BABSON PARK, Fla. – Webber International football mounted a late comeback attempt but came up just short in a 21-19 loss to Ave Maria University on Saturday afternoon at Warrior Turf Field during the Warriors' Homecoming, Alumni Weekend and Breast Cancer Awareness game.
The Warriors (2-4, 0-2 SUN) battled throughout the contest, outgaining the Gyrenes on the ground and putting together a late scoring drive to make it a two-point game in the closing minutes.
Ave Maria (3-3, 1-1 SUN) opened the scoring with a first-quarter touchdown before adding another score early in the second quarter to take a 14-0 lead. Webber answered with 3:06 remaining in the first half when quarterback Trent Grotjan connected with Kendall Johnson on a 22-yard touchdown pass. Tyler Sapp added the extra point to send the Warriors into halftime trailing 14-7.
Webber continued to chip away in the third quarter. After a sustained offensive drive, Sapp connected on a 35-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-10 heading into the final period.
The Gyrenes extended their advantage with a rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter, making it 21-10. Sapp responded with his second field goal of the afternoon, this time from 31 yards, to bring the Warriors within eight at 21-13.
With just over a minute remaining, Webber found the end zone again. Grotjan connected with Quinton Moore on a nine-yard touchdown pass to cap a short scoring drive. The Warriors attempted a two-point conversion but were unable to convert, leaving the score at 21-19.
Webber's offense finished with 278 total yards, including 166 rushing yards. Javarro Mitchell led the ground attack with 85 yards on nine carries, highlighted by a 61-yard run. Grotjan completed nine passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 50 yards.
Moore led the Warriors with three receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown, while Johnson added two catches for 24 yards and a score. Sapp accounted for six points with a pair of successful field goals.
Webber International returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17, traveling to Lakeland, Florida, to face No.21 Southeastern University in SUN Conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
