Written by Bob Mora Orlando Florida - In a game that both teams had a hard time getting started, ended a thriller. During first half, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats ( 8-3) out rushed the Florida A&M Rattlers (3-8) 139 yards to 48 yards. Both teams fell short on 2 Red-zone scoring chances, each teams quarterback threw an interception and the Wildcats kicker Chase Varndore missed from 46 while the Rattlers kicker Ben Noboa missed from 41 late in the second quarter to keep the game scoreless going into halftime. In the second half the Wildcats running game took over and on their second possession drove 66 yards on 11 plays to score the first points of the game on Michael Jones 9 yard touchdown run with 1:16 in the third quarter. The Rattlers put together a 12 play 74 yard drive highlighted by Quarterback Damien Fleming 2 yard keeper to tie the score at 7-7 with 9:51 left in the 4th. Both teams punted, but Wildcats returner Frank Brown fumbled on his return attempt giving A&M prime field position at the the BCU 7 yard line. However, the Rattlers would have to settle for a 29 yard field goal to take 10-7 lead with 3:47 left as they were unable to get into the endzone. The Wildcats and their run game marched 50 yards down the field on 10 plays to send the game into overtime on Haden Hoggarths 32 yard kick with 39 seconds left in regulation. In overtime, with the Rattlers having first possession, Fleming completed a 12 yard pass to Gerald Hearns. After an incomplete pass, Fleming connected with Kareem Smith for a 13 yard score to give the Rattlers a 17-10 lead putting all the pressure on the Wildcats. After 2 incomplete passes, Wildcats QB Larry Brihm connected with Jhomo Gordon at the FAMU 1, giving BC a 1st and goal. It took three plays, but RB Danny Dillard scored to make it 17-16. Instead of playing for the tie, Wildcats Coach Brian Jenkins called for 2 and QB Larry Brihm found a gap to score in what turned out to be a very exciting finish to the 2014 Florida Classic and a 18-17 Bethune-Cookman victory. Florida Classic Communications Daytona Beach, FL - November 19, 2014 - Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) and Florida A & M University (FAMU) have sweetened the Florida Classic pot with a first time fundraising competition. The Wildcats and Rattlers will have approximately four hours to raise as much money as they can for their respective universities. The fundraising standing will be shown at the end of each quarter of the game. The team that wins will add one more bragging right over their opponent; and essentially add to the university's bottom line. B-CU is using this opportunity to remind alumni, students and supporters of the underlying goal of this highly anticipated weekend, which is continued education. The money raised will benefit the university's foundation and scholarships. Game attendees will be encouraged to donate via text (Text BCUFUND to 7144) or on the university's website (www.cookman.edu). In addition, participants are asked to use the hashtag #WildcatsRoar throughout the competition.
"This is going to be a great challenge. We hope to ignite a social media fundraising frenzy during the game," says Dr. Hakim Lucas, B-CU Office of Institutional Advancement. "Both B-CU and FAMU stand to raise an impressive amount of money." The final totals will be announced at the end of the fourth quarter. The Florida Classic will welcome thousands to Orlando this weekend. The game will be the first event at the renovated Citrus Bowl. Kick-off time is 2 pm on Saturday, November 22. For more information or media inquiries, contact Keisha Pickett - [email protected] or (813)732-9693. About The Florida Classic: The Florida Classis is the largest football game between two historically Black Colleges in America. Since its inception in 1978, the game has now seen over 1.5 million spectators attend the game (1,560,893). The game brings together thousands of Rattlers, Wildcats and supporters for a weekend of friendly rivalry, fun, football and entertainment. It is offers alumni and students a great opportunity to support their respective programs at this historic event. Learn more about the Florida Classic at www.FloridaClassic.org. |
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