Williams’ 2 TD passes not enough for FMU

It’s been more than six decades since the Florida Memorial University Lions won a football game, and after Saturday afternoon’s 56-12 loss to the University of the Cumberlands Patriots, one thing is for certain:

The drought will last at least a little while longer.

FMU’s football program, which had been dormant since 1958, came back last year and went 0-3 in a pandemic-shortened season.

This year, the Lions are once again 0-3 after the loss to the Patriots (2-0), who are based in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Saturday’s game, held at Traz Powell Stadium, was FMU’s first home contest in 63 years.

However, the Lions went three-and-out on their first four possessions, and the Patriots capitalized each time with a touchdown.

In fact, the Patriots led 28-0 with 8:07 left in the first quarter.

Thankfully for the home fans, the Lions got their initial first down on their fifth possession, and that led to a five-yard touchdown pass from Antoine Williams to Marcus Barthell. The extra point was no good, and the Patriots led 28-6 after the first quarter.

The Patriots kept coming, however, and they led 42-6 with 10:14 left in the second quarter.

From there, the scoring pace slowed down, and FMU’s other highlight was Williams’ 44-yard touchdown pass to Markell Lee with 10:42 left in the third quarter.

Despite what has to be termed a disappointing loss for the Lions, the program has improved from last year, when the team combined to score a total of just 13 points in three games.

In three games this year, the Lions have scored 54 points.