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Florida Classic: B-CU Wildcats Snatch MEAC Title from FAMU Rattlers with 33-19 Win

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Bethune-Cookman Wildcats quarterback David Israel (#2) makes a stretch into the end zone against the FAMU Rattlers during the 2018 Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium Saturday. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) Wildcats (6-5 overall, 4-2 MEAC) and the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers (6-4 overall, 5-1 MEAC) descended on Orlando once again for the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium Saturday afternoon and this year’s matchup was far more fierce on the field than the last few years.

With a 10-11 record against B-CU since the Florida Classic moved to Orlando, and with new head coach Willie Simmons at the helm, FAMU entered this year’s Florida Classic with something to prove, nailing a field goal in the first scoring drive of the game. The Rattlers were also able to hold the Wildcats during their possession of the ball, keeping the score 3-0 into the second quarter.

However, with 8:33 left in the second quarter, B-CU got the first touchdown of the game and their first score of the game as well with David Israel’s one-yard scramble into the end zone from an all-rushing scoring drive, making the score 7-3.

FAMU on their next drive closed the score gap to one point with a 24-yard field goal, and widened their lead on their next possession with their first touchdown, making the score 13-7 with roughly thirty seconds left in the first half. B-CU quarterback David Israel tried to make the most of the time remaining but wasn’t fruitful, with two incomplete passes and a scramble that resulted in a one-yard loss. The score remained 13-7 at halftime.

B-CU had no third down conversions in the first half, while FAMU were 3 for 6 (50%).

The Wildcats surged in the second half, starting with Tupac Isme’s 99-yard punt return for the touchdown two minutes into the third quarter, creating a one-point lead over FAMU, 14-13. On FAMU’s next possession, B-CU’s Trevor Merritt intercepted the ball and returned for six yards, allowing B-CU to score a field goal on the fourth down, widening the lead to 17-13.

FAMU made up for the deficit on their next possession with a touchdown by way of a 9-yard touchdown pass to George Webb. B-CU managed a two-point conversion as well, tying the score at the end of the third quarter at 19-19.

Much like the third quarter, the Wildcats were explosive at the start of the fourth with a 44-yard pass to Malique Jackson, and at second and goal scored the touchdown with a five-yard rush from Jabari Dunham. With the extra point good, B-CU took the lead at 26-19.

Neither team scored on their next respective possessions, but on FAMU’s following possession, B-CU’s Tydarius Peters intercepted Ryan Stanley’s pass on fourth and 8 and returned for two yards. For another set of possessions, history repeated itself–including Peters intercepting again, this time returning the ball 90 yards for B-CU’s final touchdown, sealing the Wildcats’ victory at 33-19 with 17 seconds left of the game and snatching the MEAC title out of FAMU’s grip.

“…When they snapped the ball, I seen Marques getting up to the quarterback, and I just stayed on the inside hip of the receiver. I saw the quarterback trying to rush the ball, so I hurried up and broke on him, and he threw it right to me, like that.”-Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats offensive linebacker Tydarius Peters on the final interception play of the game

Tydarius Peters, who played in the Florida Classic for the first time this year, was aptly named MVP of the game.

Wildcats Head Coach Terry Sims noted the strategy that got his team the victory during the postgame press conference:

“It was great to have a resilient group…this is a group that just would not lose. They are not going to allow anybody to beat them. You can see that game…the first three-quarters…it was back and forth. You know, two great staffs, two great football teams, two talented football teams. We pushed through at the end and made more plays. And I said it yesterday, the team that made the fewest mistakes, made the most plays, will win the game. And this guy to my immediate right [Tydarius Peters], he made the play to put the cap on the game.”-Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats Head Coach Terry Sims

This is Sims’ eighth straight win against FAMU at the B-CU helm.

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

Black lives

Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

  • Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
  • Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
  • Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
  • Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

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VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

 

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Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

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Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

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