Rattlers defeat Hornets, 24-22

FAMU quarterback Damien Fleming completed 30-of-37 passes for a career-high 399 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Rattlers to a 24-22 win over Delaware State in Dover. The Rattlers won their second straight game to improve to 2-2 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

The Rattlers got on the board when Fleming connected with James Owens on an eight-yard scoring pass with 9:06 left in the opening quarter. The extra point kick by Chase Varnadore tied the game at 7-7. Fleming completed each of his three passes for 66 yards and had an 11-yard run during the five-play, 68-yard drive.

FAMU took the lead for good when Fleming and wide receiver Travis Harvey hooked up for the first of their two touchdown passes. The duo connected on a 21-yard scoring pass on third and goal to give FAMU a 13-10 lead with 7:38 left in the second quarter. Varnadore's extra point gave the Rattlers a four-point lead.

Harvey had a game-high 11 catches for 122 yards for FAMU.

Fleming and Harvey struck again on a nine-yard scoring pass to give the Rattlers a 21-10 lead with 4:12 left in the third quarter. FAMU was aided on the 10-play, 76-yard by a Delaware State running into the punter penalty. Fleming also completed a 38-yard pass to Dewayne Harvey during the drive.

The Rattlers stretched their lead to 24-16 on a 29-yard field goal by Varnadore with 10:34 left in the game.