Florida A&M quarterback Armond Parker passes the ball during the Rattlers’ matchup against the Jaguars. (Photo provided with permission from Kyrease Desseau)
The dark clouds surrounding Florida A&M’s football team show no signs of passing, as the Rattlers suffered another loss against Southern University.
The Rattlers were defeated by the Jaguars 42-14 during a Halloween afternoon matchup.
The Rattlers continue to decline, currently 2-7 overall, with only 3 games left in the 2026 season.
Florida A&M’s team was put on their heels early as Southern established control of the matchup, leading 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Self-inflicted mistakes hurt the Rattlers throughout the afternoon.
As substitution errors, costly penalties and two critical turnovers repeatedly disrupted FAMU’s momentum, with one turnover resulting in a 98-yard pick six after an interception.
The Jaguars ability to move the ball quickly and find success on the ground gave the Rattlers trouble, putting the Rattlers at a disadvantage.
“It’s hard because they’re self-inflicted wounds. You get down there in the scoring zone and turn the ball over for a touchdown which is unfortunate,” Head Coach Quinn Gray said after being asked the teams passing game performance. “There’s responsibility all over the place. When it comes down to it, plays have to be made and then we have to make sure we put players into place to make the plays.”
The Rattlers showed signs of life before halftime. Led by true freshman quarterback Armond Parker, FAMU began to build offensive momentum as he connected with freshman wide receiver Tian Wyche for a 23-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Parker kept the offense moving on the Rattler’s next scoring possession, guiding another efficient drive before finding senior wide receiver Corey Petty for a 14-yard touchdown.
“With me being one of the senior leaders on the team, I have to continue to do a good job of leading by example,” Petty stated. “Taking things one play at a time during practices, film study and in the meeting rooms, we have to keep having the focal point on our offense so we can keep moving forward and that’ll transition over into the game.”
Petty finished the afternoon with seven receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown.
As the offense looked to gain ground through the air, the Rattlers’ “dark cloud” defense faced the challenge of containing Southern’s dominant rushing attack.
After a difficult first half, FAMU’s defensive unit adjusted, relying on vocal leadership to regain its focus and attempt to hold the Jaguars throughout the second half.
“We try to learn every game how to stop the opposing team and attack back. Be the hammer and not the nail,” freshman linebacker Jaiden Roper explained. “We’re definitely progressing towards being a shutout defense as we continue to learn our mistakes and fill our gaps properly.”
Despite showing improvement on both sides of the ball throughout the game, the Rattlers could not recover from the Jaguars early lead.
FAMU outgained Southern in passing yards 279 to 112 behind Parker’s arm, but the Jaguars’ 311 rushing yards and 423 total offensive yards proved decisive, leaving the Rattlers unable to bridge the gap despite pitching a second-half defensive shutout.
Following Monday mornings SWAC press conference, Gray informed that safeties coach Christoper Cash will take over for the remaining season as defensive play caller.
Gray explained that the decision ultimately came down to injecting “a different enthusiasm and voice” into the Rattlers’ defense.
Cash was previously the Defensive Coordinator under Gray at Albany State University.
Florida A&M will travel to Lorman, Mississippi to take on the Braves of Alcorn State on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2:00pm.