With the continued celebration of Thursday’s victory against the Winston Salem State University Rams, the Florida A&M University Rattlers have much more to worry about going into Saturday’s game against Southern University.
Eddie Battle, quarterback, insisted the 23-0 victory was a collective team effort.
“It was an excellent feeling scoring the [first] touchdown, yet any success I have is due to my team,” said Battle from Titusville.
With the teamwork implemented in the last game, the Rattlers said they must use this same strategy and have no mistakes against the Jaguars, a team that boast the same 4-2 record as FAMU.
“The biggest mistake we made as a team in the two games we lost was not coming out fast enough,” said line backer Vernon Wilder. “But that mistake will not be perpetuated in the upcoming game.”
Though enthusiastic, the team and coaches are cognitive of the threats SU could pose.
“They have seven seniors on the team, four of which are on offensive line creating a certain sense of continuity,” said co-defensive coordinator Timothy Edwards. “But we plan to create more opportunities to score on defense.”
After Thursday’s win the team is rested and anxious to get back into the game.
Most of the players saw the mid-week match as an advantage because it allotted more time for preparation.
“We gathered in the film room afterwards and studied the team, we also hit the field,” said wide receiver Adrian Amith from Lakeland. “We’re ready to play hard and execute this Saturday.”
The coaches said they take reviewing the film of opponents and the team itself very seriously.
“You are forced to pay attention to detail,” said Earl Holmes, assistant coach for defense. “If you know yourself, but know nothing of your opponent you have a 50 percent chance of winning. But if you know yourself and your opponent you will never leave the battlefield defeated.”
Though halfway through the season players insist they are not growing complacent.
“I still get the same adrenaline rush as I did at kick-off of the first game,” Smith said. “I enjoy football and the whole game setting. I’m in the business of making my team better. I’m looking forward to the next game, and every one after that, no one is more important than the other.”