackles for loss while fellow Lion Joshua Mimms led the team in tackles with seven. Teammates Devin Essix and De’Andre Williams both recovered a fumble in the loss.
The Lions finished with 424 yards of total offense while the Fire produced 491 yards.
The Lions return to action on Saturday, September 17, when they host Warner University.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium.
