Box Score CALIFORNIA, Pa. – Junior receiver Javion Smallwood and sophomore quarterback Tarian Ayres' career-high performances weren't enough to lead the Virginia State University Trojans pass the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans Saturday afternoon at Adamson Stadium, as the Trojans fell 33-24 to open its 2014 campaign.
 
Ayres completed 50 percent of his passes, while throwing for 325 yards and two touchdowns; while Smallwood caught five receptions for 116 yards, including a touchdown.
 
"Obviously, you can't spot a good football team 21 points and expect to win," head coach Latrell Scott said. "We got a punt blocked early and had two blown coverage on offense, so you just can't do it. We have to credit California Univ. of Pennsylvania."
 
"We have to go back this week and clean up a lot of things on special team, as well as on the offensive and defensive. Penalties hindered us as well. We just made a lot of mistakes today and they capitalized on them. There were some positive things occurred today, but now we have to go back to the drawing board and iron out mistakes for next week's matchup against Lenior-Rhyne."  
 
After holding the Vulcans to a field goal and a 30 minute rain delay, the Trojans drove the field and scored on their opening drive, making it a 7-3 contest with 12:41 remaining in the first quarter.
 
Ayres career-long 60-yard pass to junior wide receiver Jaivon Smallwood, the longest reception of his career, gave VSU a 14-10 lead with 14:51 remaining in the first half.
 
Junior Tyrell Smith led the Trojans defensively recording 10 tackles (5 solo, 5 assisted). Senior Andre Rawls had a stellar performance as well collecting eight tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception.
 
VSU returns to action next weekend hosting Lenior- Rhyne University at 2 p.m. (ET) in Roger Stadium for Military Appreciation Day.  

Season tickets for VSU's 2014 home football schedule are on sale now. Season ticket packages are $100 (including parking).
  
Tickets to all Virginia State Athletic events that charge admission can be purchased by calling (804) 524-5656 or visit www.govsutrojans.com. The ticket office is located on the 1st floor of the VSU Athletic Office: 20720 4th Ave. Petersburg, VA 23806.