In a heart-stopping season opener, the Florida A&M Rattlers barely escaped the Norfolk State Spartans’ upset bid, squeaking out a 24-23 victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Saturday night.

The Spartans came out swinging, stunning the defending Celebration Bowl champs with a lightning-fast 14-0 lead. 

Junior speedster Kevon King set the tone early, blazing past defenders for an electrifying 83-yard touchdown run that had Rattler fans holding their breath.

King, the former Oscar Smith High School (Chesapeake) standout, was a one-man wrecking crew, steamrolling his way to a career-high 146 yards and two touchdowns. His punishing runs left the FAMU defense battered and bewildered for much of the night.

But the Rattlers, true to their name, struck back with venom. Quarterback Daniel Richardson slithered through the Spartan defense, unleashing 286 passing yards and a pair of clutch touchdowns.

With the clock winding down and trailing 24-17, Norfolk State found new life. Levontae Jacobs delivered a bone-crushing hit, forcing a fumble that Eric Ivory pounced on.

The Spartans capitalized with King’s second touchdown, bringing them within a whisker at 24-23. But their gutsy two-point gamble came up snake eyes, as FAMU’s defense stood tall when it mattered most.

The Spartans will look to build on this near-win when they clash with FBS foe East Carolina next Saturday.