FAMU savors share of the MEAC title

There wasn't a single player sulking around the Galimore Fieldhouse after Florida A&M found out it wasn't invited to the postseason party. Instead, coach Joe Taylor said he and his players are savoring their successes of the season.

Namely, the Rattlers' six-game win streak that culminated with a 38-27 victory over Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic is worth celebrating. By virtue of handing the Wildcats their only loss in 11 games, FAMU got a share of the Mid-Eastern Conference Championship.


Videographer: toocqrtonvu

Sylvester's 3 TDs lead Rattlers

ORLANDO -- Philip Sylvester had never before scored three touchdowns in a football game. Not even in Pop Warner or high school. The Florida A&M senior with nearly 3,000 career rushing yards picked a perfect time to reach his career-best scoring effort. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back had three TDs Saturday to lead the Rattlers to a 38-27 comeback win over Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic.

Sylvester was presented FAMU's Most Valuable Player Award much to the delight of the Rattler faithful -- and the school's band -- following the game at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

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Videographer: sonyadenise1974 (FAMU Complete Half-Time Show in HD - Mid-Stadium)

Phillip Sylvester, FAMU ruin B-CU's perfect season

Florida A&M running back Philip Sylvester almost spent more time going backward than forward Saturday during the first half of the Florida Classic. But when a force begins to take motion, something has to give, and in this case it was the Bethune-Cookman defense.

Sylvester had just 2 rushing yards at halftime and it looked like his string of five-straight 100-yard games was in jeopardy. Some halftime adjustments, however, along with a little patience, finally got Sylvester moving forward and after 144 second-half yards, the senior had sparked a FAMU upset of previously unbeaten B-CU 38-27.

"God is so good," Sylvester said from the Citrus Bowl podium after accepting the MVP trophy after the game. "Thank you Rattler nation for not giving up on us

Notebook: FAMU coach making mark

ORLANDO - Prior to Saturday's matchup against Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor was tied with Rattlers coaching greats Jake Gaither and Billy Joe with the most wins in their first three seasons (24). After the win, Taylor sits atop that category. Even with much at stake — a possible at-large playoff bid, a share of the MEAC title and the chance to knock off an undefeated team, he said this win wasn't any bigger than his 221 previous wins.

"All of them are blessings," Taylor said. "No one is bigger than the other on, you just enjoy (each one). This is over 200 (wins) now, so all of them are big and I enjoy them all."


Videographer: tijuanae (ESPN Classic Television Version)

Rattlers spoil Wildcats' dream

ORLANDO -- The last time Florida A&M dashed Bethune-Cookman's hopes of an undefeated season, the annual meeting between the Rattlers and the Wildcats was not yet known as the Florida Classic. With a classic reversal of fortunes in the second half Saturday, FAMU frustrated B-CU once again.

Philip Sylvester ran for all but 2 of his 146 yards during final two quarters and scored three touchdowns as the Rattlers, to the delight of the green-and-orange portion of the 61,712 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, rallied for a 38-27 victory and a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.

Because of the conference's points system used to break multiteam ties, Bethune-Cookman (10-1) will represent the MEAC in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The Wildcats and the Rattlers finished 7-1 in league play, as did South Carolina State, which beat North Carolina A&T earlier in the day.

Highlights from FAMU's win over Bethune-Cookman

Three quick things to take away from Florida A&M 38, BCU 27:

•1. Never underestimate the intensity of a Classic. The Wildcats' previous spotless record meant little to the Rattlers who strengthened their series lead 20-10.

•2. Joe Taylor could be in the process of building a Jake Gaither-type legacy. Taylor is the first FAMU coach since Gaither to collect 24 wins in three season. Gaither, who coached from 1945-1969, won six black college national championships.

•3. BCU can brush off this loss quickly as they a still earned a share of the MEAC conference title and already clinched the FCS bid.

Rattlers earn slice of MEAC title

ORLANDO — More than a minute was left in the game as the Florida A&M football team moved closer to the end zone. As the clock kept running, the Rattlers lined up for a second-down play on Bethune-Cookman's 3-yard-line and the FAMU fans were deafening.

Rattlers' quarterback Austin Trainer handed the ball off to running back Philip Sylvester. Sensing that he would get his third touchdown, the crowd went bonkers as Sylvester blazed right up the middle with 28 seconds left. That touchdown capped a remarkable day that saw Sylvester gain 146 second-half yards and rally the Rattlers to a 38-27 victory.



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FAMU BCU Pregame FAMU 38 BCU 27

ATTENDANCE: 61,712

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Florida Classic: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman band alumni recall music, pageantry

At many other football games, the halftime entertainment isn't enough to keep the fans in their seats. But not at the Classic, where they don't budge when the two bands face off in one of the most meticulously choreographed and musically powerful halftime shows anywhere.

The performance is so spectacular that alumni from both sides jokingly describe it as a show interrupted by a football game.

For Wilson and many band alumni, though, the Classic is much, much bigger than a game and a great halftime show. It's part of a rich, tumultuous history during which the two bands became a symbol of pride and accomplishment for millions of African-Americans.


Florida Classic's marching band rivalry decided at halftime

James "Chief" Wilson will put a little extra effort into planning his snack breaks and bathroom trips Saturday at the Citrus Bowl. That's because Wilson, like many of the 50,000 people expected at the Florida Classic, won't want to miss any of the halftime show between the rival Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman university bands.

It's a show that has evolved into an annual extravaganza since Wilson, 83, first performed with the FAMU marching band in the late 1940s.

At many other football games, the halftime entertainment isn't enough to keep the fans in their seats. But not at the Classic, where they don't budge when the two bands face off in one of the most meticulously choreographed and musically powerful halftime shows anywhere.

The performance is so spectacular that alumni...

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B-CU, FAMU clash brings needed business to the ailing Citrus Bowl

The game brings in an estimated $25 million to $30 million economic impact for the city every year.

There is a view from inside the luxurious Amway Center that stares across a row of broccoli-topped trees and ends at the dilapidated Citrus Bowl. It is a bittersweet sight of unfulfilled promises for a promising venue. Talks of the " Triple Crown for Downtown" have long since cooled off after Amway Center was completed.

The fledgling economy all but depleted funding for the performing arts center and Citrus Bowl renovations. And with each passing day, the Citrus Bowl is losing multi-million dollar opportunities for the city. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let's give thanks for the Florida Classic this weekend.

Q & A: Talking with the presidents of FAMU and B-CU before the 31st annual Florida Classic

On the heels of the 31st annual Florida Classic, the Orlando Sentinel caught up with Florida A&M President Dr. James H. Ammons and Bethune Cookman University President Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed for their insights on the game and their schools.

Orlando Sentinel: Historically black colleges and universities don't usually get the benefit of major television exposure. What's the biggest way you promote your teams?

Ammons: Well, actually, FAMU as well as other members of the MEAC have had TV exposure through ESPN2, ESPN Classic and ESPNU. What we are working toward is for one of our games, maybe the Florida Classic, to be televised on ESPN, the major stations for ESPN or on ABC.

Reed: Well, I think that it's important to know that we're a part of the MEAC and our commissioner along with the other institutions renegotiated the contract with ESPN to have more of our games televised and there is this SWAC-MEAC blend that gets more of our games on ESPNU and Classic. So that has been a really healthy start and I think last classic was the first time we were televised by ESPN so there is a movement of change, although it is slow.

Videographer:FAMUTube1887

Videographer: Gentleman1911

Florida Classic events schedule

One of the state of Florida's most historic football games, The Florida Classic between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman is this weekend at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. This year's game has added significance, as Bethune Cookman enters 10-0 for the first time in school history, having already clinched a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title at 7-0 in the league.

The Wildcats have a chance to finish the regular-season unbeaten for the first time. Bethune-Cookman would also earn an automatic berth in the FCS playoffs if they win. It would also earn that honor even if it loses if South Carolina State beats North Carolina A&T next week. One of the teams that is still in the hunt to tie B-C for the league title is Florida A&M, which enters 7-3 overall but 6-1 in the league.

The Rattlers have won five straight games...

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B-CU's bid for perfection: FAMU next

Videographer: lyhsia (FAMU Marching 100 - Tallahassee, FL Veterans Day Parade 11/11/2010)

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Fans lingering at Municipal Stadium on Saturday -- relieved after late touchdown returns by Reggie Sandilands and Eddie Poole saved Bethune-Cookman's undefeated season -- might have gasped in horror when they caught sight of No. 15.

Star linebacker Ryan Lewis was hobbling on the field with crutches and a bag of ice strapped to his left ankle. "I'm OK. I'm going to play next week," Lewis assured. "I'll be at practice (today)."  Lewis, who had another monster game in the Wildcats' 35-20 victory over Howard, sprained his ankle late in the third quarter. He landed awkwardly while hurdling a running back who was attempting a cut block on him.

FAMU is now ready for Florida Classic

Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor no longer has to plea with his players about not letting the Florida Classic become a distraction. Finally, it is the attraction.  "Now that it's here," Taylor said, "we can put all of our attention on it."

In fact, the game will have the attention of the nation because of what will be riding on it when Florida A&M (7-3, 6-1) takes on Bethune-Cookman University (10-0, 7-0) on Saturday in Orlando. B-CU has locked up a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title. FAMU hopes to earn its sixth consecutive MEAC win and claim a share of the league title.

Marching 100 to debut FAMU fight song

With the annual Florida Classic looming, James Ammons made a request of Julian White. Florida A&M's president wanted the director of the Marching 100 to come up with a signature fight song that's catchier than arch-rival Bethune-Cookman University's "Let's Go Wildcats."

Mission accomplished — provided everyone in Rattlerville can commit the words to memory.

FAMU Marching 100 introduce Convocation crowd to new fight song...

Videographer: atomicdog 1983

2010 FAMU Rattlers Fight Song

We came to have some fun; the party has just begun
(Ladies: Just Begun)
And you know we're number one; gotta get up now.
This is the Rattler Show, Around and Around we go
(Ladies: Round We Go)
And we'bout to strike you know, Gotta Get Up Now.
Gotta Get Up, Get Up, For the Rattlers!

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Videographer: oldskarisa -- This webcast is a student produced show which showcases majority of the festivities for FAMU Homecoming 2010 with host Lenneia Batiste and Paul Delva. Produced by Karisa Olds and Rachel Moore. Editied by Brianna Spires and Karisa Olds.

Pair of hot teams in Florida Classic

One of the state of Florida's most historic football games, The Florida Classic between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman is this weekend at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

This year's game has added significance, as Bethune Cookman enters 10-0 for the first time in school history, having already clinched a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title at 7-0 in the league. The Wildcats have a chance to finish the regular-season unbeaten for the first time.

Bethune-Cookman would also earn an automatic berth in the FCS playoffs if they win. It would also earn that honor even if it loses if South Carolina State beats North Carolina A&T next week.

One of the teams that is still in the hunt to tie B-C for the league title is Florida A&M, which enters 7-3 overall but 6-1 in the league. The Rattlers have won five straight games, including a 17-12 win over Hampton University on Saturday in Tallahassee.

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New Citrus Bowl field could end up in legal fight

Delay those purchase orders for new turf shoes -- MEAC/SWAC Challenge teams Delaware State University and Southern University. Same for you also, Florida Classic rivals Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University. You are not out of the mud yet, with the Citrus Bowl. Read on....

You thought the mud debacle at the Citrus Bowl was bad?

Just wait. The long-anticipated installation of artificial turf could be caught up in a legal tangle, potentially damaging the hopes of putting in the new turf in time for the 2010 season. FieldTurf has questioned the way the city awarded AstroTurf the contract to put in the new grass, and is now threatening legal action. Darren Gill, vice president of marketing for FieldTurf, said in a phone interview, “This is not a case of sour grapes, but when the bidding laws aren’t abided by it should be a concern of the citizens of Orlando.”

Gill said the company has requested various documents from the City of Orlando through the Freedom of Information Act and is in the process of determining whether it should take legal action. Rather than go through a public bidding process for the artificial turf, the City of Orlando chose to go through national purchasing co-ops. Both companies already have established contracts through their respective co-ops. The city is a member of both co-ops, so they were allowed to utilize their services. The city then took a look at both contracts and went with AstroTurf “because of the quality, installation, history and pricing,” according to City of Orlando spokeswoman Cassandra Lafser.

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The artificial surface being installed in the stadium

Orlando losing out on neutral-site games thanks to rundown Citrus Bowl‎

The Florida Citrus Bowl is home to the Florida Classic played between Bethune Cookman University and Florida A&M University. The 2010 MEAC/SWAC Challenge featuring Delaware State University and Southern University will also be played at this venue.

Orlando has taken a double-whammy to the gut in recent weeks, losing potential neutral-site games featuring Notre Dame and Florida State. Nothing surprising there, right? Orlando simply cannot lure marquee college football matchups with its woefully out-of-date Citrus Bowl. You know it. I know it. Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan knows it. While the $10 million in initial renovations is a nice measure, it is going to do nothing to get Orlando into the neutral-site game. Sadly, this is the worst time for the Citrus Bowl to be lagging behind its competitors.

Neutral-site games are in vogue once again. This season alone, there will be some 23 games played outside home stadiums across the country, up from 13 in 2007. The Georgia Dome, new Cowboys Stadium and FedEx Field, are just a few of the stadiums hosting games in 2010. Now University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., wants a piece, too, announcing earlier this week it would begin to court teams to play a neutral-site game there. Fiesta Bowl director of public relations Andrew Bagnato said the game would provide another way to bring money to Arizona. "The tourism industry needs anything we get right now," he said.

Indeed, Orlando is losing anywhere between $30 and $40 million in potential economic impact because it cannot draw teams to play here. While the Citrus Bowl does host the Capital One Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl, Florida Classic and MEAC/SWAC Challenge, the last time it hosted a marquee FBS regular-season game was in October 2000 when Notre Dame played Navy.

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'D' rules at B-CU Spring Game

DELAND, FL -- Bethune-Cookman did not show much of its hand in Saturday evening's Maroon and Gold spring football game at Spec Martin Stadium. But new coach Brian Jenkins was pleased with everything he saw. "It was pleasing. I saw some good things on offense and defense," Jenkins said. "I was happy to see us move the ball on the ground, and I was happy to see us play aggressively on defense." He was also happy to see a sizeable crowd turn out. B-CU athletics director Lynn Thompson said nearly 3,000 tickets were sold.

"I felt like we came a long way this spring," linebacker Ryan Lewis said. "The offense definitely came a long way, starting totally new, and they played great." In the first half, the teams were divided up into maroon and gold squads, with the Maroon team scoring the only touchdown on safety Stephen Berthelot's 65-yard interception return. In the second half the format changed to offense vs. defense with the offense -- wearing the white jerseys -- starting each possession at the defense's 35-yard line. The offense scored on two of five possessions in the half with the defense stopping their counterparts on two goal-line stands.

Spring ball has fall feel at B-CU - Sports

Bethune-Cookman football fans will get a chance to preview the new-look Wildcats in the Maroon and Gold game at 6 p.m. today at DeLand's Spec Martin Stadium. The intrasquad game concludes new coach Brian Jenkins' first spring training camp. In the past month Jenkins and his staff installed a new multiple offense, featuring I-, split-back and spread formations. Rising senior Matt Johnson, sophomore Ben De La Cruz (Pine Ridge) and freshman Jackie Wilson have been sharing time at quarterback. Jenkins discussed today's spring game and more:

B-CU's Jackson finds solace on football field

Just five months ago, freshman Isidore Jackson was pretty sure he was leaving Bethune-Cookman. Now he can't bear being separated for long from the teammates and coaches who make up his support mechanism. But a lot has happened in five months. Days after B-CU's football season ended last November, longtime head coach Alvin Wyatt was relieved of his duties. A month later, the Wildcats hired Brian Jenkins, an assistant coach at Rutgers, to become their new head coach.

Jackson, a running back, saw Jenkins' hiring as a new start for his career. "I wasn't going to get the chance to play here, I don't think," Jackson said. "I was going to transfer if we didn't get a new coach. They had me at wide receiver, and I never played wide receiver in my life. I was uncomfortable."

B-CU holds off Norfolk St.

B-CU 6, Norfolk St. 4: Matt Wright went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBIs and two runs scored to lead Bethune-Cookman (23-14, 9-0 MEAC) past Norfolk State (11-16, 4-8 MEAC). Peter O'Brien also homered for the Wildcats and went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored. Jordan Dailey picked up the win for B-CU. He gave up two hits and struck out one while pitching one inning in relief. Juan Perez picked up his seventh save of the season.

B-CU softball complete sweep

Celsey Tafoya went 2-for-4 with one RBI to lead Bethune-Cookman (22-20) to 5-2 win and a three-game series seep against Winston-Salem (6-20). Allison Garcia (16-12) picked up the complete-game win for B-CU. Garcia gave up two runs on eight hits and struck out six.

Former 'Dog newest 'Cat

It's funny what people worry about when they are thrust into a new situation. Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins was pleased former Georgia wide receiver Tony Wilson did not bring huge expectations with him when he joined the Wildcats this spring. Wilson was thrilled he was welcomed unconditionally by his new teammates. "They're great guys, and they accepted me as a brother," the former Mainland High star said. "Coming from a big school, they could have been, 'Well, he thinks he's you know what. He thinks he's better than us.' But they didn't see me as that."

And for good reason. Wilson is as humble and down to earth as they come. He decided to utilize his final year of football eligibility because B-CU offered him a full scholarship to earn a master's degree. He still has the desire to play and he thought he could help the team one way or another -- whether it's making plays on the field or just being a steady voice of experience on the sidelines. "I've been pleased with him and he's adjusted well," Jenkins said. "Normally when you get guys like him, they come in asking for the world: 'I want this. I want that.' But Tony's fallen right in. I know right now he has the attitude where he'll help us in any capacity."

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