Ettrick, VA- (Rogers Stadium)- October 6, 2012-  After a short week of practice, the Mighty Trojans of Virginia State University return home to host the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University.  The Trojans hope to bounce back from a tough loss last Saturday at home to Shaw University.  Roger Stadium was filled with Trojan Pride and excitement, with VSU seeking their home win of the 2012 campaign.   Not to mention this would be the Trojans one and only nationally televised game of the season.  The theme of Breast Cancer Awareness with several of the Trojans wearing pink gloves, tape, and towels, and the Breast Cancer Ribbon was also beautiful painted in each end zone. 

It was evident from the opening snaps of the game that the Trojans offense was ready to turn thing around. Elizabeth City State had no answer for Virginia State's early passing attack, as the Trojans scored on four plays going 71 yards on their opening drive. VSU quarterback Jarred Battle (Sr./ Norfolk, VA) completed four of four pass attempts, quickly marching down the field and capped it with a 46 yard touchdown to wide receiver Dion Futch (Jr./ Hampton, VA).

The Trojan defense also picked up the intensity early against the Vikings offense. VSU's defensive back Sean Smith (Jr./ Atlanta GA), intercepted the ECSU quarterback and returned it 22 yards on the Vikings opening drive. With the offense back on the field, the Trojans looked to their rushing attack hoping to balance the momentum. VSU's Bryan Jones (Jr./ Hayward, CA) rushed for a 12 yard gain and Tyler Wilson (So./Stafford, VA) added a 5 yard rush. With the ECSU defense expecting another rush, quarterback Jarred Battle hooked up with wide receiver Ja'von Smallwood (Fr./Virginia Beach, VA) for a 28 yard touchdown. Battle completed 4 of 4 pass attempts in the first quarter for 99 yards with 2 touchdowns. VSU led 13-0 heading into the second quarter.

Early in the second quarter the Vikings were able to put together a long drive capped off by a one yard rushing touchdown by ECSU's DaRonte McNeill. The Trojans struck again midway through the second quarter. The Trojans Corey Young (Sr./ Virginia Beach, VA) caught a 45 yard pass from Battle, moving the ball into Viking territory. VSU looked to their rushing attack once more with a triple threat attack. Running back Lamont Britt (R-Fr./ Norfolk, VA) rushed for a quick gain of 13 yards after the long reception by Young. Next, Bryan Jones rushed for 24 yards setting up first and goal for the Trojans. While their power back, Tyler Wilson took it into the end zone on a one yard rush at the 5:55 mark in the second quarter. VSU expanded their lead to 19-7 over the Vikings.

Opening the second half, the Trojans offense continued to put on a passing clinic.  With a variety of screens and timing routes the offense looked like a finely tuned athletic machine. Battle threw his third touchdown of the game to a wide open Dion Futch for 65 yards. Battle completed 12 of 14 pass attempts for 231 yards against the Vikings. Futch had two catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. The Trojans chose a method of running back by committee with Tyler Wilson, Bryan Jones, and Lamont Britt. The trio balanced out the offensive attack combining for 92 yards rushing.

Defensively, linebacker Brandon Robinson (So./ Mechanicsville, VA) led the way with 12 tackles.  As a result of a shagged punt, the Vikings were given great field position. They were able to capitalize and put together and effective drive leading to a 7 yard scoring run by ECSU's DaRonte McNeill.  This score put the Vikings in a threatening position with the score, Virginia State 25 Elizabeth City State 17.   The Trojans responded to the score with superior ball control and time management.  Although the Trojans were not able to reach the end zone, kicker Devonte Hunt (Jr./ Newport News, VA) put aside a rough outing and put the game out of reach converting on a clutch, 32 yard field goal attempt.  The defense once again stepped onto the field and put the finishing touches on the Vikings of Elizabeth City State. The final score Virginia State 28 Elizabeth City State 17. 

The Trojans now have a 2-4 record overall and looking to improve as they travel next week to CIAA opponent Bowie State University.