Rattlers strike Howard Bison

The Florida A&M University Rattlers (2-1) took home their second victory of the season, beating the Howard University Bison (0-3) 51-24. Coming off a bi-week, team members say having time to prepare for the Bison helped seal the victory.

“We watch film on every opponent we play,” said Anthony Collins, 21, a sociology and junior redshirt student from Miami. “Everyone was just making their own play contributing to the win.”

The Rattler defense got things started early with two big plays.

Defensive end Joseph Wim, recovered a fumble from the Bison and cornerback Qier Hall had a 67-yard interception return.

Hall, 19, a sophomore accounting student from Cocoa Beach, had a total of two interceptions in the game, and said that the team was so successful because the coaching staff prepared 16 days prior to the game.

“I just played the scheme that the coach put together,” Hall said.

Taj Jenkines, 22, a graphic design student from Jacksonville, said the team flourished because of good planning.

“The coaches did a good job laying out plays to beat their defense,” said Jenkines, a tight end. “It was the defense playing so good. The defense pretty much started out and that’s how their morals [Howard’s team] start going down.”

Curtis Holcomb, 20, a sophomore from Miami, said the team was ready for Howard’s passing attack to get a feel of how they play.

“By us watching a lot of film, it made us so successful,” said Holcomb, cornerback. “Basically, we knew they were going to pass a lot. We went into our game plan and what we were practicing all week.”

Holcomb had a 39-yard interception, his third in the last two games.

The Rattler defense held the Howard offense to only 371 offensive yards compared to the Rattler’s 431 total offensive yards.

Not only was the defense successful, the Rattler offense had its biggest game of the season, trouncing the Bison front line for a total of 584 rushing yards. Phillip Sylvester carried the ball 14 times for a total of 131 yards and Curtis Pulley was garnered 66 yards on just eight carries.  

“[Our goal is] to go out and score point every time we get on the field,” said Collins, the team captain. With their highest point total of the season the team wasn’t far from their goal.

The Rattler offense took advantage of a weaker Bison defense, converting on third down eight of 15 times. The Bison converted on just three third downs in the entire game.

The Rattlers special team also continued its strong play, as they converted on all three field goals it attempted.

The Rattlers scored five touchdowns in the first half, and the defense held the Bison scoreless in the opening half.

Eddie Battle had the longest passing touchdown of the day on a 43-yard touchdown pass to Adrian Smith.

Battle 20, a junior accounting student from Titusville, said the offense followed the game plan of the coaches.

“We were just doing what we have been taught,” Battle said. “They do a great job of putting on a game plan and all the offense need to do is keep executing.”