all photos by: JUAN MOORE
In a hard-fought battle against both their opponents and the elements, Florida A&M etched their names in history by clinching their inaugural Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship. Overcoming the challenges posed by wet and soggy conditions, the Rattlers secured a commanding 35-14 victory against Prairie View A&M, showcasing their dominance on the grand stage.
This triumph represents a significant milestone for Florida A&M, having come tantalizingly close in the preceding two seasons with just one league loss each time. Head Coach Willie Simmons, relishing in the glow of his first conference title, articulated his joy, remarking, “A great day for Tallahassee, FAMU, and these young men. It warms my heart to celebrate a goal we set for ourselves long ago.”
The narrative of the game was not without its interruptions, as lightning played a role in delaying the kickoff by half an hour and causing an hour-long pause in the third quarter. However, the Rattlers, holding their ground at the fifth spot in the FCS Coaches Poll, demonstrated resilience. With an average margin of victory of 17.7 points against SWAC opponents this season, their prowess shone through, with only Southern managing to keep the contest within single digits.
Prairie View, seeking redemption after a humbling 45-7 defeat in their previous encounter, found themselves unable to counter Florida A&M’s dynamic offensive strategy and the impenetrable “Dark Cloud” defense. The Rattlers stamped their authority with touchdowns on three of their first four possessions, establishing a commanding 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. Their total offensive output reached an impressive 448 yards compared to Prairie View’s 274.
Despite quarterback Jeremy Moussa nursing a shoulder injury, he played a pivotal role, contributing a touchdown pass and a rushing score. Coach Simmons leaned on the team’s stalwart defense and a potent ground game, spearheaded by the exceptional Terrell Jennings, who rushed for 113 yards and two crucial touchdowns, including a game-sealing 33-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Simmons heaped praise on Jennings, noting, “He’s been playing really good football the last few weeks of the season. He was MVP of the Florida Classic, and now he’s MVP of the SWAC Championship game. He’s a senior who bided his time and overcame a lot of adversity.”
Prairie View, however, managed to narrow the deficit with Caleb Johnson’s 8-yard run and Ahmad Antoine’s 35-yard burst, bringing the score to 21-14. The Panthers’ aspirations suffered a setback when starting quarterback Trazon Connley was injured and did not return after halftime. Backup quarterback Chris Herron assumed the reins but failed to turn the tide. The Rattlers intercepted three passes, including one on Kenneth Patterson’s lone attempt.
Florida A&M’s triumph extended their home winning streak to an impressive 20 consecutive games at Bragg Memorial Stadium, solidifying their position as the nation’s leader following Montana State’s recent stumble in the FCS playoffs. While the departing seniors bid adieu to Ken Riley Field, the Rattlers (11-1) are now poised to vie for the Black national championship against Howard in the Celebration Bowl on December 16 in Atlanta.
Simmons conveyed the team’s unwavering determination to tick every box this season, from triumphing in the Orange Blossom Classic to securing the SWAC Championship. Looking ahead to the Celebration Bowl, he underscored the team’s physicality, emphasizing, “We want to be a physical football team that also has speed on the perimeter. I think we match up well against anybody in the country.”
