JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Week ten of the college football season rolled into Johnson City, Tenn. on Saturday afternoon for Warner University. The Royals wrapped up their three game NCAA road trip against East Tennessee State University. The Bucs defeated the Royals 42-9 in front of a crowd of over 6400 people at Kermit Tipton Stadium. The loss is the seventh in a row for the Royals, who are now 2-7 on the year. The Bucs on the other hand, pick up their first win of the season (1-7) and their first since 2003; the program is in its first year after a 12-year hiatus.
On a tough day offensively, the Royals' nine points came on the defensive side of the ball. Trailing 42-0 in the fouth quarter, Warner's
Elevisi Halapio tackled Jajuan Lankford in the end zone for the first safety in school history.
Later in the fourth quarter, with the Bucs driving,
Emmanuel Bien-Aime forced a fumble that
Raheem Phillips scooped up and took 28 yards to the end zone.
Offensively, the Royals had very little success against the Bucs totaling 172 yards of offense on 48 plays. The Bucs forced three Warner turnovers that they turned into 14 points.
Darrin Davis, Jr. was 11-of-20 through the air for 85 yards with one interception.
Caleb Coffman also saw time under center for the Royals and was 2-of-3 for 16 yards. Coffman also rush five times for 12 yards.
Jeff Suarez hauled in a 27 yard catch to lead the Royals' receiving corps.
Justin Jackson also had a pair of catches for 22 yards.
Dylan Miyares had team-high eight tackles to lead the defense.
Tyrail Davis,
James L. Martin and
Solomon Muhammad all had seven tackles. Muhammad and Richard
Garzola recorded both of Warner's sacks in the game.
Next week the Royals return home for the first time Oct. 3. On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Royals take on Edward Waters College at 12 p.m. in Lakeland, Fla. The Tigers defeated the Royals last year in triple overtime 20-14.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at
www.warnerroyals.com/tickets-
