THOMASVILLE, Ga. - Thomas University opened its home schedule in dominant fashion Friday, rolling past Florida Memorial 40–13 behind a high‑powered offense and a defense that forced three interceptions. The Night Hawks struck first midway through the opening quarter when Destiny Lockett capped a short two‑play, 50‑yard drive with a rushing touchdown at the 7:08 mark. Moments later, Lockett found the end zone again through the air, finishing a nine‑play, 47‑yard drive with a three‑yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 13–0.
Thomas pushed the margin to 21–0 with 2:15 left in the half when Lockett scored again on a goal‑line play, but FMU briefly swung momentum with a 66‑yard touchdown strike to Yaniah Brihm just 15 seconds later trimming the deficit to 21–7. The Lions added another score as time expired in the second quarter, making it 21–13 at the break.
The Night Hawks responded with the game's most important sequence early in the fourth quarter. After the defense forced its third turnover of the day — part of a performance that included three interceptions by Azariah Greer. Lockett hit Dyva Jones for a 47‑yard touchdown on the second play of the drive, pushing the lead to 33–13 with 1:58 remaining. Thomas sealed the win on its next possession, marching 21 yards in four plays before Lockett connected with Christion for a seven‑yard touchdown with 31 seconds left.
Quarterback Destiny Lockett powered the attack with 259 passing yards and five touchdowns while adding 82 rushing yards and another score.
Arie'Yona Christion delivered a standout performance with 11 receptions for 112 yards and four touchdowns. Dyva Jones added seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. Thomas finished with 341 total yards and averaged 7.3 yards per play.
Defensively, the Night Hawks set the tone with relentless pressure and timely takeaways. Azariah Greer intercepted three passes and recorded four pulls. Thomas held FMU to just 36 rushing yards and forced four turnovers.
The Night Hawks look to carry their momentum into tomorrow as they face the #5 St.Thomas Bobcasts at 11:30 am.
