TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | The Rattlers returned to Bragg and picked up a much-needed win as they beat Albany State 23-13.
"Excited to get a win, obviously we didn't play our best ball, but it feels good to get in the win column," said head coach
Willie Simmons. "It's good to continue our home winning streak, one of the longest in the nation, so that's been our goal, so we wanted to keep that intact.
"Defensively, I thought we played really good football. We gave up a couple of plays early and obviously the late touchdown. Overall I thought those guys competed hard and played at a high level. Offensively, we left a lot to be desired. We definitely need to play better across the board. Up front, we need to fix some things as far as communications. At quarterback, we need to be much more consistent in throwing the ball. Out wide,
Xavier Smith made a ton of plays, but outside of him, I was disappointed in the playmaker abilities of our wideouts."
It was a slow start for the Rattlers after they were forced to punt on their opening drive, and Albany State capitalized with an opening drive touchdown from a 7-yard run by Marcus Fulks.
After going scoreless in the first quarter, the Rattlers exploded in the second with 17 points.
De'Andre Francis scored his first career touchdown from one yard out, and
Jeremy Moussa connected with
Xavier Smith from eight yards to score both of the Rattlers' touchdowns. Romo-Martinez knocked in a chip shot from 29 yards out as part of the 17.
In the third, Romo-Martinez added two more field goals from 24 and 31 yards to extend the lead 23-7.
The Rattlers allowed a late one-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal to finish with a score of 23-13.
Dark Cloud Defense Impresses
Outside of the opening and final drive touchdowns, the Rattlers dominated the Golden Rams' offense holding them to only 13 points and 299 yards.
The defensive pass game only allowed 144 yards while two Rattlers grabbed their first career interceptions in
Timothy Williams Jr. and
Kamari Stephens.
Xavier Smith Shines
Wide receiver
Xavier Smith shined for the Rattlers as he led the team with 189 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. Smith led the Rattlers in receiving with 118 yards and was second in rushing with 49 yards.
Major Highlights
Post-Game Press Conference
Next Up
The Rattlers are on a bye this week before returning to Bragg on September 24 versus SWAC foe Alabama A&M.
Fans may purchase their tickets at FAMUAthletics.com/tickets
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