DSU Hornets seek to shake FAMU Rattlers

Photo: DSU Head Coach Al Lavan

By Chris Gasiewski, Delaware State News

DOVER — The rush of victory has already dissipated. Delaware State’s 23-18 win over then-No. 23 ranked Coastal Carolina Saturday brought a celebration and then immediate focus on the next foe.

And that opponent — Florida A&M — presents a number of challenges for DSU. When the Hornets walk into Bragg Memorial Stadium, which seats 25,500, 6 p.m. Saturday, the quest for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title begins.

“They have such a great tradition over the years,” DSU coach Al Lavan said. “The band is playing all over the place. It’s just an atmosphere you have to prepare your team for.”

The game is both teams’ MEAC openers as it has been for the past two seasons.

Back in 2005, Lavan trooped the Hornets to Tallahassee, Fla. for a game in which a very green, red-shirt quarterback Vashon Winton helped DSU escape with a 21-17 win in his first start.

Last season, the Hornets forfeited a home game to face FAMU in the Ford Football Classic in Detroit. DSU overpowered the Rattlers 34-14 in that game.

“I expect Coach Lavan and DSU to be as good as they have been the last two years,” FAMU coach Rubin Carter said. “They have been the thorn in our side. They have key players that we have to stop.

“Winton is very active. Then, Kareem Jones, he is a pretty good player. He has cutback abilty. And of course with (Shaheer) McBride, they have a triple threat.”

That trio keyed the offense against Coastal Carolina.

Winton, a former MEAC Rookie of the Year, was his former self after breaking his leg last season. He tossed two touchdown passes to McBride. Jones, a transfer from Syracuse, rushed for 171 yards on 24 carries.

But Florida A&M also has talent in the skill positions.

Quarterback Albert Chester II heads the charge, returning after tossing for a MEAC-high 198.6 yards per game last season. He was also tops in the conference in total offense (230.6 yards per game).

Saturday, in the Rattlers’ 33-27 loss to Southern in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, Chester again proved his ability, producing a 106.96 passer rating.

“It’s much of the same anytime you go against Florida A&M,” Lavan said. “They’ve got good players with tremendous speed. Our challenge is to go into the Rattlers’ nest and come out alive.

“Anytime you play a Florida A&M you have to be ready for skill people.”

Reeves honored

Maybe it was the beard he grew during summer camp, but linebacker Russell Reeves played perhaps his best game as a Hornet Saturday.

The Mechanicsville, Md., native had 12 tackles, including seven solo, a sack and two pass breakups. He also dropped a potential interception in the second quarter.

It earned Reeves the MEAC’s Defensive Player of the Week award.

Lavan pleased

Lavan said he wasn’t surprised but pleased with the performance of several players from Saturday. Mostly, it was with Jones and his endurance and free safety Reggie McCoy, who had three tackles and blanketed receivers.

He also gave recognition to Jackie Watkins, who made his first start at outside linebacker, and Laronne Moore, who took a reverse for long yardage deep into Coastal territory that set up McBride’s second touchdown catch.

Also, Lavan acknowledged defensive back Frances Adjei for blocking an extra point in the fourth quarter.

“That was a turning point,” Lavan said. “That was his play. He did the same thing in practice.

“I can go on and on and pick out instances where guys have improved.”

New goal for line

Last year, the offensive line prided itself on giving Emmanuel Marc enough room to reach the 1,000-yard mark. He was DSU’s first running back to reach the milestone since 2001.

Now, with Jones behind them, the unit has a new goal to reach.

“We’re trying to get Kareem 1,500 (yards) this year,” sophomore center Nick Richmond said. “We also want to rush for about 2,200 (as a team).”

Jones and the line certainly took a big step toward that mark on Saturday.

Not ranked yet

Saturday’s win still wasn’t enough for DSU to crack into the Sports Network’s Top 25 poll. DSU received 192 points, which equates to a No. 27 ranking.