Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University Trojan football team will kick off their season at home in Rogers Stadium this Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1p.m. against California University of Pennsylvania. The two teams met last year for the first time under the same circumstance.

However, the Trojans fell short of a victory for the 2014 season opener, but went on to achieve a 10-3 winning record on the season. VSU was undefeated in conference competition, earned the title of CIAA Champions, and made it to the second round of the NCAA Playoffs before hanging their jerseys up last season.

"Cal. PA is a great team, and they're coached well. If we can go out here in this game and perform well, then that will set our mark to see where we need to be in CIAA play," said Head Coach Byron Thweatt.

California University of Pennsylvania is just one of three non-conference teams the Trojans will face to begin their season.
Senior Jaivon Smallwood, junior Kavon Bellamy, and junior Jahmil Haley were named to the All-CIAA Preseason Team. Junior Ray Prosise, senior Darion Thomas, and sophomore Brandon Lynch were also named to the team on the defensive end for the Trojans.

Junior quarterback Tarian Ayres, junior wide receiver Willie Stubblefield, and senior wide receiver Gene Holloman who was injured last season will return for the Trojans. A newcomer in freshman Trenton Cannon will also add to the mix for the Trojans on the offensive end. Senior Lyndon Thomas and junior Geo Feggins will also be returning for the Trojans defense and are expected to have a big impact along with a group of solid veteran players for the Trojans secondary.

The Trojans have conveyed that if anything, it can be expected that Saturday's season opener against California University of Pennsylvania will be "strictly business."
For more football information to include season tickets and tailgating, visit govsutrojans.com, call 804-524-5030 or follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.