BABSON PARK, Fla. -Â Â The Webber International University football team opened the 2026 season with a statement of resilience Saturday, rallying from a 14-7 point halftime deficit to defeat the University of Fort Lauderdale, 20-14, in a weather-delayed season opener at Warrior Field.
After weather delays interrupted the contest and the Warriors found themselves trailing the University of Fort Lauderdale by at halftime, Webber came out of the break determined to change the course of the game. The Warriors scored 13 unanswered points in the second half, including the go-ahead touchdown with less than two minutes remaining, to rally for a 20-14 victory at Warrior Field.
The Warriors' comeback began with a strong second-half performance on both sides of the ball.
Running back D'Markus Mathis was at the center of the offensive attack, rushing 22 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns. After Fort Lauderdale took a 14-0 lead, Mathis broke loose for a 43-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, pulling Webber within striking distance and tying the game at 14-14.
Mathis wasn't finished.
After about a two hour delay and the game still tied in the fourth quarter, the Warriors continued to grind away at the Fort Lauderdale defense. With just 1:54 remaining, Mathis found the end zone again, this time from 14 yards out, giving Webber its first lead of the afternoon at 20-14.
From there, the Warrior defense took over.
After allowing 14 points in the first half, Webber pitched a shutout over the final two quarters. The defense limited Fort Lauderdale to just 124 total yards on the afternoon while recording four sacks, repeatedly putting pressure on the Eagles and giving the offense opportunities to complete the comeback.
Aaron Williams led the defensive effort with four tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Omar Goosby added three tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.
The offense responded with a balanced and efficient performance of its own. Webber finished with 417 total yards, including 246 on the ground and 171 through the air, while recording 20 first downs.
Quarterback Trent Grotjan completed 10 of 18 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Terrell Holt for a 10-yard touchdown that put the Warriors on the scoreboard in the second quarter.
Despite the early deficit and a long afternoon affected by weather interruptions, Webber never stopped fighting. The Warriors' second-half surge ultimately produced 20 unanswered points and turned what appeared to be a difficult season opener into a statement victory.
The Warriors will now turn their attention to their first road test of the season.
UP NEXT
Webber International will hit the road for its first away game of the 2026 season when the Warriors travel to DeLand, Florida, to take on Stetson University on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
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