ATLANTA, Ga. – Warner University football secured a historic victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating Clark Atlanta University, 32-10, at Panther Stadium. The victory marks the first program win for the Royals over an NCAA Division II opponent, adding another milestone to Warner Football's history.
Warner controlled the game from the opening quarter, building a 10-0 advantage after the first 15 minutes. Nicholas Andreopoulos opened the scoring with a 37-yard field goal before Joshua Dudley capped a 10-play, 55-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run.
The Panthers answered with a field goal in the second quarter, but the Royals responded with a defensive play that swung momentum back in their favor. With just over a minute remaining before halftime, Kelson Meance intercepted Clark Atlanta's Xzavier Jackson and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown, extending Warner's advantage to 17-3 heading into the break.
Clark Atlanta trimmed the deficit to 17-10 late in the third quarter, but the Royals answered immediately.
On the very next play from scrimmage, Traven Green connected with Trey Walker for a 75-yard touchdown pass. Warner then successfully converted the two-point attempt on a pass from Hazaia Phillips to push the lead to 25-10.
The Royals put the game away in the fourth quarter, marching 48 yards on an 11-play drive that consumed more than five minutes. Dudley finished the drive with his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, giving Warner a 32-10 advantage that would stand as the final score.
Warner's offense finished with 369 total yards, including 265 through the air and 104 on the ground. The Royals also moved the chains 22 times and converted all three of their fourth-down opportunities. Defensively, Warner limited Clark Atlanta to just 210 total yards, including only 60 passing yards, while recording four sacks.
Green led the Royals through the air, completing 21 of 43 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown. Walker provided the game's biggest offensive play, hauling in three receptions for 96 yards, including the 75-yard touchdown.
Dudley scored twice on the ground, while the Royals' defense received a standout performance from Meance, whose 62-yard interception return provided Warner with its second touchdown of the afternoon. Kendrick Smith led the defense with nine total tackles, while Wyatt Henderson and Jai Robinson each recorded a sack.
The Royals now turn their attention to SUN Conference play as Warner prepares to face Webber International University on Saturday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Warrior Turf Field.
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