CAIRO — The Cairo Syrupmakers christened the new surface at West Thomas Stadium in winning fashion. 

Cairo downed Escambia (Florida) 21-7, going to 1-1 on the season in the 2021 home opener.

The visiting Gators turned the ball over five times, and the Syrupmakers cashed two of those in early.

The first turnover set up Kevin Speed’s 1-yard run in the first quarter, and the Gators fumbled a punt, setting up his 2-yard run with 11:24 to go in the second quarter.

The Syrupmakers got an insurance score with 11:44 remaining in the game, as Braylon Robinson connected with an open Mo Wilson for a 38-yard touchdown strike.

Escambia got on the board with just over a minute to go when Jake Frazette found Aayden Freeman for a 15-yard touchdown pass. 

Robinson finished 3-of-4 passing for 44 yards and a touchdown. Kevin Speed was 1-for-1 for 9 yards.

Amarion Byrden ran 11 times for 60 yards and Speed added 85 yards on 20 attempts.

Dalton Biggs was 9-of-17 for 117 yards passing for the Gators, and Jake Frazetta was 5-of-10 for 75 yards.

The Syrupmakers held Escambia running back Waymond Jordan Jr. who had 218 yards and four touchdowns against Gulfport, to 103 yards and no scores.

Cairo (1-1) will visit Fitzgerald next week.