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Rattlers' homecoming ends in heartbreak

Fleming stopped on 3rd-and-goal
Posted at 9:38 PM, Nov 01, 2014
and last updated 2015-06-22 08:55:47-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Down by two with just seconds to go, Florida A&M looked to be on the way to a homecoming win over Norfolk State. The Rattlers had the ball at the Spartans' one yard line on third down. All quarterback Damien Fleming had to do was spike the ball, bring up fourth down, and allow senior kicker Chase Varnadore to seal the victory.

But inexplicably, Fleming attempted a quarterback sneak and was stuffed by the NSU defense. With no timeouts remaining, FAMU didn't have enough time to bring out the field goal unit. The clock ran out, and the Rattlers homecoming was spoiled by a final score of 12-10.

Fleming threw for 181 yards and a touchdown in the game. His favorite target was former Godby Cougar Montavis Williams, who finished with five catches for 47 yards and one score. Tysean Holloway added 45 yards on the ground for the Rattlers.

The game was the first as a collegiate head coach for Corey Fuller. The former East Gadsden head coach and star player at Florida State and Rickards High took over the role on an interim basis Tuesday after FAMU Director of Athletics Kellen Winslow fired Earl Holmes.