| Rattlers defeat Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 41-38 in fourth consecutive win | The 2024 Florida Blue Florida Classic delivered a game for the ages, as the Florida A&M Rattlers edged out the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in a heart-stopping 41-38 thriller at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
The Rattlers showcased resilience before a crowd of more than 56,000, turning a halftime deficit into their fourth consecutive victory in this storied rivalry.
The star of the night was undoubtedly running back Thaddius Franklin Jr., a South Florida native and Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) alumnus who transferred from the University of Miami.
Franklin’s electrifying performance, highlighted by 195 rushing yards and three touchdowns, earned him MVP honors. His game-changing 70-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter proved pivotal in Florida A&M’s comeback.
Momentum swings
Trailing 21-17 at halftime, the Rattlers had to dig deep against a spirited Bethune-Cookman squad. The Wildcats came out firing, using a balanced offensive attack to keep Florida A&M off balance in the first half. Quarterback Cam Ranson completed 11 of 21 passes for 196 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while running back Dennis Palmer ran for 181 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries.
Receiver Maleek Huggins from Bethune-Cookman was also lethal, with seven receptions for 177 yards and one touchdown, helping give his team an early edge.
Huggins also returned a punt early in the contest for a 77-yard touchdown, but it was not enough for the victory as the Rattlers came out of the locker room with renewed focus.
Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson, another South Florida product from Miami Carol City Senior High, played a steady hand, completing 14 of 20 passes for 180 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Richardson’s connection with seven different receivers, including Jamari Gassett, for a 12-yard touchdown early in the second quarter kept the game close and set the stage for Franklin’s heroics.
“You want to have a great season, go to the Celebration Bowl, win a national championship. But to win the Florida Classic means so much,” said Richardson.
Franklin Jr. dominance
To many, Franklin’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The bruising yet agile running back showed why he was one of South Florida’s top high school prospects and a prized transfer for Florida A&M. His 70-yard dash to the end zone early in the fourth quarter was a statement play that shifted momentum entirely.
Franklin’s three touchdowns included two short-yardage scores that showcased his power and a long run that displayed his speed and vision. His ability to control the tempo and grind out tough yards was instrumental in keeping Bethune-Cookman’s explosive offense off the field in the second half.
Wild finish
Despite Franklin’s heroics, the Wildcats refused to back down. A late touchdown run by Palmer brought Bethune-Cookman within three points, but the Rattlers’ defense held firm in the game’s final seconds.
When the clock hit zero, the Rattlers celebrated a hard-fought victory and their fourth straight win in the Florida Classic. Florida A&M holds a 54-24-1 lead in the all-time series, further solidifying its dominance in one of the nation’s most iconic HBCU football rivalries.
HBCU Excellence
The Florida Classic continues to be more than just a game; it also celebrates HBCU culture, community and tradition. From the high-energy halftime Battle of the Bands featuring Florida A&M’s “Marching 100” and Bethune-Cookman’s “Marching Wildcats” to the tailgate festivities, this year’s event embodied the vibrancy of HBCU life.
Florida A&M head coach and Miami native James Colzie III praised his team’s resilience.
“This is Florida A&M Rattlers football. So, when you go out there and lose games, people think you should win, and there will be chatter,” said Colzie.
“We knew what we had to do this week: eliminate what happened last weekend,” he went on, referring to the team’s loss to Mississippi Valley State, “and prepare for a rivalry football game. I told the guys maybe some things would be forgotten by winning (the Florida Classic).”
Looking ahead
With its victory, Florida A&M improved its record to 6-5 on the season and has the chance to finish the season 7-5 for the team’s season closer at home against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. Although the Rattlers will not be able to defend their 2023 HBCU National Championship in the Celebration Bowl, defeating their rival is still an option.
For Bethune-Cookman, the loss marked another chapter in the team’s rebuilding process. The Wildcats finished the season 2-10 under second-year head coach Raymond Woodie Jr., but the team’s competitive spirit and young talent offer hope for the future.
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