LAKE WALES, Fla. - The Warner University Royals opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion Tuesday afternoon, defeating the Hope International University Royals 66-0 at Tye Athletic Field in Lake Wales. The February 17th 4 p.m. kickoff marked both the season and home opener for Warner, and the navy and gold delivered a statement performance on both sides of the ball.

Warner wasted no time setting the tone. After a defensive stop on the opening possession, quarterback Kathryn Hutchinson engineered a methodical 55-yard scoring drive, connecting with Jessica Finley for the first touchdown of the 2026 campaign. From there, the Royals' offense operated with precision and pace, building a 14-0 first quarter advantage before erupting for 26 points in the second quarter to take a commanding 40-0 lead into halftime.

Hutchinson was sensational, throwing for nine touchdowns in the victory and spreading the ball efficiently across multiple targets. Warner totaled 336 passing yards and averaged over 10 yards per pass attempt, consistently stretching the field and capitalizing in the red zone.

One of the afternoon's most memorable moments came when Avalon Lux-Offerman recorded her first collegiate touchdown, igniting the Warner sideline and crowd. Lux-Offerman played a key role throughout the contest, hauling in multiple scoring receptions as part of the Royals' balanced aerial attack.

The defense was equally impressive, pitching a complete shutout while forcing two interceptions and registering five sacks. O'Mariah Gordon recorded the first interception of the 2026 season for the Royals defense, setting the tone early and shifting momentum firmly in Warner's favor. Later in the contest, Ana Vincensini added to the highlight reel with a 21-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Warner limited Hope International to just 134 total yards, applied consistent pressure in the backfield, and closed out every scoring threat to secure the 66-0 statement win.

Warner controlled the tempo throughout, finishing with 31:43 time of possession and converting efficiently on key downs while keeping Hope International out of rhythm offensively.

Royal Leaders

• Passing: Kathryn Hutchinson – 336 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 73.3% completion
• Receiving: Jessica Finley – Multiple touchdown receptions, including 25- and 30-yard scores
• Receiving: Avalon Lux-Offerman – First collegiate touchdown; multiple TD receptions
• Interceptions: O'Mariah Gordon – 1 interception
• Interceptions: Ana Vincensini – 1 interception, 21-yard return for touchdown
• Sacks: Marian Torrero Abrego – Multiple sacks in shutout defensive effort

Team Stats

• Final Score: Warner 66, Hope International 0
• Total Offense: 336 yards (Warner) | 134 yards (Hope International)
• Passing Yards: 336 (Warner) | 127 (Hope International)
• Completion Percentage: 73.33% (Warner) | 57.58% (Hope International)
• Total Plays: 46 (Warner) | 47 (Hope International)
• Interceptions Forced: 2 (Warner)
• Sacks: 5 by Warner defense
• Time of Possession: 31:43 (Warner) | 25:43 (Hope International)

Up Next

The Warner Royals return to action at home on February 25, 2026, when they host Saint Leo University at 4 p.m. at Tye Athletic Field. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Royals as they look to continue their undefeated start to the 2026 season.