Box Score
Virginia State University's football team opened up their 2012 football season on the road against Norfolk State University in the 21st annual Virginia Lottery Labor Day Classic football game. The Trojans' offense had a difficult battle throughout the game, falling to the Spartans 24-0.
Virginia State University gained a total of 10 rushing yards throughout the game as Norfolk State's defense continued to apply pressure. The Trojans completed 7 of 17 pass attempts for 107 total yards and were sacked a total of seven times. Defensively, VSU allowed 223 rushing yards and 117 yards through the air. The Trojans were unable to find their normal groove due to the Spartans dominance on both sides of the ball.
On the Trojans opening possession of the game, their offense threw an interception on their second play from the line of scrimmage. Norfolk State was unable to capitalize off of the Trojans' early miscue and the Trojans answered back with a great defense play of their own intercepting a pass from the Spartans quarterback.
The first points of the game came on a 31 yard made field goal by the Spartans, with 1:11 remaining in the first quarter. On the ensuing possession, the Trojans quarterback Jarred Battle (senior/Norfolk, VA) was sacked in his end zone, forcing a fumble and the Spartans recovered the loose ball for a defensive touchdown. NSU extended their lead to 10-0 with seven seconds remaining in the opening quarter.
The Trojans went into the first half trailing the Spartans 10-0. VSU inserted back-up quarterback LaMonta Green (red-shirt junior/Los Angeles, CA) to run the offense in the middle of the first quarter. Green completed 3 of 6 attempts in the first half for 57 yards. He completed a 31 yard pass to wide receiver Corey Young (senior/Norfolk, VA). The Trojans collected 70 total yards with 65 yards accumulated through passing yards.
Running backs, Bryan Jones (junior/Hayward, CA) and Lamont Britt (red-shirt freshman/Norfolk, VA) carried the rushing attack early for the Trojans. Jones had 8 rushing attempts for 18 yards, while Britt had 7 rushes for 11 yards.
Defensively, the Trojans held the Spartans to 38 passing yards through the first half. Defensive backs, Darion Thomas (red-shirt freshman/Virginia beach, VA) and Andre Rawls (junior/Franklin, VA) both recorded interceptions in the first half.
The Trojans punted on all five offensive possessions in the second half. Norfolk State added on another two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter breaking out to a 24-0 lead and cruised to victory. The Spartans have now defeated the Trojans seven straight times dating back to 2006. The Trojans recorded their last shutout in 2009 and head football coach Andrew Faison is now 3-8 against the Spartans.
Quarterback LaMonta Green led the Trojans with 89 total passing yards on 6 of 13 attempts. Wide receiver Alan Anderson (red-shirt senior/ Emporia, VA) had two receptions for 33 yards. Running back Lamont Britt also had two receptions for 17 and added 13 yards rushing on 9 carries. VSU's Bryan Jones led the rushing attack with 29 total yards on 9 attempts.

Defensively, the Trojans was led by linebackers Bryce Willoughby's (senior/Fort Washington, MD) and Brandon Robinson's (sophomore/Mechanicsville, VA) eight tackles each. Defensive back Sean Smith (red-shirt junior/Atlanta, GA) pitched in with six total tackles, while linebacker Andrew Faison, Jr. (red-shirt sophomore/Chester, VA) also had six tackles and blocked a 38 yard field goal attempt in the second quarter.
Virginia State University's football team will open at home next Saturday, September 8th against West Liberty University in Ettrick, VA at 1:30 p.m.