Thomasville, GA | In the first homecoming in Night Hawks history, Thomas was defeated by Florida Memorial, 37-24, at Veteran's Memorial Stadium.  

The day began with festivities that featured Senior Day. Chris Carter (Imperial, Calif., Imperial HS, Army (West Point Mil. Aca.)) and Kevin Hernandez (Newnan, Ga., Newnan HS, ) were honored before the game. Immediately following Senior Day, 14 Night Hawks football players began their military transition portion of the Military Transition Football Program, by being sworn into the Georgia National Guard.

The fireworks continued early, on the field, for both teams once the game began.  The Lions drove 60 yards in 4 plays and scored just 3:31 into the game, to take an early 7-0 lead.

It didn't take long for the Night Hawks to respond, specifically, their first offensive play.  James Amaker would rush up the middle, for 65 yards, and a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 (Wyatt Waddell PAT) 10 seconds later.

Florida Memorial, who is leading the NAIA in offensive yards per game and 12th in points per game, looked to live up to their rankings, as they scored on their next offensive possession, putting the Lions up 14-7, with 6:53 remaining in the 1st quarter.

Things quieted down, at least for the Night Hawks, for the rest of the first half.  Florida Memorial would add two additional touchdowns in the 2nd quarter, to increase their lead to 24-7 at halftime.

As the 3rd quarter began, the game seemed to look as if the Lions were going to run away with the score, as Florida Memorial would add another touchdown on their first possession of the half.  FMU's PAT failed, and Thomas seemed to have a little hope.

Early in the 4th quarter, Thomas was able to take advantage of a Florida Memorial mistake, as a holding penalty in the end zone led to a safety, and 2-points for the Night Hawks.  

Thomas would take possession of the free kick and drive 49 yards for the touchdown.  Charles Britt would complete a 49-yard touchdown pass to Jarek Foster for the score (Waddell PAT), cutting the FMU lead to 30-16.

Florida Memorial would answer with a touchdown, on their next drive, to increase their lead to 37-16.

On the subsequent kickoff, Nathaniel Tyler would make Night Hawks history.  Tyler would be the first Thomas player to return a kickoff for a touchdown and also set the mark for the longest kickoff return, 80 yards.  Thomas would go for 2-points, and succeed, as Britt completed a pass to Brandon Denmark.  The Night Hawks were back in the game, with 6:24 remaining in the 4th quarter.

The Night Hawks would recover the onside kick, to retain possession.  But the Lions defense forced Thomas to turn the ball over on downs.  The Night Hawks defense gave Thomas one last chance, stopping the Lions on a 4th down, to regain possession on the Night Hawk 33 yard line.  Unfortunately, the Night Hawks turned the ball over on downs, essentially ending any hopes for a homecoming miracle.

NOTE

The following Night Hawks were sworn into the Georgia National Guard in a pregame ceremony:    

Charles Britt
Ronnie Davis
Corey Williams Jr.
Lake Wilson
Wyatt Waddell
Jakhi Pusha
Jaylen White
Brandon Denmark
Julian Harper
Tykell Maxwell
Howard Alexander
Adrian Traylor
Charles Williams
Damian St Fleur

SENIORS HONORED

69 OL Kevin Hernandez

Kevin's favorite memory at Thomas was getting accepted into TU!  His future plans are to obtain his real estate license and to expand his golf clothing company, mulligan golf-co. His advice to his remaining teammates is to be humble and to always stay in the moment.
 
Coach O's memory of Hernandez was that Kevin was the first student, who was enrolled at Thomas University, to reach out to him to express interest in playing football.  Kevin was on the track team at the time. Kevin has provided stability on the offensive line this season, and he is the only original offensive linemen who has remained with the program, since its inception.  coach o want to express a sincere thanks to Kevin.

7 QB Chris Carter 

Chris' favorite memory at Thomas was the beginning of fall camp this season, because he was able to put the pads back on.  His future plans are to continue to continue to grow his finals services business, with Primerica.  His advice to his remaining teammates is to be coachable and don't be afraid to follow your dreams.
 
Coach O's memories of Chris goes back to before landing the job at Thomas.  Coach O has known Chris since his prep school year and academy years at west point military academy, commonly known as army.  When Coach O landed this job at Thomas, Chris reached out to coach o to congratulate him and stated that he wanted to come play for him and finish his degree.  Coach O did cartwheels.  Coach O is so pleased and happy that Chris made the decision to become a Night Hawk.  He has provided leadership, stability, and has been a coach on the field.  Coach O is honored, not to only have coached Chris, but also considers him a dear friend.

UP NEXT

The Night Hawks will be away, for the season finale, traveling to Miami Gardens' FL to face St. Thomas.  Kickoff is set for noon and will be live streamed at www.tunighthawks.com.  For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU Football team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMFB.