Bethune-Cookman

We Got The Finish – Wildcats Take Down Jackson State 24-21 in Battle for 1st Place

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Heading into the 2026 football season, there was a popular thought circulating around HBCU football circles. That thought was Bethune-Cookman might have a little something to say about who wins the SWAC East.

The thinking was that the Wildcats could play spoiler to one of the division’s preseason favorites, Alabama State or Jackson State.

Well, the Wildcats handled Alabama State in early October. And there they stood Saturday afternoon in Daytona Beach, trailing defending SWAC East champion Jackson State 21-17, facing 3rd-and-11 from the Tigers’ 19-yardline with under a minute remaining.

Quarterback Tyler Jefferson took the snap and looked left. First read wasn’t there. He stepped up in the pocket. Nothing. Jefferson scrambled right, buying just enough time to spot Rickie Shaw working his way across the field.

Shaw found a sliver of daylight in the right corner of the end zone.

TOUCHDOWN WILDCATS!

Bethune-Cookman 24. Jackson State 21.

Forty seconds remaining.

Pandemonium swept through the stadium as Shaw celebrated with his Kappa Alpha Psi shimmy!

Rickie Shaw Game Winning 19 YD TD

But for a few of us, there was no pandemonium. Not yet.

We’ve been here before.

You know, this close to a win only to watch it slip through your fingers in the most agonizing fashion.

So while the stadium erupted, a few of us suspended our excitement and began an almost ritualistic chant:

“WE GOT TO FINISH! WE GOT TO FINISH!”

Heck, Athletic Director Reggie Theus was standing in that same end zone where Shaw had just scored. Amid the celebration, he looked me squarely in the eyes and said the exact same thing.

“We got to finish.”

Jackson State took the ensuing possession and marched into field goal range with six ticks remaining.

Here we go again.

But something funny happened.

The winds that had seemingly calmed down from the earlier downpour picked up almost on cue, blowing toward the left of the uprights.

Good snap.

Good hold.

Good contact.

But Andrew Ivaniciuc’s 49-yard attempt sailed left as time expired.

WILDCATS WIN!

What an ending.

What. A. Game.

And just like that, Bethune had knocked off the defending SWAC East champions, 24-21, and moved into a tie for first place in the division.

The Wildcats found a way to finish.

Was it a perfect game? Absolutely not. But that’s kinda what’s encouraging about this win. BCU left plenty opportunities on the field. But they were able to overcome their own mistakes, and STILL take down the Tigers. That says an awful lot about where Coach Raymond Woodie has this program right now.

The question now is was Saturday simply a big win, or was it an announcement?

You know, the kind of victory that shifts not just the momentum of a season, but the trajectory of a program.

DEFENSE, DEFENSE, AND MORE DEFENSE

As dramatic as Jefferson’s game winning touchdown pass was, the real story Saturday was Bethune’s suffocating defense.

The Wildcats slowed down Jackson State’s vaunted rushing attack and controlled their offense as a whole.

Consider these numbers from BCU’s defense

  • held JSU to 33 rushing yards on 36 attempts.
  • 13-of-28 passing, under 50 percent.
  • 10 tackles for loss.
  • 4 sacks.
  • 1 forced fumble.

Pure dominance.

Stephen Sparrow was everywhere, collecting 11 tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss.

Isaiah Washburn wasn’t far behind, recording seven tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss.

The Wildcats pressured, pressured, and pressured the Tigers bringing 5 or 6 defenders on seemingly 90% of the snaps.

Offensively, Jefferson once again showed why his emergence has been one of the more intriguing developments of this season.

A week after providing the spark against Mississippi Valley State, Jefferson delivered three touchdown passes against Jackson State.

A 21-yarder to Josh Evans.

A 33-yarder to Rashon Brown.

And, of course, the 19-yard game winner to Rickie Shaw.

Jefferson hasn’t solved every issue with Bethune’s passing game. But he’s demonstrating a knack for making big plays when the Wildcats need them most. Plus he is a huge asset in the running game.

A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON

Here’s something you probably wouldn’t know unless you’re a football nerd like me.

Before BCU entered the SWAC, the Wildcats actually held a slightly better all-time historical winning percentage than Jackson State.

Heading into the 2020 season, the historical records looked like this:

Think about that for a moment.

For all the deserved attention JSU has has received throughout the years, Bethune-Cookman has its own rich football tradition.

But since joining the SWAC, the programs have traveled vastly different roads.

JSU has been one of the conference’s standard bearers, collecting SWAC championships and national attention.

Meanwhile, BCU has been fighting to rediscover the winning tradition that once made the Wildcats one of the most respected programs in HBCU football.

And that’s why Saturday mattered.

Not simply because Bethune beat Jackson State.

But because Jackson State represents the level BCU is trying to get back to.

The question surrounding this program has been whether the Wildcats could once again compete consistently with the SWAC’s best.

Well, on Saturday, they didn’t just compete. They won.

NOW COMES THE FUN PART

Let’s see how the Wildcats handle success.

But something about this victory and their recent play tells me they will.

Maybe it’s the way the defense has developed into one of the conference’s most disruptive units.

Maybe it’s Jefferson’s emergence.

Or perhaps it’s the growing confidence of a team that is beginning to believe it belongs in the championship conversation.

Will this be the catalyst that returns the Wildcats to the ranks of year in and year out contenders?

We don’t know that yet.

But we do know this: The Wildcats are contenders RIGHT NOW.

THE PATH FORWARD

The most straightforward path to the SWAC East crown is simple enough.

Win out and hope Alabama A&M drops a game.

If that happens, Bethune wins the East.

There are other potential scenarios, but with several weeks of football remaining, it’s far too early to start untangling every possible tiebreaker.

The Wildcats have more immediate concerns.

Get healthy.

Stay focused.

And take care of business against Arkansas-Pine Bluff this weekend.

Saturday was a huge win. Perhaps the biggest of the Raymond Woodie era.

But if this team wants to turn a signature victory into a championship season, it has to embrace the very words that echoed through the stadium during those final 40 seconds.

WE GOT TO FINISH.

Gameday Photos Against JSU

Wildcats Win An Instant Classic Florida Classic 38-34

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Josh Evans scores winning TD with 28 seconds remaining – 2025 FL Classic

It’s the Monday after the 2025 Florida Classic and I’m just now typing out this wrap-up. Not because I’m short on words or emotion. It’s the opposite. I’ve spent the last two days trying to sort through the highs, the lows, the despair, the delirium, the absolute emotional whiplash that this game dropped on all of us. I’m still not sure I’m ready to capture that roller coaster in writing, but here goes.

For the past decade, my wife and I have made it our business to bring someone new to the Florida Classic each year. It’s a personal ministry at this point despite the fact that our Bethune-Cookman Wildcats had dropped four in a row heading into Saturday’s game. 

The Florida Classic(S), as some pronounce it, is one of the premier Black cultural events in the state of Florida. It just has to be experienced! From the trash talk within families, offices, churches, sororities and fraternities; to the food vendors lined up on Tampa Avenue. From the excellence of The Marching Wildcats and The Marching 100; to the barbs thrown at the other school at the luncheon the day prior to the game. It’s all amazing.

But as great as all of those things are, nothing…and I mean nothing tops a dramatic football moment in this extravaganza. On Saturday night we got all the dramatics we could handle. 

There were four lead changes and thirty-two points scored in the fourth quarter alone. Punch. Counter punch. Kick. Counter kick. One moment you’re talking trash, the next you’re feeling like trash.

THE SWINGING OF EMOTIONS

BCU dominated the first half and took a 24–9 lead into halftime. Wildcat fans were floating higher than those seven hills we always hear about. But FAMU opened the second half with a touchdown to cut it to 24–16. Then came a pair of missed BCU field goals, followed by a made FAMU field goal to make it 24–19 with 8:51 left in the fourth quarter.

At this point, Wildcat fans were feeling tight. And I mean, tight-tight.

A quick BCU three-and-out opened the door, and FAMU kicked it in. One play later, a 72 yard Jamal Hailey run up the gut, felt like a kick in the gut. The two-point conversion was successful and suddenly the Rattlers were up 27–24.  For the first time in probably a month, the thought occurred to me that Cookman might actually lose this ballgame. 

I was flabbergasted. Shook. Nervous.

My wife and I’s first-time Classic guest asked, “what just happened?”

On the inside I was asking the same thing. But with clinched teeth and a tight stomach I uttered: “there’s still over 7 minutes left. A lot can happen.”

BON-BON LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT

BCU got the ball back and on 2nd and 5, with both bands blasting, something special happened. Timmy McClain hit Javon “Bon-Bon” Ross on a short crosser. Bon-Bon hit the brakes, reverse-pivoted, dropped two Rattlers flat to the ground, outran another, and raced 67 yards up the FAMU sideline directly towards their band for a highlight reel touchdown.

31–27, Cats. All is well in the world again. 

I exhaled 4-years worth of Classic stress in one breath. Surely, surely, that was enough excitement for the night and BCU had this game won right?

Nope. Not yet at least. 

THE SWING… AGAIN

FAMU marched right back. On 3rd and 10 from the BCU 29, the defense came up with what looked like a massive stop. But a questionable holding call on CB Johnny Harris III extended the drive. One play later, Thad Franklin punched it in. Cats down 34–31 with 2:19 left.

I’d seen this movie. Twice this season— Grambling and Jackson State—similar situation, similar heartbreak. I told myself to accept the L. Five straight to FAMU? The dark clouds were rising. 

The bands struck up again: The 100 playing “Hey Let’s Go,” the Marching Wildcats blasting “Vice Versa.”

Me? I was playing sad songs in my head.

Sack on first down against BCU.

My sad playlist turned into a depressed playlist.

Incomplete on 2nd and 20.

Stomach now in my socks and I am  speaking in strange tongues trying to keep it all together. 

On 3rd and 20, McClain found Rickie Shaw for 17 yards—just enough to make 4th down manageable. The Cats converted and hope reentered my body.  

THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Fifty-five seconds later: 4th and 8 from the FAMU 41.

A first down puts you in field goal range. No first down and it’s over. Simple math.

McClain drops back. The safe throw is there. He passes it up. He looks deep… and he finds a WIDE OPEN Josh Evans streaking untouched down the BCU sideline.

Forty-one yards. Touchdown.

Twenty-eight seconds left.

UN.

FREAKING.

BELIEVABLE.

BCU 38, FAMU 34. Final.

Our first-time guest was crying. Offensive Coordinator Donte Pimpleton was crying. Half the stadium was crying—some from heartbreak, some from pure joy. Depends on which colors you were rocking.

THE LOCAL KIDS WHO OWNED THE MOMENT

McClain and Evans—two Central Florida Area kids transferred to BCU to be closer to home. Playing in front of their people; in the biggest game of the year; they are now forever etched into the lore of this rivalry.

McClain called it “an out-of-body experience” in the postgame presser. No lie detected.

As for our guest? She rated it a 10 out of 10 experience. Said it was way better than advertised. Said she’ll be back every year.

That’s what this event is about. Abject agony for some; utter joy for others. Lasting memories for all.

The 2025 edition…An Instant Classic Florida Classic.

QtrTimeScoring PlayFAMBCU
1st08:33FAM – Porto,Daniel 45 yd field goal 7 plays, 36 yards, TOP 04:2230
1st04:38BCU – Jenkins,Lorenzo 25 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 7 plays, 61 yards, TOP 03:2837
2nd13:31BCU – Dominguez,Juan 30 yd field goal 7 plays, 43 yards, TOP 03:38310
2nd06:52BCU – Robinson,Khamani 50 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 1 plays, 50 yards, TOP 00:10317
2nd04:04FAM – Burris,Armand 44 yd pass from Johnson III,RJ ( ) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:48917
2nd00:23BCU – Huggins,Maleek 7 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 10 plays, 90 yards, TOP 03:33924
3rd11:56FAM – Burris,Armand 17 yd pass from Johnson III,RJ (Porto,Daniel kick) 8 plays, 68 yards, TOP 02:581624
4th08:49FAM – Porto,Daniel 37 yd field goal 10 plays, 62 yards, TOP 03:551924
4th07:47FAM – Hailey,Jamal 72 yd run (Lawrence,Goldie pass), 1 plays, 72 yards, TOP 00:122724
4th07:03BCU – Ross,Javon 67 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 2 plays, 72 yards, TOP 00:362731
4th02:19FAM – Franklin, Jr.,Thad 19 yd run (Porto,Daniel kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:433431
4th00:20BCU – Evans,Josh 41 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 8 plays, 70 yards, TOP 01:523438
3438
StatisticFAMBCU
First Downs
Total2223
Rushing1010
Passing98
Penalty35
Rushing
Total (Net)195211
Attempts2534
Avg. Per Rush7.86.2
Rushing TDs21
Yds. Gained225244
Yds. Lost3033
Passing
Total (Net)228274
Comp.-Att.-Int.22-35-022-33-0
Avg. / Att.6.58.3
Avg. / Comp.10.412.5
TDs24
Total Offense
Yards423485
Plays6067
Avg. / Play77.2
Fumbles – Lost1-12-1
Penalties – Yds.7-709–90
Punting
Punts – Yds.4–1773-146
Avg. / Punt44.248.7
Inside 2011
50+ Yds.12
Touchbacks01
Fair Catch20
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.7-3947-434
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff56.362.0
Touchbacks12
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs1-0-01-21-0
Punt: Avg. / Return0.021.0
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs2-44-06–138-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return22.023.0
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-00-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01–5-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards00
Poss. Time28:1931:41
3rd. Down Conv.3 of 104 of 12
4th. Down Conversions0 of 11 of 1
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances4–43-3
Sacks: Total – Yds.3-254-23
PAT: Total – Made2-35–5
2PT Conversion: Total – Made1–10-0
Field Goals: Total – Made2-21-3

We Can Get Used to This – Wildcats Secure First SWAC Win 41-34 over Bulldogs

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Credits The News-Journal

We Can Get Used to This

Daytona Stadium is starting to feel a little different these days. It’s a little louder, a little bit more lively, and dare I say it…filled with a lot more hope as Bethune-Cookman has strung together back-to-back home wins. The Wildcats are giving their fans something they haven’t truly experienced in years: a reason to believe.

Last week’s victory over Edward Waters felt more like relief. The same with last year’s home win over Grambling State. But Saturday’s win over Alabama A&M just felt different.

-That was an excellent football game against a good, well-coached A&M team.

-That was a game that sparked a lot of pride among the fans.

-That ladies and gentlemen was Wildcat football.

A Well-Played Game from Start to Finish

From the opening whistle, BCU looked sharp, well-prepared, and confident. They looked like a good football program to say it bluntly. They asserted themselves early and repeatedly against a quality SWAC opponent. They also showed just how far this squad has progressed since game one this season. Was it perfect? Nah, not even close but it was the kind of well-rounded performance that sets a tone for the weeks ahead.

When in doubt, give the ball to “Bon-Bon”

Sophomore receiver Javon “Bon-Bon” Ross had himself a game. The Deland native, nicknamed Bon-Bon by his grandmother, electrified the crowd with a breakout performance that was hard to ignore.

On the Wildcats’ very first offensive play, quarterback Cam Ransom uncorked a 79-yard bomb. It dropped perfectly into Ross’s hands and he did the rest by outrunning the defenders on his way to the endzone. On BCU’s next possession, Ross added a 41-yard touchdown run after taking a reverse to the house. Two touchdowns for Ross scored in two different ways. The fanbase now knows what the locals have known for a while…good things happen when you give the ball to Bon-Bon.

The Playmakers Keep Rising

Ross wasn’t the only local product shining on Saturday. True freshman running back Khamani Robinson continues to prove that the moment isn’t too big for him. Robinson scored BCU’s third touchdown on a 24 yard scamper giving the Cats the lead at halftime.

And then there’s Cam Ransom. Each week, he keeps getting better and right now, it’s hard to find any HBCU quarterback who is playing better. His command of the offense, his efficiency, and his growing chemistry with playmakers like Ross and Rickie Shaw, Maleek Huggins, Lorenzo Jenkins and others are changing the Wildcats’ offensive identity right before our eyes.

The Fans are Starting to Believe Too

Shoutout to the fans who showed up Saturday. The threat of rainstorms seemed to have kept a few people away. However, those who decided to attend were treated to a great HBCU experience. Not only did they witness BCU’s best overall performance in years, but they also enjoyed a SWAC Band Battle.

Daytona Stadium hosted an opposing SWAC band for the first time since BCU joined the conference. Alabama A&M’s Marching Maroon and White (MMW) made the trip to “Da Beach”. After speaking with many in attendance, the MMW headed back to Huntsville with a slew of new fans. The MMW are wecolmed back anytime.

BCU’s Marching Wildcats did what they always do…they “showed up and showed out”. Give AAMU’s band the edge in song selection and repertoire, but the Pride delivered in execution and overall sound quality. In the end, both bands represented well and it was the fans who were the biggest winners.

A Shift in the Air

It was great seeing the vibe in the stands all game. The bands helped with the atmosphere and the weather held off for the most part, but it was about more than the good bands and decent weather. The fans were active, engaged, and for the first time in a long time, anxiety-free. Cookman fans regained a bit of their mojo. They actually expected something good to happen, rather than waiting on disaster. Even after the game, I heard from at least a dozen fans. They all echoed the same sentiment…this was the best they had felt after a BCU game in years.

The excitement was palpable and the hope was contagious. You could see it in the way the team responded to mistakes. They didn’t allow miscues to beat them twice. Instead, they corrected them and overcame them in real time.

You could see it in the way the fans cheered…a little louder and a little longer.

And most importantly, you saw it on the scoreboard; Wildcats 41, Bulldogs 34.

I like this feeling. Heck, we all like this feeling. And judging by the team’s growing confidence, we may get to share this feeling a little more often and that’s something we can get used to.

StatisticAAMBCU
First Downs
Total2225
Rushing614
Passing1410
Penalty21
Rushing
Total (Net)125259
Attempts3235
Avg. Per Rush3.97.4
Rushing TDs14
Yds. Gained133266
Yds. Lost87
Passing
Total (Net)355257
Comp.-Att.-Int.27–41-118-25-2
Avg. / Att.8.710.3
Avg. / Comp.13.114.3
TDs32
Total Offense
Yards480516
Plays7360
Avg. / Play6.68.6
Fumbles – Lost1–10-0
Penalties – Yds.4-506–61
Punting
Punts – Yds.2-753–131
Avg. / Punt37.543.7
Inside 2010
50+ Yds.01
Touchbacks01
Fair Catch00
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.7-3687-435
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff52.662.1
Touchbacks12
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs2–16-00-0-0
Punt: Avg. / Return8.00
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs5-111-06-68-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return22.211.3
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs2-0-01-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-00-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards00
Poss. Time31:5928:01
3rd. Down Conv.11 of 188 of 11
4th. Down Conversions3 of 30 of 0
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances3–31-1
Sacks: Total – Yds.0-02–4
PAT: Total – Made4-45–6
2PT Conversion: Total – Made0-00-0
Field Goals: Total – Made2–20-0

QtrTimeScoring PlayAAMBCU
1st09:35AAM – Faulk,David 45 yd field goal 11 plays, 53 yards, TOP 05:2130
1st09:20BCU – Ross,Javon 79 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 1 plays, 79 yards, TOP 00:1137
1st01:27AAM – Nero,Kolton 2 yd run (Faulk,David kick), 4 plays, 62 yards, TOP 01:43107
2nd13:38BCU – Ross,Javon 41 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 7 plays, 83 yards, TOP 02:441014
2nd08:41AAM – Pierre,Franck 72 yd pass from Handley,Eric (Faulk,David kick) 4 plays, 83 yards, TOP 01:101714
2nd01:18BCU – Robinson,Khamani 24 yd run ( ), 14 plays, 83 yards, TOP 07:191720
2nd00:08BCU – Shaw II,Rickie 27 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 7 plays, 63 yards, TOP 00:541727
3rd11:31AAM – Pierre,Franck 32 yd pass from Handley,Eric (Faulk,David kick) 3 plays, 58 yards, TOP 00:572427
3rd10:18BCU – Scott Jr.,Alihaja 8 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 3 plays, 69 yards, TOP 01:072434
3rd03:44AAM – Abner,Travaunta 1 yd pass from Handley,Eric (Faulk,David kick) 12 plays, 59 yards, TOP 06:253134
4th05:58AAM – Faulk,David 19 yd field goal 15 plays, 57 yards, TOP 06:443434
4th01:07BCU – Scott Jr.,Alihaja 26 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 8 plays, 66 yards, TOP 04:443441
3441

Preview: BCU at South Carolina State; Sneaky Good or One-Sided 🤔

/ J Bell / 1 Comment

Credits: Bryce Hoynoski

If you ask most HBCU fans to circle the big games this weekend, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone pointing to Bethune-Cookman vs. South Carolina State. And honestly—why would they?

South Carolina State is the defending MEAC champ, sitting at 1-1 currently, and looking set to defend their crown. Bethune-Cookman, on the other hand, hasn’t factored into many meaningful contests recently and have been on the butt end of a couple of whoppings the past two weeks.

On paper, this looks like a mismatch. But call me crazy, something tells me this could be a sneaky good game this weekend.

call me crazy, something tells me this could be a sneaky good game this weekend.

J Bell – HailWildcats.com

Maybe that’s the Wildcat fanatic in me talking…Probably is.

Maybe I’m still holding on to the luster of yesteryear when the BCU vs SCSU matchup carried the intensity of a prizefight when the two were MEAC heavyweights.

Or maybe—just maybe—it’s because history says these two programs rarely give us a dud on the gridiron.

Series Split over last 10 games

The series is split at 5 wins and 5 losses apiece over the past 10 matchups. It’s split 11 wins and 9 losses in favor of the Bulldogs over the past 20.  

So despite the difference in expectations for these squads, the back-and-forth series record shows you don’t sleep on this rivalry; even when the Wildcats look down.

What to Expect Saturday

Here is Coach Woodie and the Wildcats’ chance to make an announcement to the HBCU world; and SCSU is the perfect opponent to do it against. Don’t expect the same watered-down schemes we’ve seen through Weeks 1 and 2 against BCU’s FBS opponents.

On Defense: Expect more blitz packages, more disruption, and more variations in coverages.

On Offense: Look for much more tempo, more creativity, more quarterback run, and more getting the ball in the hands of the playmakers quickly.

I’m NOT predicting a BCU upset but that’s not out of the question either. What I am predicting is the type of Dog and Cat fight that has made this series very competitive.

J Bell – HailWildcats.com

Let me be clear, I’m NOT predicting a BCU upset but that’s not out of the question either. What I am predicting is the type of Dog and Cat fight that has made this series very competitive and my favorite on the field matchup for BCU. And who knows, if things break right…well, let’s just say if things break right, it will be hard to shut me up next week.

Yeah, I know I’m crazy. I know how that sounds. I guess I will see y’all in Orangeburg.

Hail Wildcats!

BCU Football Week 2: Final Takeaways on 45-3 loss to #5 MIA

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Credits: BCU Athletics

Week 2 Takeaways: Bethune-Cookman vs. Miami

Bethune-Cookman just completed the toughest stretch of its season. The team traveled to Miami in back-to-back weeks to face FBS foes. Call it BCU’s version of a “preseason,” call it the “money games season,” call it whatever you want. The bottom line is the Wildcats faced bigger, stronger teams, and more well-funded programs and now sit at 0–2 to begin the 2025 campaign. But now the real season starts.

From here on out it’s about HBCU opponents, FCS battles, conference matchups and games that matter against similar programs. South Carolina State is first up, but before we look ahead at the game against the Bulldogs, let’s focus on a few takeaways from Saturday night against No. 5 Miami.

Takeaway 1: There is Not Much to Take Away

I don’t mean this in any negative sense at all. The truth is last week’s game was about survival. You can tell by how the staff kept it simple. They held back the playbook on offense and defense. They sat and limited playing time to key contributors including two of your starting offensive linemen. It doesn’t matter if it was about rest, health, or protecting depth. The message was clear. Coach Raymond Woodie was boldly stating that conference play and HBCU play is the priority.

Takeaway 2: Quarterback Steady

Quarterback Timmy McClain continues to look the part under center. He went 13-of-16 passing Saturday night. That’s an 81% completion rate and about as efficient as it gets, even against a 5th ranked Miami squad with all of that size and speed. His only real blemish came on a sack-fumble he probably should’ve eaten, but you’ll take that when you consider the poise and control he showed over the course of the contest. Two games in, McClain feels like a steady hand you can build around.

Takeaway 3: His eye is on the Sparrow

Yeah, I know that sounds churchy but I am a church boy so what are you going to do. At any rate, LB/DB Stephen Sparrow Jr. had an excellent game finishing with 9 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss. One of the things you look for in these type of contests are what FCS guys look like they belong on the same field as the FBS guys. Sparrow fit the bill on Saturday night. The former Orlando Jones Tiger just looked like he belonged on the field and matched everything the Hurricanes threw at him from a speed, athleticism, and physicality standpoint. Good job Sparrow!

Takeaway 4: Battled to the End

No one expected a close scoreboard, but effort still matters. Down big, outmatched, Bethune kept playing hard. That competitiveness is what you need when the schedule flips into games that are winnable and that count in the conference standings.

Looking Ahead: SCSU

Now it’s go-time.

No more holding back the playbook.

No more “preseason”.

No more FBS opponents.

No more excuses.

It’s time for us to see what this team is made of; and what an opponent to do it against. Back in Bethune’s MEAC days, South Carolina State was always the team BCU used as the measuring-stick program. They were the matchup that told you exactly where you stood. That tradition carries over. This weekend is the first real barometer for Bethune in Year Three under Coach Woodie.

Expect a scrap. Expect a game that feels like Cats versus Dogs. And by late Saturday night, expect to know a whole lot more about what this 2025 Wildcat team is really made of.

StatisticBCUMIA
First Downs
Total1431
Rushing413
Passing717
Penalty31
Rushing
Total (Net)92199
Attempts3330
Avg. Per Rush2.86.6
Rushing TDs04
Yds. Gained115201
Yds. Lost232
Passing
Total (Net)99344
Comp.-Att.-Int.14-18-130–36-0
Avg. / Att.5.59.6
Avg. / Comp.7.111.5
TDs02
Total Offense
Yards191543
Plays5166
Avg. / Play3.78.2
Fumbles – Lost1-11-0
Penalties – Yds.2-204–50
Punting
Punts – Yds.4–1670-0
Avg. / Punt41.80
Inside 2010
50+ Yds.00
Touchbacks00
Fair Catch00
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.2-1268–520
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff63.065.0
Touchbacks18
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-02–11-0
Punt: Avg. / Return05.5
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01–25-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return025.0
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01–5-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards00
Poss. Time31:5528:05
3rd. Down Conv.1 of 114 of 6
4th. Down Conversions0 of 10 of 1
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances1-25–5
Sacks: Total – Yds.2-61-8
PAT: Total – Made0-06–6
2PT Conversion: Total – Made0-00-0
Field Goals: Total – Made1-11-1

Key individual standouts:

🔸Timmy McClain (BCU): 13-of-16 passing, 86 yards—efficient and under control.

🔸Juan Dominguez (BCU Kicker): 32-yard field goal accounted for the only points.

🔸Stephen Sparrow (BCU) 9 tackles including 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss.

🔸Carson Beck (MIA): In near-perfect form with 22-of-24 for 267 yards, 2 TDs.

🔸Mark Fletcher Jr. (MIA): Rushed 11 times for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Bethune-Cookman’s New Additions: Coach Raymond Woodie is Revamping the Roster

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Credits: BCU

Summer is officially upon us and the weather is not the only thing heating up in Daytona Beach. Bethune-Cookman University’s new head football coach, Raymond Woodie, has been working feverishly to restore his alma mater’s winning ways. With a focus on revamping the roster, Woodie is assembling an impressive group of talented players that have fans buzzing with excitement.

BCU held the dubious distinction of being the only Division One Football program who did not have a head coach when National Signing Day 2023 rolled around. As a result, only twelve players signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Wildcats back in February. However, Coach Woodie’s reputation as a top-notch recruiter has attracted the attention of talented athletes from across the country who are eager to be a part of his vision for the program. Since National Signing Day, more than 30 players have been brought in to help overhaul Bethune-Cookman’s roster.

Woodie’s first wave of additions include a mix of FBS/FCS transfers, JUCO standouts, and highly-rated high school recruits, all of whom bring unique skills and experiences to the team. Let’s take a closer look at each group.

FBS/FCS transfers: Woodie wasted no time in bolstering the roster with Division I talent, specifically talent from around “The Sunshine State”. 10 of BCU’s 14 Division One transfers are either from or played college football in the state of Florida. Former University of Florida running back, Iverson Clement, headlines this group. Clement is a former 4⭐️ recruit who made a stop at Temple University before announcing his commitment to BCU. 

Cam Ransom helped lead Florida powerhouse Seffner Armwood to the state championship finals before signing with Georgia Southern. Ransom and Delaware State transfer Tylik Bethea will look to take charge of an inexperienced quarterback room and add stability and depth to the position.

In one of the coolest stories in the country, Aaron Overton Jr. transfers in from Nevada and will join his older brothers Kahlil and Cameron on Bethune’s roster. 

Tink Boyd transfers in from Va Tech and is one of 8 new wide receivers.

Division One Transfers:

3⭐️ Kareem Wilson, DL, 6’4”, 260, Florida Atlantic

3⭐️ Caleb Lynum, WR, 6’2”, 215, WR, FIU

4⭐️ Iverson Clement, RB, 5’11”,185, RB Florida

3⭐️ Cameron Ransom, QB, 6’3”, 215, GA Southern

3⭐️ Jahmari Sylvester,OL, 3* 6’5”, 325, FIU

3⭐️ Deonte Washington, DL, 6’3”, 290, Texas State

3⭐️ Dashon Ross, LB, 6’1”, 235, UMass

3⭐️ Jaylin Terzado, WR, 6’0”, 175, Western Carolina

2⭐️ Baba Conate, LB, 6’2”, 230, FIU

Aaron Overton, DL, 6’3”, 285, Nevada

Tink Boyd, WR, 5’11”,185, Virginia Tech

Tylik Bethea, QB, 6’6”, 215, Delaware State

Kiwon Harris, DB, 6’1”, 210, WKU

Hallston Fergilus, OL, 6’4”, 310, Delaware State

JUCO standouts: In addition to the FBS/FCS transfers, Woodie has also targeted standout players from the junior college ranks from as far away as California and Australia. JUCO standouts often bring a level of maturity, experience, and proverbial ‘chip on the shoulder’ that can be invaluable to a team. With their experience and skill set, they will provide depth and competition at key positions, pushing the entire team to elevate their game.

JUCO Signees:

Johnny Harris III, DB, 6’3”, 180, Garden City CC

Chris McAlpin, OL, 6’3”, 300, Chabot JUCO

Miguel Sahagun, OL, 6’5”, 285, OL, College of San Mateo

Ebenezer Dibula, DL, 6’3”, 285, Minn St. JUCO (Prior Bethune-Cookman player)

Jalen Brown, WR, 6’6” 220, Louisburg CC

Cade Hechter, P/K, Pro Kick Australia

Highly touted high school signees, including a few 3 star recruits, will look to contribute early and help with the rebuild. Several of the high school signees chose the hBCU route over larger FBS programs. Donteye Drew held offers from schools like Appalachian State, Ja’Vieane Stephens held offers from UCF, Kyon Calhoun held offers from USF amongst others.

High School Signees:

3⭐️ Ja’Vieane Stevens, LB, 6’0” 205, Dunbar 

3⭐️ Anthony Alonzo, Athlete, 5’11”, 185, Oakland Technical, CA

3⭐️ Kyon Calhoun, WR, 6’5”, 200, Cocoa HS

Donteye Drew, DL, 6’1”, 275,  Tampa Bay Tech

Sir Bo Reed, WR, 6’4, 205, Booker T Washington (Pensacola)

Eric Triplett, WR, 5’7”, 150, Largo

Jermaris Speights, DB, 5’10”, 160, Lincoln, (Tallahassee)

Brandon  Armenteros, WR. 6’3”, 200, West Broward HS

Jayson Edwards, OL, 6’7”, 330, Spruce Creek

Payton Doucet, LB, 6’3”, 200, Ridge Point, (Missouri City, TX)

The impact of this talent infusion may not be felt immediately as it often takes time for players to adjust to the college game and develop chemistry with their teammates. What is already being felt is a new energy and enthusiasm around the team as the Wildcats look to reestablish their winning tradition. 

Count us among those who are excited to see what the team will achieve under Woodie’s guidance.

BCU Football’s Robinson, Merritt Accept Invites to SPIRAL Tropical Bowl

/ D Will / Leave a comment
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — 1st Team All-MEAC performer Jimmie Robinson and 3rd Team All-MEAC defensive back Trevor Merritt have both accepted an invitation to compete in the SPIRAL Tropical Bowl, which will be held Jan. 12, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida in front of scouts from teams across the NFL and Canadian Football League.
The SPIRAL Tropical Bowl is a premier FBS Division I level College Football All Star Game played in Daytona Beach, Fla., annually in mid January. The SPIRAL Tropical Bowl showcases the top college football seniors to NFL scouts and GM’s who travel from around the country to the event. The weekend is focused on scouting, teaching, and football. The Inaugural 2016 game was held at FIU/FIU North Stadium and the 2017 SPIRAL Tropical Bowl in cooperation with the City of Daytona Beach moved to Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, Fla., and has since returned .The SPIRAL Tropical Bowl has partnered with the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center as the main Host Hotel for the “Tropical Bowl Weekend.” The organizing company East Preps LLC. is responsible for several high end college football all star games at FIU since 2013 and the SPIRAL Tropical Bowl has featured 70+ NFL Scouts and 26+ NFL Teams. Over 110 SPIRAL Tropical Bowl alumni have gone on to the NFL since it’s inception in 2016. https://www.tropicalbowl.com/home
Robinson, a senior from Flagler Palm Coast, wraps up a stellar career that saw him earn All-American status as a kick returner and all conference honors as a wide receiver. The speedster led the conference in both kick return average (28.1 yds) and all purpose yards (123.6 per game) in 2019. Robinson was named 2019 Stats FCS All-American, 2019 MEAC First Team All Conference Return Specialist, 2019 MEAC Second Team All Conference Wide Receiver, he was also awarded American Team Offensive MVP in the 2019 6th Annual FCS Bowl.

Credits: Orlando Sentinel

Merritt, who hails from Rockledge, FL, registered 31 tackles and 3 interceptions his senior year. The ballhawking defensive back didn’t just pick off passes; he returned 2 of his 3 picks for touchdowns this season and 2 of his 4 picks for touchdowns in his junior campaign.

The annual all-star game for seniors from Football Bowl Subdivision programs will kick off at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday in DeLand, Fla. The game will be played at Spec Martin Stadium, home of Stetson University and can be viewed online at FloFootball.com. The Tropical Bowl website estimates, through its parent organization (East Prep LLC), that upwards to 40% of players that participate and actually pursue a Pro career are placed and many players play from the NFL to Europe!

Best of luck to Jimmie and Trevor! Hail Wildcats!

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Victories of Sims Era

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

To all of the ‘armchair quarterbacks’, ‘expert second-guessers’ and ‘guys who think they know more about football than those who actually get paid for it’; I have excellent news for you. Our busy season is upon us. By this time next week, we get to fuss, yell and rave over our first 2019 results and I cannot wait.

Before we look ahead at the season to come, let’s first look back at some of Bethune’s best moments under now fifth year head coach Terry Sims. Here are the Wildcats’ Top 5 Victories under Terry Sims as ranked by the staff at HailWildcats.com.

 

  1. Wildcats Weather Storm to Beat Southeastern Louisiana University on the Road (2017)

The Bethune-Cookman football team stepped into Strawberry Stadium in Hammond, Louisiana with their hearts filled pending the looming threat of Hurricane Irma bearing down on their loved ones back home in Florida. By night’s end, BCU weathered a different kind of storm overcoming 3 turnovers, a rash of penalties and a 4th quarter deficit to defeat Southland Conference foe Southeastern Louisiana 28-23.

The Wildcats racked up 482 yards of total offense in the contest including 354 yards passing from Larry Brihm. Despite the offensive explosion and the defense limiting SELA to under 300 yards of total offense, Sims men entered the 4th quarter trailing 16-14. Brihm connected with Jawill Davis for a 2 yard touchdown reception at the 11:00 mark and ran for a 1 yard touchdown with 4:34 left on the clock to push BCU ahead for good 28-26.

Defensive backs Trevor Merritt, Diquan Richardson and Elliott Miller all snagged interceptions in the contest with Miller’s coming via the one handed variety. The Wildcat defense sealed the contest by turning over SELA on downs with 1:27 left on the game clock.

It was a great win, against a quality opponent, under adverse circumstances.

 

  1. Oh Hail Mary…Oh Hail Yeah (2017)

The 2017 matchup against North Carolina Central was an ugly game for 59 minutes and 57 seconds. The game was sloppy, the score at halftime was 0-0 and our beloved Wildcats only amassed 178 yards of total offense while racking up 8 penalties for 100 yards. That’s bad…but like so many of the recent BCU vs NCCU contests, the final seconds were filled with drama. Central scored its first touchdown of the evening with 16 seconds remaining giving them what seemed to be a certain victory. However, on the game’s final play from scrimmage, quarterback Larry Brihm rolled to his left, fired up a 48 yard Hail Mary and had his prayer answered in the hands of Keavon Mitchell.

The Wildcats escaped another visit to Durham with a last second 13-10 dramatic win.

 

  1. FAMU’s Title Hope’s Crushed as BCU Secures 8th Straight Florida Classic Win (2018)

So here is the scene: the Mighty Rattlers from the Highest of Seven Hills entered the 2018 Florida Blue Florida Classic with a shot to earn a share of the MEAC crown and punch their first ever ticket to the Celebration Bowl. All that stood in between them and Atlanta was 11 yards of contested field, 52,142 screaming fans and a Bethune-Cookman team that had defeated them seven straight years.

This was a dream scenario for FAMU. This is why we love sports. These are the moments athletes dream about night after night, year after year, practice after practice. Unfortunately, for FAMU, some dreams do not come true and turn into the nightmares instead.

Trailing by 7 points, the FAMU offense drove to the BCU 11 yard line with 17 seconds remaining in the game. FAMU quarterback Ryan Stanley was forced outside of the pocket by BCU’s Marcus Ford and tossed a pass into the flat. The Wildcat’s Tydarius Peters had a beat on the quarterback, stepped in front of Stanley’s pass and returned it 90 yards untouched to secure the Wildcat’s 8th straight victory in the contest.

All Florida Classic victories are special but this was a little more so considering the dramatic ending and all that was on the line.

 

  1. NCCU Blocked…Well First there was a Goal line Stand and then BLOCKED (2015)

Like the #5 game on this list, this was another contest impacted by a fast approaching hurricane. The threat of inclement weather forced the 2015 matchup against North Carolina Central to be moved up a few hours. The soggy conditions led to a sloppy first half with BCU carrying a 7-6 lead into intermission.

Thankfully both teams grew into the game and the second half came to life with a six touchdown explosion . NCCU scored the first 3 touchdowns of the 3rd quarter while BCU ended the contest with the final 3 touchdowns. Quentin Williams hooked up with Jawill Davis for two 29 yard touchdowns but it was Michael Jones’ 6 yard run that put the Cats ahead 28-26.

Central had one last opportunity to overcome Bethune’s rally and drove the ball as deep as the 1 yard line on their final drive. The Central ball carrier’s helmet crossed the goal line but the Wildcats kept the ball from breaking the plane. The Eagles lined up for a go-ahead field goal that was shorter than an extra point. Easy right! Game over…’Not so fast my friend’ as Lee Corso would say.

Elliot Miller came off the edge and BLOCKED Central’s 16 yard field goal try.

So to recap, we had a change in game time, a 19-point deficit overturned, a goal line stand and a blocked chip shot field goal for the win. I think that is enough to qualify this as a great win.

 

  1. Never as Good as the First Time (2015)

Terry Sims first win as a head coach came on the hallowed grounds of Eddie Robinson Memorial Stadium, included 1047 yards of combined offense, 109 total points and a 56-53 win over Grambling State University. We are not exactly sure how Coach Sims dreamed up his first win but we are pretty sure it wasn’t like this.

Quarterbacks Quentin Williams (244) and Larry Brihm (219) combined to pass for 463 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jawill Davis finished the contest with 8 receptions for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Williams started the game under center but an ineffective start and a hot GSU offense forced Coach Sims into a quarterback change in attempts of sparking his team. Brihm entered in relief and did just that.

The Wildcats and Tigers entered halftime tied 14-14 but that is when the real fun began. The G-Men wrestled back the momentum in the contest and pushed their second half advantage to 39-28. The Tigers strong play in the third quarter forced Sims to boldly but correctly switch quarterbacks again and Williams re-entered the game and quickly led the Wildcats on an eight play scoring drive. Less than two minutes later, Williams engineered another scoring drive giving BCU its first second half lead 41-39.

Bethune and Grambling exchanged leads for the remainder of the contest and combined for 81 points after intermission. Fortunately, for the visitors from Daytona, time expired while BCU was still leading 56-53.

The win helped propel Sims to his best ever record (9-2) and his only share of the MEAC title.

Sims and his men will look to secure another early season win over a SWAC opponent when they face off against Jackson State next Sunday, September 1st at 3:00pm in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Wildcats are 2-0 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge claiming a 38-28 win over Alabama State in 2012 and a 63-14 victory over Prairie View A&M in 2011.

As always, HailWildcats.com will be there to bring you the best fan perspective of the 2019 football season.

Hailwildcats.com BCU vs NC A&T GAME WATCH PARTY Oct. 21st, 2017 @ 12:45 p.m. (Houligan’s)

/ D Will / Leave a comment

CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!!

Hailwildcats.com invites you to our WILDCATS “PREY TOGETHER”  Game Watch Party on October 21st, 2017 starting at 12:45 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Aggies of North Carolina A & T University on ESPN3. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREENS” of HOULIGAN’S at 1725 W. International Speedway Blvd  Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

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If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see

“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”

Just as in the past, the bar will have drink specials and food for Wildcat Alumni and fans. Kick off is at 1 pm…be there early as Saturday  is a very popular at Houligan’s.

SEE YOU THERE!

 

Hailwildcats.com WILDCATS “PREY TOGETHER” GAME WATCH PARTY Oct. 22nd, 2016 @ 1:30 p.m. (Daytona Ale House)

/ D Will / Leave a comment

CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!

bcu

Hailwildcats.com invites you to our WILDCATS “PREY TOGETHER”  Game Watch Party on October 22nd, 2016 starting at 1:30 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Spartans of Norfolk State University on ESPN3. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREENS” of Daytona Ale House at 2610 W. International Speedway Blvd  Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

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If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see

“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”

Just as in the past, the bar will have drink specials and food for Wildcat Alumni and fans. The Ale House has secured the patio area for us all but don’t be late as seating is first come first serve. Kick off is at 2 pm…be there early as Saturday  is a very popular at Ale House.

If you’re not AT the game, we want to see you at the Daytona Ale House on 10/22. Please share this event in all of your circles.

We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($102.00 value) to the 2016 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 19, 2016 @ 2 pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday October  29th, 2016. You may pre-purchase raffle tickets below:

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(1) Raffle Ticket $5.00

 

 

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(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00

 

JOIN US FOR FOOD, FUN, and FOOTBALL!

Daytona Ale House
2610 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fl 32114

We look forward to seeing you there! The Party starts at 1:30 P.M.