 |
| Running back Gerald Hearns, who rushed for 56 yards on 16 carries |
Jackson State’s DeSean McKenzie hauled in the winning touchdown in the final seconds to lift the Tigers to a 22-17 win over FAMU in the season opener for both teams Saturday night.
The 49-yard TD pass spoiled what would
have been a fourth quarter comeback win for the Rattlers, which retook the lead with
just 46 seconds to remaining in the game.
The Rattlers gave up 439 in total yards to Jackson Saturday,
but limited them to field goals when the Tigers got into the red zone on three
different occasions.
FAMU finished with 302 total yards, led by Fleming’s 188 yards passing and 59 yards rushing. He hit on 16 of 27 passes, tossing a pair of scoring strikes.
Freshman Gerald Hearns rushed for 56 yards on 16 carries,
while finishing the night as the leading receiver with five receptions for 35
yards and a TD.
Defensive back Peter Tulloch led the Rattlers with nine
tackles and one interception he returned 60 yards to set up Varnadore’s second
quarter field goal. Safety Neal Cunningham also had nine tackles, while Terry
Johnson and Akil Blount had eight each.