LAKE WALES, Fla - Warner Football traveled to Lakeland, Fla to face the Fire of Southeastern University to open Sun Conference play.

The Royals took on the Fire on the road for their first conference game of the year. The Royals looked to keep their historic undefeated run alive going into Lakeland,  as the Fire looked to put a stop to the Royals hot start. The Royals were off to a good start before the Fire defense forced a fumble after a great pass from Xavier Holliday, which led to the Fire having great field position on the Royals side of the field, which eventually led to a rushing touchdown from the Fire's Nate Hayden. Southeastern executed their gameplan in the first quarter , which was to stop the offense and keep Holliday in the pocket. The Royals defense  did not look as dominant as they had been through the first three games of the year and the Fire took advantage of it as they finished the first half with a 31-3 lead over the Royals. Gerral Blue Jr. led on the defensive side of the ball as he totaled eight tackles, two of which were solo tackles. The Royals looked to make some adjustments at the half. After a 40 minute rain delay action resumed in Lakeland, Fla and the Royals continued to struggle to build momentum against the Fire defense. The next score for the Royals came with 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter as Jaylen Thompson broke free and scored a 34 yard touchdown late in the game. The Royals would ultimately lose their first conference game but look to bounce back next week against FMU. 


INSIDE THE MATCH: Warner vs Southeastern University
FINAL: Royals 9, Southeastern 54
RECORDS: Royals (3-1, 0-1), Southeastern (1-2, 1-0)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:

• Jaylen Thompson scored the lone touchdown for the Royals as he scored on a 34 yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. 
• Dillon Hubbard kicked a field in the first half to put the Royals on the board. 
• Gerral Blue Jr. led the Royals in tackles as he finished with 8 total tackles, two of which were solo tackles. 

UP NEXT:
The Royals will be traveling to Miami Gardens, Fla to face the Florida Memorial Lions on Saturday, October 7th at 1pm for a Sun Conference matchup.