ETTRICK, Va. (September 23, 2017) – The excitement in Rogers Stadium was an experience to behold as the Virginia State University Trojans defeated the Rams of Winston-Salem State University on Saturday night. The Trojans rallied for a wild 33-27 victory, as VSU showed appreciation to the military and VSU faculty and staff for the Trojans home season opener.

To kick off the game, Winston-Salem State jumped out to a 7-0 first quarter lead at the 12:45 mark. Virginia State answered by scoring on a 18-yard pass, bringing the score to a close 7-6. VSU would add another touchdown on an 11-yard run from Trenton Cannon, with 12:59 left in the second quarter clock, putting VSU up 12-7. The Trojans then added a 76-yard run by Cordelral Cook to give VSU a 19-7 lead. The Rams soon after answered with a 45-yard blocked field goal return to cut VSU's lead, 19-14.

Barbour gave WSSU its first lead of the contest after catching a 19-yard strike from Tinsley, putting WSSU up, 20-19, with 4:35 left in the third quarter.  Early in the fourth quarter, Tinsley's one-yard run edged the Rams to a 27-19 lead with 11:52 left in the game. VSU battled back, with Trenton Cannon adding a touchdown and an extra two points on a three-yard run, the conversation tied the game at the end of regulation.

In overtime, the Trojans scored on a 17-yard run by Thomas Koufie, giving the Trojans its 33-27 lead and victory over the Rams of Winston-Salem State.

The Trojans finished the competition with 365 total rushing yards, 587 total offensive yards, and 222 passing yards. Individually, Cook threw for 171 yards and one score on a 10-of-23 effort. Trenton Cannon was the lead receiver, catching three passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns. Cannon led the Trojans on the ground, rushing 21 times for 155 yards.

Defensively, Brandon Lynch had seven tackles and two tackle for loss. Malik Sexton, Michael Harris, Kurtis Brooks, and Diontae Bruce contributed four tackles each.

The win moves the Trojans to an undefeated 3-0 overall record, 1-0 in the CIAA conference.

VSU will return to play on Saturday, Sept. 30, as they travel to face the Blue Bears of Livingstone College.  Kickoff at the Alumni Memorial Stadium in Salisbury, NC is slated for 6:00 p.m.

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