DURHAM, NC - (Sept. 29) – The Florida A&M Rattlers (3-2, 2-0 MEAC) reeled off 40 points in the first half for the first time since 1999 and cruised to a 55-14 win over the NCCU Eagles (1-3, 0-1 MEAC). This marks the first time since 2009 the Rattlers have ended September with a winning record.
Wide receiver Chad Hunter had a career game, hauling in three touchdown to lead the Rattlers in scoring. Hunter finished with 135 yards on seven catches to lead all receivers.
Quarterback Ryan Stanley went 13-of-18 for 254 yards and four touchdowns. He hit Marcus Williams for a 43-yard touchdown completion in the first quarter to tie the game, following a touchdown reception from Nalil Ramadan to Jordan Freeman with 11:56 remaining in the first half.
Yahia Aly kicked a 27-yard field goal with 7:27 remaining in the first quarter to give FAMU a lead they would not relinquish. Following the field goal, Stanley and Hunter would go to work on NCCU. Hunter hauled in a 28-yard TD from Stanley with 4:53 remaining in the first quarter to give the Rattlers a 17-7 lead.
FAMU’s special team performed virtually flawlessly in the win over NCCU. The Rattlers blocked a punt with 3:40 remaining in the first quarter, which was scooped up by Jalene Douse an crossed the end zone for the final score of the first quarter.
Stanley would hit Hunter on scores of 21 and 10 yards to help the Rattlers pull away to a 38-7 lead in the second quarter. Aly tacked on a 33-yard field goal to conclude the scoring with FAMU leading 41-7 at halftime.
Azende Rey got the scoring started again in the third quarter with a one-yard run. NCCU responded with their second and final score of the game with a one-yard run from Jordan Phillips.
Redshirt freshman quarterback DJ Phillips came in for Stanley for most of the fourth quarter. He would find the end zone with 8:56 remaining in the game for his first collegiate touchdown.
Running back Deshawn Smith was the workhorse in the backfield carrying 20 times for 152 yards. Bishop Bonnet had a solid game as well, reeling of a 68-yard run and was also responsible for blocking the punt on special teams.
Derrick Mayweather led the Rattler defense with four solo tackles and one unassisted. Demontre Moore and Elijah Richardson each had two tackles and two assists. FAMU punter Chrs Faddoul had a monsterous game, booting four times for a 51.8 yard average.
The Rattlers prepare for homecoming and another MEAC game as they host the Spartans of Norfolk State University on Oct. 6, with a 4:00 PM kickoff time. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN3.
