Photography by: Duane C. Fernandez Sr.
Andreas Butler
Deep Focus News
Devin James intercepted Ryan Stanley with 1:25 remaining in the game sealing a 31-27 win for Bethune-Cookman over Florida A&M in the Florida Blue Florida Classic on Nov. 23. It was the second straight year B-CU got a game-saving interception. Last year, Tydarius Peters intercepted Stanley for a pick-six with 17 seconds remaining.
55,730 fans watched this year's game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. It was the largest crowd since 2011.
The Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak and extended their Florida Classic win streak to nine games. It's the longest streak in the series for B-CU. The Rattlers had their nine game winning streak snapped. They entered the game as one of the hottest teams in the country ranked #13 in the FCS and #1 in every Black College football poll.
Florida A&M (9-2. 7-1) took their only lead at 27-24 with 11:01 left in the game after Stanley connected with Azende Rey for a four-yard touchdown pass. Stanley was MVP for the Rattlers with 213 passing yards with two scores.
Bethune-Cookman (7-4, 5-3) got the game-winning score on Isaac Washington's 15-yard score with 2:14 to play. Akevious Williams was team MVP for the Wildcats throwing for 269 yards with a touchdown; he ran for another score. Williams finished his career 4-0 in the Florida Classic.
B-CU outgained FAMU 467-353 in total offensive yardage and held time of possession 34:03-35:57. The Wildcats scored 10-points off three Rattlers turnovers. Washington ran for 100 yards, Steffon Francois caught three passes for 83 yards with a score and Marcus Riley had seven catches for 98 yards for B-CU.
Rey had two touchdowns (1 rushing, 1 receiving) and Xavier Smith seven catches for 86 yards for FAMU. The Rattlers defense was led by Markquese Bell (9.5 total tackles), Elijah Richards (7 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss), Derrick Mayweather (6 total tackles,.5 sacks, .5 tackles for loss) and Eric Smith (4.5 total tackles, 1 interception).
The Wildcats defense was paced by Marquis Hendrix (7 total tackles, 1 forced fumble), Davonte Lawrence (4 total tackles), Jams ( 4 total tackles, .5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception) and Trevor Merritt (1 interception, 1 interception return touchdown.)