Bison Bang in Loss Despite Score

Barry Barnes, Columnist/Chief Baltimore Correspondent

September 21, 2008 - The Howard Bison could not match the speed of Florida A&M University (FAMU), but they never gave up as they got blasted by a well rested Rattler squad, 51-24.

It was a homecoming for Rattlers’ head coach, Joe Taylor, a native of D.C. and joined Howard’s coaching staff in 1982 and became the Bison head coach the following year.

The Rattlers (2-1) who had not played in over two weeks, said Saturday Coach Taylor has brought confidence, knowledge, organization, and a Germany word, “zeistgeist” meaning “spirit of the time, time of the spirit”, to the team. “It’s an honor to play for Coach Taylor,” said Rattlers’ sophomore defensive back, Curtis Holocomb.

The Bison defense held the Rattlers to a field goal on their opening drive, but offensive mistakes changed the game: After getting in the red zone on their first possession, a Bison mis-snap led to a 65-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Rattlers’ junior defensive end, Joseph Wims. The next series was much of the same, as Bison’s wide receivers, senior Arlandus Hood and freshmen Willie Carter, miss-communicated, allowing sophomore FAMU cornerback Qier Hall to intercept a pass before returning it 67-yards to pay dirt.

To their credit, the Bison continued to hit hard, despite being down 51-0 into the fourth quarter.

The Bison offense played most of the game in three, four and sometimes five wide receivers sets, the team’s scheme coming into the game. Hood finished with 12 catches for 95 yards and Carter had 8 grabs totaling 87 yards, while also producing a touchdown. “The offense is me and I take all the blame for the missed opportunities,” said Bison’s junior quarterback, Floyd Haigler – who finished with 30 completions with 47 attempts for 306 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Despite the lack of players not suited up for the Bison because of injuries and non-eligibility - four freshmen offensive linemen started - Bison head coach Carey Bailey offers no excuses. “We had opportunities today and we missed our opportunities,” said the coach. “We are not good enough yet to start as slow as we did and expect to catch up with a team like FAMU.”

Howard (0-3) scored all their points in the fourth quarter, thereby saving themselves greater angst. One bright spot was freshmen wide receiver, Brandon Drayton – just being ruled eligible last week – who in his first taste of college football seemingly brought the fans to their feet each time he touched the ball, finishing with three catches for 54 yards, including a 47 yard treat. “It felt great,” said Drayton of getting on the field. “I just sit back for the chance to make a play for my team.”

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