COACHING MATCH UP
Edward Waters: Toriano Morgan, 4th Season (16-17)
Florida Memorial: Bobby Rome II, 1st Season (9-11)
 
SERIES HISTORY:
Saturday's meeting will be the 4th match up between the Tigers and the Lions since renewing their rivalry on the gridiron in 2021.  EWU is looking to avoid their third consecutive loss to the FMU after winning the inaugural game in 2021. Florida Memorial currently holds a 2-1 lead over Edward Waters, but the Tigers look to even the score on Saturday.
 
2021 | Jacksonville, FL | EWU 24, FMU 20
2022 | Miami Gardens, FL | EWU 34, FMU 39
2023 | Jacksonville, FL | EWU 21, FMU 38
 
 
PREVIEWING EDWARD WATERS
The Edward Water Tigers notched their first ever victory as a Division II program and improved to 1-0 on the season for the first time since 2001 with their 28-11 defeat over Morehouse last Saturday.
 
Offensively the Tigers' rushing attack was spearheaded by sophomore Gregory Mango. Mango collected 102 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown. Senior transfer Kentrelle Willaims added a score of his own and Brady Tilman added 71 yards for EWU. Junior Juwan Dent threw for 81 yards on 9 for 12 passing and two touchdowns, one in the air and one on the ground. HBCU Preseason All-American wide receiver Johnny Jones paced the Tigers with eight catches and 64 receiving yards. Tight end Raveon Moore, a native of Atlanta, also snagged a touchdown catch in front of his hometown fans.

The Edward Waters defense was a force all game against Morehouse. Outside of an opening play 51-yard touchdown pass, the Tigers pitched a tremendous shoutout. The Tigers forced a team-record nine turnovers including five interceptions and four forced fumbles. Senior defensive back De'Angelo Sapp snagged two interceptions and four tackles. Sophomore and Atlanta native Stephan French added one interception, a fumble recovery and three tackles, including two for a loss. Senior All-SIAC linebacker Widmyer Garcon led the team with eight tackles as he also recovered a fumble too.
 
PREVIEWING FLORIDA MEMORIAL
Florida Memorial was picked to finish third in the SUN Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll after going 5-2 in conference play and finishing the 2023 season 6-4 overall.

The Lions return six players who were named to the All-SUN Second-Team, including running back Walter Wilbon, offensive linemen Jeffery Bonica and Justyn Mack as well as linebacker Daeshawn Davis and defensive backs Devin Essix and Darius Conley.
 
NEXT GAME:
Edward Waters will yet again hit the road next week with a trip to Mississippi to take on Alcorn State. The game will be played at Spinks-Casem Stadium on Saturday September 14 at 4:00 p.m.

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