Norfolk, Va. (September 2) – In front of a crowd of 10,221, the Virginia State University (VSU) Trojans Football team opened its 2017 season with a 14-10 victory on the road against the Spartans of  Norfolk State University (NSU).

After a five-year hiatus of the Labor Day Classic, the Trojans were able to secure the victory over NSU for the first time since 2005.

FINAL: Trojans 14, NSU 10

Virginia State's quarterback Cordelral Cook (Atlanta, GA) moved the chain for 11-plays and securing a 1-yard touchdown run at the 10:41 mark in the first quarter. The Spartans safety Bobby Price's interception in the Trojans territory set up a 28-yard field goal by Josh Nardone with 3:46 left in the first quarter. VSU had a strong 7-3 lead over NSU at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter favored Norfolk State where NSU punter Taylor Goettie's 32-yard punt pinned VSU at the 1-yard line as heavy rain begin to fall. One play later, Cook fumbled a snap in the end zone and NSU defensive end Nigel Chavis fell on it for a touchdown. The Spartans held a 10-7 lead, which they took into halftime.

Securing the last points of game, Cook ran in a 2-yard touchdown with 5:40 left in the third quarter.

The Trojans outgained the Spartans, 275-214 yards, including a 190-98 edge on the ground. Individually for VSU, Cook finished with 74 yards on a 12-for-19 performance while throwing two interceptions. Cook also rushed for 22 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Trenton Cannon finished the game with a total of 145 rushing yards for the Trojans. 

Virginia State University will return to action next week, as they travel to take on the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University in a nonconference matchup on Saturday, September 9 . Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. from the Irwin Belk Complex. 

For the most up-to-date information on VSU Football please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.