BABSON PARK, Fla. – Florida Memorial (2-5, 0-3) had its late comeback attempt thwarted in a 31-14 loss to Webber International in Sun Conference play at Warrior Turf Field.
FMU got behind early as the Warriors led 10-0 in the first quarter, scoring on a 19-yard field goal, then punching in a two-yard touchdown run which capped an 11-play, 85-yard drive. The Lions offense stalled on its first two drives, going three-and-out, then turning the ball over on a George Young fumble late in the first quarter.
However, Young and the offensive line took control of the Warriors defense on a drive that started on the Lions two-yard line. Florida Memorial converted a fourth-down attempt near midfield to keep the drive alive as FMU quarterback Antoine Williams led the offense all the way down to the Webber 24-yard line. Moments later, the Lions special team’s unit had its field goal attempt blocked. Following the block, the Warriors drove all the way down into Lions territory and completed a 19-yard pass on fourth and two which landed them in the red zone. Moments later, Webber punched in a late touchdown as the Lions trailed 17-0 at the break.
In the third quarter, FMU continued to battle as the special team’s unit provided a huge spark, returning the kickoff to the Webber 45-yard line. The Lions offense marched down the field and generated its first score of the day on a Williams touchdown pass to TJ McKay, capping a six-play, 45-yard drive.
On the ensuing drive, the Lions defense clamped down on the Warriors, forcing a three-and-out. Williams then methodically led his team down the field as the Lions run game helped move the chains. Later in the drive, running back Khalil Washington broke free and found the end zone on a 30-yard scamper, cutting the deficit to just three points despite trailing by 17 at halftime.
The Lions defense stepped up once again and forced Webber to punt. Moments later, Young dashed through the Warriors defense for a 56-yard touchdown run that would have given FMU the lead but was called back due to a holding penalty. Later in the drive, Williams escaped the pocket and scampered 14 yards on third and 15. On the next play, the Lions offense was stuffed on fourth and short.
Webber added two insurance scores in the fourth quarter to seal the deal.
The Lions return to the gridiron on Saturday, October 29 as they host Southeastern in Sun Conference play. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium.
