Edward Waters surges back to beat Florida Memorial in stadium debut
Edward Waters University opened play in its new stadium on Saturday and beat Florida Memorial 24-20. (News4Jax)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Talk about a way to open a stadium.
Edward Waters University came back at the finish to open play in its new stadium — and a new division — in style.
Freshman quarterback Cedquan Smith scored on a 4-yard touchdown run with 16 seconds left to give the Tigers a 24-20 win over Florida Memorial on Saturday afternoon. EWU trailed 13-0 early in the third quarter and 20-17 with just under 3 minutes to play before it rallied.
De’shaun Hugee rushed for 70 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown and Vashaun Stockman recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for EWU.
EWU was playing in its debut under coach Toriano Morgan and a new facility, named Nathaniel Glover Community Field and Stadium. It was also its first game as a member of NCAA Division II, which the Tigers joined as a provisional member this summer.
The Tigers (1-0) visit Benedict College on Sept. 9 in their next game.
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About the Author Justin Barney headshot
Justin Barney joined News4Jax in February 2019, but he’s been covering sports on the First Coast for more than 20 years.
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