Rivalry game? The following quote was said by my father Thursday afternoon, in another one of our epic football conversations.
“If you lose to Howard don’t mention any more (football) games this year.” Walter Brown, FAMU class of ’53.
Forshadowing: Wednesday, drum major Jessie Boyce wrote a column in this newspaper saying the Marching 100 was infamous among other things. He probably meant famous, but judging on the behavior of the 100 Saturday night his original word choice was correct.
On deaf ears: After the loss to Delaware State Athletic Director E. Newton Jackson asked all students and alumni to wear green for Saturday’s game. One look around Bragg Memorial Stadium and his request was, obviously, not taken seriously.
Sportsmanship: Regardless of the foolishness between the band and Howard’s football team, it was good to see most of the players shake hands at the conclusion of the game.
Upward Mobility (continued): Rashard Pompey’s 116 yards on the ground moved him into fifth place on FAMU’s career rushing list passing Amir Rasul and Ike Williams. With a career total of 2,177 yards the next rung on Pompey has to climb is Kenneth Williams’ career total of 2,357 yards.
Mr. Perfect: FAMU kicker Wesley Taylor has not missed a kick all season, converting on all of his three field goal and six extra point attempts. It might not sound impressive through three games, but keep in mind the Rattlers did not make their first field goal until the 10th game of the season in 2004.
Free yardage: After averaging 10 penalties for 71 yards in their first two games, the Rattlers imploded for 15 penalties for 218 yards Saturday night.
“That’s something that has to be improved on. We have to get better (because we) don’t want to defeat ourselves,” Carter said. “I’ll try to alleviate it.”
Here’s betting Carter won’t try to alleviate the problem, but rather fix it entirely.