BABSON PARK, Fla. – The Webber International University football team celebrated its 2026 senior class Saturday afternoon at Warrior Turf Field, recognizing 18 Warriors and their families during Senior Day festivities before taking on Florida Memorial University. Despite a second-half offensive push, Webber fell to the Lions, 21-14, in its final home game of the season.
Prior to kickoff, Webber recognized 18 seniors who have made significant contributions to the football program both on and off the field. Surrounded by their families, friends and teammates, the senior class was honored for its dedication, leadership and commitment to the Warrior football program.
The 2026 senior class included
Isaac Dorlean,
La'Terrian Hicks,
Terrell Holt,
Matthew Smiciklas,
Trent Grotjan,
D'Markus Mathis,
Tyler Powell,
Noel Rodriguez-Santiago,
Anthony Rosa,
Makai Elder,
Devin Collado,
Ian Mooney,
Harper Henson,
James Moore,
Nolan Faircloth,
Peyton Giersbrook and
Cooper Cadorette.
The group featured several members of the team's leadership council, including team captains Grotjan, Mathis and Moore. Grotjan, a four-year starter at quarterback, was also recognized for his academic accomplishments and leadership within the program. Elder, meanwhile, served as president of the Future Business Leaders of America and helped lead the team's Wednesday night Bible study sessions.
Following the Senior Day recognition, the Warriors took the field looking to close out their home schedule with a victory.
Florida Memorial struck first, taking a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter after Cardiea Harris recovered a fumble in the end zone. The Lions extended their advantage to 14-0 just before halftime when Khari Fields returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown.
Florida Memorial added another score early in the third quarter on a five-yard rushing touchdown from Nygel Osborne, pushing the advantage to 21-0.
Webber responded with an explosive play midway through the third quarter. Quarterback
Noel Rodriguez-Santiago connected with
Kendall Johnson for an 80-yard touchdown reception, putting the Warriors on the scoreboard.
Tyler Sapp converted the extra point to make it 21-7.
The Warriors continued to battle in the fourth quarter, putting together an eight-play, 51-yard scoring drive. Rodriguez-Santiago again found Johnson, this time for a 37-yard touchdown with 2:20 remaining. Sapp's extra point brought Webber within seven at 21-14.
Despite the late push, Florida Memorial held on for the victory.
Rodriguez-Santiago led the Warriors through the air, completing nine of 16 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson delivered a career-highlight performance with five receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns, including the 80-yard scoring strike.
Terrell Holt added two receptions for 41 yards, while
Cooper Cadorette hauled in two passes for 14 yards.
On the ground, Mathis led Webber with 26 rushing yards on six carries.
Defensively,
Javier Frazier paced the Warriors with 10 total tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception.
Ian Mooney contributed six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a half-sack.
Anthony Fuller also recorded an interception, while the Webber defense finished with two interceptions and six tackles for loss.
Special teams also saw a strong performance from Sapp, who averaged 52.5 yards on two punts, including a long of 57 yards.
Webber finished with 232 yards of total offense, including 222 passing yards, compared to Florida Memorial's 212 total yards. The Warriors also held an advantage in passing yards and time of possession but were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Saturday's contest marked the final home appearance for the Warriors' 2026 senior class, as Webber celebrated the contributions of 18 student-athletes who helped shape the program.
The Warriors will continue the 2026 season on the road, traveling to Miami Gardens, Florida, to take on No. 1-ranked St. Thomas University on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. against the Bobcats.
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