Box Score ETTRICK, Va. –   The Virginia State University football team overwhelmed Chowan University, 40-7, Saturday afternoon in Roger Stadium on Senior Day.
 
With the victory, the Trojans improved to 7-2 overall and 6-0 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association; while the Hawks dropped to 1-8 overall and 0-6 in conference play.
 
VSU started slow coming out of the half, recording a field goal off the foot of freshman place kicker Mathew Hillquist, before giving up its lone touchdown to Chowan on a 57 yard pass, making it a 20-7 contest.
 
Freshman running back Earl Hughes scored touchdowns from three yards out and seven yards out in the fourth quarter before sophomore cornerback Tyrell Smith returned a 60-yard interception, capping the 40-7 ballgame.
 
The Trojans took a 17-0 lead into halftime with touchdowns runs from junior running back Kevon Bellamy (15-yards) and sophomore quarterback Tarian Ayres (47-yards). Hillquist added three points with a 22-yard field goal at the 5:13 minute mark in the second quarter.
 
Hughes led the way for Virginia State, collecting 120 yards on 19 carries; while junior running back Kavon Bellamy added a 104 yards rushing of his own. Sophomore quarterback recorded 100 yards rushing; including a touchdown.
 
Defensively, senior linebacker Brandon Robinson led the way with eight tackles; including two tackles for a loss; while senior Andrew Faison tallied seven tackles in the victory as well.
 
VSU travels up the road to Richmond to face I-95 rival, Virginia Union University in its season finale, Saturday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. in Hovey Field.
 
The VSU Athletic Department continues its' "1000 Cans, One Goal" campaign initiative at every home game through Friday, Nov. 21. The purpose of the initiative is to support the local food banks in helping feed the less fortunate during the holiday season. Donors are asked to either bring can goods to any VSU Athletic home game (football, basketball, volleyball, and/or cross-country) and/or drop your items off to the Athletic Department.