Lakeland, Fla. | October 25, 2025 — The Warner University Football team delivered a dominant Homecoming performance on Saturday afternoon, securing its first win of the 2025 season with a 33–7 victory over Ave Maria University at Lakeland Christian School. The win also marked Warner's first SUN Conference triumph of the year, highlighted by explosive plays on both sides of the ball.

Game Summary

Warner wasted no time making an impact in front of its Homecoming crowd. Linebacker Milton Smith set the tone early, forcing a fumble, recovering it, and taking it to the end zone for a scoop-and-score touchdown to put the Royals ahead 6–0.

Kicker Ethan Silva extended the lead with a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter, giving Warner a 9–0 advantage.

The Royals continued their momentum through the air in the second quarter, as quarterback Michael Ryan connected with wide receiver Hazaia Phillips on a 15-yard touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 16–0.

Running back R.L. Ward III found the end zone late in the first half on a 7-yard rushing touchdown, capping another strong offensive drive and extending the advantage to 23–0.

Silva remained steady for Warner, adding a 29-yard field goal in the third quarter to make it 26–0, before Ward III struck again in the fourth quarter with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Royals a commanding 33–0 lead.

Ave Maria scored once in the closing minutes, but the Royals' defense maintained control throughout, sealing the 33–7 Homecoming victory.

Warner Statistical Leaders

• Rushing Leader: R.L. Ward III — 83 yards, 2 touchdowns

• Passing Leader: Michael Ryan — 142 yards, 1 touchdown

• Receiving Leader: Hazaia Phillips — 47 yards, 1 touchdown

• Defensive Leader: Milton Smith — 7 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 defensive touchdown

• Kicking: Ethan Silva — 2 field goals (38, 29), 3 PATs

Coach's Perspective

"This was a complete team win," said Head Coach Dialleo Burks. "From start to finish, our guys played with energy and discipline. The defense made a statement early, the offense executed when it mattered, and special teams stayed sharp. It's the kind of performance we've been building toward, and I couldn't be prouder of how our players responded in front of our home crowd."

Up Next

The Royals will look to build on their first victory of the season as they continue SUN Conference play next week as they face the Fire of Southeastern University November 1st.