FMU Flag Football Drops Two In Home-Opening Doubleheader

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Florida Memorial University played its first-ever home flag football games this weekend, and while the results weren't what the team would've hoped, it was still a historic day.

The Lions scored their first touchdown as the home team and played in front of their largest crowd but dropped both games of the season-opening doubleheader – falling 33-6 to Webber International University in the day's first game and dropping the second game 54-0 to Warner University – Saturday at Bunche Park Field in Miami Gardens.

Per NAIA rule, both games were called at the two-minute mark because of the point-differential.

Freshman receiver Vanessa Queen scored the first home touchdown for the Lions – putting FMU on the board in the fourth quarter against WIU with a 10-yard scamper. Queen's TD was a late bright spot in what was an otherwise tough performance against the Warriors.

Florida Memorial's defense did come away with a pair of interceptions of WIU's quarterback – one by freshman defensive back/receiver Erika Johnson and the other by freshman linebacker Isabella Betancourt.

Also, Orianna Brooks also led the Lions in defensive stops in the first game, recording 5 flag pulls. Queen and Alexis Nelson each had 3 flag pulls.

FMU's offense accounted for 181 yards of total offense but lost a lot of its "mojo" when freshman quarterback Ja'shya Christie went down with what appeared to be a lower extremity injury during the fourth quarter against the Warriors.

Saturday's second game, which was played after a 20-minute break for Florida Memorial, was not as auspicious as the first. Fatigue and attrition showed for the Lions as Warner University built a 29-0 lead by halftime. Florida Memorial's deficit continued to grow in the second half, punctuated by a pair of interception returns that the Royals returned for touchdowns in the fourth quarter to create the final 54-0 margin.

Up next, FMU (0-2, 0-2 The Sun Conference) will travel to West Palm Beach, Florida to face Keiser University this coming Wednesday (Feb. 16) at 5:30 p.m.

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Instagram: @GoFMULions/@FMUFlag | Twitter: @GoFMULions | YouTube: Official FMU Lions

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Players Mentioned

#12 Isabella Betancourt: OLB/WR; 5' 5"; Freshman

#11 Orianna Brooks: OLB; 5' 6"; Freshman

#3 Ja'shya Christie: S/QB; 5' 7"; Freshman

#6 Alexis Nelson: OLB/WR; 5' 3"; Freshman

#7 Vanessa Queen: WR/DB; 5' 5"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#12 Isabella Betancourt
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: OLB/WR

#11 Orianna Brooks
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: OLB

#3 Ja'shya Christie
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: S/QB

#6 Alexis Nelson
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: OLB/WR

#7 Vanessa Queen
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: WR/DB

Florida Memorial University Athletics

Scoreboard

Players Mentioned

Players Mentioned