Lavante Page set a new school record as he rushed for five touchdowns, helping the Rattlers pull out a 38-33 win over Southern University in the Atlanta Football Classic.Page finished the game rushing for 73 yards on 16 carries, earning the game’s Most Valuable Player award. He became the first Rattler in school history to score five touchdowns in a single game.
The previous record was four TDs in a single game, which was initially held by Willie Galimore. Galimore scored four TDs against Tennessee State in 1956. Chuck Duffey duplicated that feat by scoring four against Tuskegee in 1991. Oteman Sampson matched it as well when he scored four against Tuskegee in 1996.
"It was probably middle school the last time I scored five touchdowns,” Page said. “I’m happy with the five touchdowns, but I'm more happy just with the win.”
Eddie Rocker finished as the Rattlers' second leading rusher with 67 yards on 16 carries.
Quarterback Austin Trainor started the game for FAMU and passed for 142 yards, completing 12 passes in 22 attempts with two interceptions. Freshman quarter Damien Fleming finished the game for the Rattlers, completing six passes in eight attempts for 76 yards.
Head Coach Joe Taylor said Fleming did exactly what was needed to turn the game around.
“I felt like we needed some energy,” Taylor said. “We needed a shot in the arm…He was able to get out and buy time and make some good ‘move the chains’ type of plays.”