AT A GLANCE
FMU Lions (0-1) at Ave Maria Gyrenes (0-1)
When: Saturday, September 19, 2020
Where: Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Fla. | Gyrenes Field
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Live Stream: https://thesundigitalnetwork.com/avemariagyrenes/
Live Stats: https://avemariagyrenes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – One of the good things about sports is that – typically – after a loss, in a short amount of time after you’ll have another chance for things to go right and potentially earn a victory.
Florida Memorial will be looking to put its season-opening loss in the rearview mirror and look to earn the program’s first victory when it travels to Ave Maria University Saturday to face the Gyrenes on their home field.
Florida Memorial ends 62-year football hiatus with 62-0 loss to Keiser University
Saturday’s game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff, FMU’s first nighttime football game this season, and will be the nightcap in what is essentially a tri-sport triple-header between the two schools. The Lions’ men’s soccer team will face off with the Gyrenes at 11 a.m. and the women’s soccer team will open its season against Ave Maria at 2 p.m.
Unfortunately for FMU fans, Ave Maria University will not be allowing visiting fans to attend the game. The game will, however, be streamed live online for free.
Last weekend, FMU played its first football game after a 62-year hiatus – making history for South Florida’s only historically Black university (HBCU) – but had a tough time finding its footing – literally and figuratively – as it failed to generate much on either side of the ball against No. 9 Keiser University on a rain-soaked field.
Though the Lions (0-1) didn’t generate any points against the Seahawks, they did have some positive takeaways to build on. Florida Memorial did not turn over the ball, it totaled 16 first downs, and manufactured a 21-play drive that got down to the 3-yard line before it fizzled.
FMU’s offense produced 143 rushing yards this past week, led by freshman running back George Young’s 68 yards. Young showed himself to be a versatile offensive weapon for Lions head coach Tim Harris Sr. as he also led the team with 30 receiving yards and was the catalyst for one of FMU’s longest plays of the game against Keiser.
Standing in the Lions’ way Saturday will be a Gyrenes team that is also striving to score its first win – and points – of the young season. Ave Maria was shutout by Southeastern University this past Saturday (34-0) while being outgained 184-567 in total offense and turning the ball over twice through the air.
The Gyrenes offensive line, which starts freshmen at both left tackle and center and a sophomore at right tackle, also seemed susceptible to an aggressive pass rush – evident by the five sacks it allowed against the Fire. Look for Florida Memorial defensive coordinator Nitron Stork to dial up the pressure and go after either of Ave Maria’s upperclassmen quarterbacks Will Tate or Kristian Marks – both of whom saw action in week one.
Courtesy: FMU Athletics
