Owens scores three TDs as FAMU defeats Hampton, 44-20

The FAMU Rattlers (1-2, 1-0 MEAC) picked up their first win of the 2012 season in their home and conference opener, in a 44-20 victory against the Hampton University Pirates (0-3, 0-1 MEAC). A crowd of 17, 871 turned out to root on the Rattlers, with some getting their first opportunity to see their team after two consecutive weeks on the road to open the 2012 campaign.

FAMU running back James Owens showed his explosive speed by scoring three touchdowns. Rattler quarterback Damien Fleming completed 22 of 29 passes for 236 yards, connecting with five different receivers. Admasen Felix was the team's leading receiver, catching four passes for 65 yards. Lenworth Lennon and Travis Harvey each gained 62 receiving yards.

Owens was the leading rusher for the Rattlers, gaining 161 yards on 11 carries. Eddie Rocker gained 44 yards on 11 carries, while Fleming rushed for 49 yards on 10 carries. Combined with his 117 return yards, Owens had 282 all-purpose yards for the game.

The Rattler defense played a solid game, with the exception of a few lapses in the secondary. In the second half, the team buckled down and put the clamps on the Pirates offense, allowing only a field goal. Senior linebacker Brandon Hepburn led all defenders with 10 total tackles. He had four solos and six assists. Jonathan Pillow and William Smalls had seven tackles each, with Pillow also grabbing an interception. Patrick Aikens rounded out the top tacklers with six, all solo tackles.