MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | The Florida Memorial University Lions took care of business in their season opener, winning a third straight Big Cat Classic with a 31-21 victory over Division II HBCU opponent Edward Waters University at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium. FMU nearly squandered a 17-point halftime lead before sealing the deal with a late touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"We expected Edward Waters to throw a punch in the second half; they are a good football team and are coached by a good head coach," said FMU Lions head coach Bobby Rome II. "I'm proud of how my guys finished, but we have to clean up some things."

Thanks to FMU's impressive offensive line, Lions running back Walter Wilbon III rushed for 170 yards on 21 carries and scored four rushing touchdowns on the afternoon. His big play ability was on display once again as he took his first carry of the season 51-yards to the house for the opening touchdown of the game. Fellow Lions running back Marcus Barthel rushed for 127 yards on 17 attempts as the Lions rushed for over 300 yards in the victory.

"I told Walt before the game that he would score on his first touch," said Rome.

The FMU defense held the Tigers scoreless in the first half and kept Edward Waters under 100 yards rushing. FMU safety Devin Essix produced the team's only interception of the contest while teammate Kareem Roberts led the Lions with five solo tackles. Fellow Lion Darius Conley added five total tackles in the win. FMU linebacker Jakai Linwood, who returned to the gridiron for the first time in two seasons due to injury, finished with five total tackles, including a game-ending sack.

Edward Waters transfer and current Florida Memorial University quarterback Cedquan Smith maintained his composure throughout the afternoon, finishing 11-of-20 for 94 yards. He also rushed for 11 yards as FMU improves to 1-0 on the season.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, September 14 as they host Clark Atlanta in the Sunshine Showdown. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium.