MELBOURNE, Fla. – In their second road game of the 2015 season, Warner University lost to Florida Institute of Technology 37-0 on Saturday night at Florida Tech Panther Stadium. The loss is the second of the season for the Royals and drops their 2015 record to 2-2. The NCAA-II Panthers out of the Gulf South Conference pick up their first win of the season (1-2) with the shutout victory.
In their first meeting since 2013, the Panthers took a 7-0 lead over the Royals with a touchdown on their first possession of the game. The Royals' start to the game ended with punts on each of their first four possessions. The Royals ended the first half with 99 yards of offense and trailed 21-0.
Following a scoreless third quarter from both teams, the Panthers scored 16 points in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 37-0. The Royals finished with 186 yards of total offense while the Panthers racked up 432 yards.
The Royals' defense forced two turnovers for the fourth time this season.
Loronza Smith picked off his second pass of the season in the third quarter. Smith now has two forced fumbles and an interception in two games for the Royals.
Samuel Alice recovered a fumble for the second forced turnover by the Royals' defense.
Smith led the Royals with 13 total tackles as well with two pass breakups.
Darrin Davis, Jr. was 14-of-23 through the air for 91 yards. He also rushed for 13 yards.
Andrew Rodriguez came off the bench in the second half and was 2-of-4 for 10 yards.
Tauran Wilson had the best day of any Warner player rushing six times for 28 yards against a tough Panther's defense.
The Royals return to Sun Conference play next Saturday, Sept. 26, with a home showdown with Ave Maria University. Last year, the Royals went on the road and defeated the Gyrenes 17-7.
Tickets are still available for next Saturday's game and can be purchased at
www.warnerroyals.com/tickets-
