Rattlers stay humble after win

Even though the Florida A&M University’s football team was victorious in the game against Tennessee State University, there are still more improvements to be made, according to head coach Joe Taylor.

“Last game we caught some, we dropped some. We made some tackles and we missed some.” Taylor said.

Taylor said that his team has come far compared to last year and they are more focused now- but he made note that the season isn’t half way over.

“We didn’t have too many runs on the field, they missed a lot of opportunities, Taylor said. “As a team we have to focus on assignments and executing them.”

Recently Taylor won his 200th game and this gave the Rattlers a record of 3-1.

“My 200th win is really a testimony that I have been around good people. These people are the administration, faculty and players I have worked with in the past,” Taylor said. “My formula is to surround myself with good people, organize them and then become the bad guy.”

Even with Taylor’s memorable win this past weekend, he said the Rattlers offense should be consistent.

The Rattlers suffered through a myriad of dropped balls going into the third quarter.

“That’s all a part of the game and we learn from our mistakes,” said kicker Trevor Scott, 19, a freshmen political science student from Jacksonville.

Scott missed a field goal of 45-yards, his longest field goal attempt.

Despite the miss, special teams play has been a bright spot for FAMU this season.

“I did pretty well with my punts, I had two inside the 20 but my kickoffs were not where they should be,” said William Platt 18, a punter, freshman pharmacy student from Panama City.

Platt also went on to say that his plan is to get stronger for the next game.

“Sometimes my nerves get the best of me with my kicks, I still get nervous when I get on the field but my punts are okay,” Platt said.

Players said the win over Tennessee State has helped give the team much needed confidence.

“I feel it was our best game we played this year, we are improving from week to week,” said Lawrence Kershaw, offensive coordinator.

Taylor emphasized that the team has to continue to make big plays down the stretch.

“The Rattlers have many top players on the team who contribute to the games. Eddie Battle, Philip Sylvester, Bryan Parker, Leroy Vann and Curtis Holcomb are all players who make big plays on field.” Taylor said.

The team will take on the South Carolina Bulldogs in Bragg Stadium this Saturday. Last year the Rattlers lost against the Bulldogs.

“Last year South Carolina beat us, this year we hope to show them the same hospitality they showed us,” Taylor said.

The Rattlers currently sit fourth in the conference but share a 3-1 record with Hampton, Delaware State and South Carolina State.

“They are talented. They were picked to be champs of the conference. They have solid special teams. The defense has speed. Our hands are full,” Taylor said.