ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Classic, the annual football rivalry between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University, kicked off its 44th official meeting on Saturday, drawing thousands of fans and vendors to Central Florida. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Florida Classic celebrated its 44th official installment this weekend, marking the 79th all-time meeting between the FAMU Rattlers and BCU Wildcats

  • Florida A&M won the high-scoring football game 41-38 

  • Among the other highlights was Oh’ Boy BBQ, a Fort Pierce-based family food truck returning for its third year at the Classic

  • Florida Classic officials estimate the event generates up to $30 million annually for the Central Florida region

FAMU won the back-and-forth game 41-38 after Thad Franklin Jr. ran for 195 yards and three touchdowns and Kelvin Dean added 103 yards rushing and a score. That offset a 178-rushing yards, three touchdown performance by the Wildcats' Dennis Palmer and 196 passing yards and a touchdown by Cam’Ron Ransom.

But the Florida Classic, now in its 79th all-time matchup, is about more than just football. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and commerce.

Among the food vendors at this year’s event was Oh’ Boy BBQ, a Fort Pierce-based family-owned food truck. Shareka and Earnest Scott III, along with two of their seven children, began their day early, grilling turkey legs, barbecue, and oxtails for attendees.

“We do soul food, barbecue, turkey legs, oxtails, hot wings, fish, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, tuna salad, seafood salad. And we’ve got red velvet cake and banana pudding, we do it all,” Shareka Scott said.

The Scotts have traveled the country for food truck events and are making their third appearance at the Florida Classic.

“We love the energy and vibe. It gives us something to do, come out, hang out, and now we can make some money. The kids enjoy it, and we love it,” Scott said.

For the Scotts, the event is more than a business opportunity.

“People reaching out and networking just from the experience that they have out customer service, the quality of the food, the love we put in,” said Scott.

The Florida Classic generates an estimated $30 million annually for the Central Florida economy, according to event officials. The influx of visitors benefits local businesses and vendors, while fans enjoy a festive atmosphere with food, entertainment, and football.

The game continues to unite fans, families, and businesses for a weekend of celebration and competition.