MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | FMU running back Khalil Washington scored two rushing touchdowns, but it wasn't enough as the Lions fell to the Gyrenes of Ave Maria by the score of 44-28 at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium in its annual homecoming game.

FMU quarterback Antoine Williams completed 11-of-20 passes for 218 yards while starting running back George Young finished with 90 yards and one rushing touchdown. Overall, the Lions offense produced over 400 yards of total offense, including deep bombs, flea flickers, and explosive long runs. However, FMU's defense allowed over 500 yards of offense, including 333 in the air.

On the defensive end, Jaiden Louis played with added inspiration and generated a team-high 11 tackles and a forced fumble while fellow Lion Joshua Mimms stayed busy all afternoon with eight tackles. Defensive lineman Christian Mable played like a man possessed as he finished with 6.5 tackles for loss to go along with a game-high three sacks. Allen Lee and Thaddious Johnson both produced one sack each while teammate Terry Smith generated a key interception which kept the Lions in the hunt early on.

Despite big plays from various individuals, there was no bigger play all afternoon than the 98-yard interception returned for a touchdown from cornerback Marcell Blocker, who weaved his way through the entire Gyrenes offense with crucial blocks from teammates. The play electrified the FMU homecoming crowd and gave hope to the Lions, cutting the deficit to single digits late in the fourth quarter, but the Gyrenes responded with an insurance touchdown to close the game.

The Lions could not avoid trouble throughout the contest and finished with 10 penalties for 149 yards.

The loss ends the season for Florida Memorial, who finishes 3-7 on the year. Next week's contest against Fort Lauderdale has been ruled a forfeit due to the Eagles' inability to field a team.