by Taylor Hodges

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner (4-2, 2-0 Sun) jumped out to a big lead early against Ave Maria (2-3, 1-1 Sun) in this afternoon's Mid-South Conference Sun Division contest here at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium, and ultimately overcame a mid-game offensive drought with two late touchdowns to secure the 35-13 victory over the Gyrenes.

Michael Watkins started things off for the Eagles with a 94-yard return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff.

The first quarter seemed to go just as planned for the home team as quarterback Clayton Nicholas threw two more touchdowns to elevate Faulkner into a 21-0 lead.

Nicholas was 25-for-37 with 231 yards, three touchdowns and an interception on the day.

Ave Maria climbed onto the scoreboard courtesy of a nine-yard scamper from quarterback Will Tate early in the second quarter and added a defensive touchdown via a 70-yard Ramsey Bennett bolt on a recovered fumble in the third frame.

The Gyrenes missed the second extra point try and as well as a 21-yard field goal attempt at the close of the first half.

After a pair of scoreless quarters, Faulkner running back Kawon Bryant punched in to the end zone on a one-yard run in the fourth before Nicholas fired a three-yard strike to Alex Pina-Rhoden to wrap up scoring for the outing.

Josh Gaines led the Eagles on the ground with 91 yards on 18 carries while Bryant added 63 yards on 15 touches.

Amos was the leading receiver, catching seven passes for 83 yards and a score.

Joe Jones had 36 yards receiving on three catches out of the backfield and added 32 rushing yards to his game totals.

Jacob McCrary tallied 35 yards on four catches that included a touchdown and Terrance Sims had 33 yards on four receptions.

Vandy Smith led the defense with 11 tackles and had a pass breakup. Daniel Johnson followed with 10 tackles.

The Eagles forced two turnovers thanks to Willie Bland's forced fumble and an Austin Morrison interception, which led to a Faulkner touchdown on the ensuing drive.

"I was really proud of the way we bounced back in the fourth quarter," head coach Charlie Boren said. "Our defense played well all day long, but there are still some things we need to work on going forward."

The Eagles next host No. 15 Southeastern (Fla.) at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.