Monday, September 3, 2007

FAMU QB Chester to start if healthy


By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Florida A&M head football coach Rubin Carter said Sunday evening that quarterback Albert Chester II (pictured) will start Saturday against Delaware State if he is healthy enough to play.

Chester, a redshirt senior out of Jacksonville Episcopal High, started Saturday against Southern but was replaced by walk-on senior Leon Camel after FAMU went scoreless on its first three possessions. Chester had been bothered by pain in his right (throwing) arm before Saturday's game, but during the post-game press conference Carter didn't say that was a factor in the decision to change quarterbacks.

Carter said Sunday that Chester's health was a factor in his removal.

"He was a little bit sore," Carter said. "I wanted to make sure he didn't hurt it any more than it already was."

Camel came in and led the offense on three scoring drives in the first half to give FAMU a 20-12 lead.

Camel left the game because of cramps after throwing an interception with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter. Chester returned to the game for FAMU's next three possessions but was again replaced by Camel, who played one more series before another switch was made. Chester took over on the Rattlers' final possession, leading the team to a touchdown.

Chester completed 14 of 23 passes for a 150 yards, no touchdowns and an interception and also carried the ball five times for 27 yards.

Camel completed seven of 21 passes for 94 yards, one touchdown and one interception and carried the ball five times for 12 yards and a touchdown.

"If he (Chester) is healthy enough, he will start," Carter said. "This week we will look to see if he can throw the football to all the receivers' routes."

Saturday: Delaware State at FAMU, 6 p.m.

A Legend Reborn: FAMU Rattlers

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