Box Score LAKE WALES, Fla.- The Warner Royals football team played their season and home opener Saturday afternoon against Union College from Kentucky. Just a year ago the Royals travelled up to Kentucky and took down the bulldogs on their home turf 42-21. This year, Union hoped for redemption. 

Warner would strike first in the first quarter with a one yard touchdown run by Taymel Christian that was set up by a fumble forced by Drew Clark and recovered by Leonard Faison. With the Royals up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter the Union Bulldogs went to work in the second quarter. A Union touchdown run and touchdown pass put the visitors up 14-7 at halftime.

The third quarter saw a change of possession a couple times but no scoring. Going into the fourth quarter, Union felt as though payback was within reach for last years loss. However, the Warner Royals had something to say about that. With 12:49 remaining in the game, Imari Price caught a pass short of the first down marker. After a missed tackle, Price was able to break two more and outrun everyone on the way to the endzone for a 39 yard touchdown reception. The Royals sideline had some life and was ready to take down Union with the score now tied at 14. Just three minutes later, Bryant Benton broke loose up the middle and ran his way to the endzone for a 30 yard touchdown run. The Royals would miss the PAT but held a 20-14 lead in the fourth quarter. With about four minuted remaining in the game, Darrin Davis Jr. (DJ), got loose and rushed for 45 yards down to the 5 yard line. With a chance to put the game away, the Royals found the endzone one last time with a 5 yard touchdown run by Zaimah McGaughy to give the Royals some cushion with a 27-14 lead. 

Union would march down the field with a couple big plays and put the ball in the endzone one more time to make it somewhat interesting late, but the Royals defense held tough and did not allow Union to move the ball forward in their final seconds. Drew Clark came away with a big sack on first down of Union's final drive to give momentum to Warner and seal the 27-21 victory.

DJ Davis finished 8-14, 157 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 INT. Davis also rushed for 169 yards to go along with Bryant Benton 72 yards and a touchdown. Imari Price hauled in 4 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. On defense the Royals were led by Drew Clark who had 10 tackles (2 for loss), a sack, and a forced fumble.

Warner will head to Deland, Fla. on September 10 to take on Stetson University at 7 p.m. for their next game.