ETTRICK, Va. (Oct. 27, 2018) – The Virginia State University football team suffered a tough 45-38 loss to the Hawks of Chowan University this afternoon at Rogers Stadium. With the win, the Hawks move to a 4-4 overall record, 3-2 in the CIAA, and 3-1 in the Northern Division; while the host Virginia State  University move to a 4-4 overall record, 4-2 in the CIAA and  2-2 in the Northern Division.
 
In the opening quarter, the visiting Hawks wasted no time with adding points to the scoreboard as Tyrell Freeman rushed for one yard, in addition to an extra point by Jackson Brooks, to give the Hawks a 7-0 edge over the Trojans. Virginia State then answered when quarterback Cordelral Cook (Atlanta, Ga.) connected with Maurice Davis for a four-yard touchdown, in addition to an extra point by Nicholas Woolfolk to tie the game 7-7 at the 5:42 mark to close out the scoring in the first quarter.  

Both teams entered the second quarter with the same momentum, as Chowan added three touchdowns and the Trojans added one touchdown respectively. Visiting Chowan University added points at the 13:54 mark when quarterback Bryce Witt connected with Imeek Watkins on a 19-yard pass in addition to an extra point to edge the Hawks, 14-7, over the Trojans. Next, the Hawks added another touchdown at the 9:10 mark when quarterback Bryce Witt connected with Torry Baker on a 21-yard pass in addition to an extra point to bring the score 21-7. VSU continued to rally, taking things one play at a time. The Trojans made a big play when Cook connected with Jemourri La Pierre on a 23-yard pass in addition to an extra point to cut the Hawks lead 21-14.  CU then added its final touchdown of the half when Bryce Witt connected with Paul Gooden on a 17-yard pass to edge the Trojans 28-14. The Trojans then secured a 25-yard field goal with 1:28 left in the second quarter to close the score gap 28-17 at the half.

Heading into the third quarter, VSU struck first with Cordelral Cook finding the endzone on a seven-yard run to cut the Hawks lead, 28-23 at the 11:35 mark. The Hawks answered when quarterback Bryce Witt found the endzone on a 45-yard run to edge them 35-23. The Trojans when added a 35-yard run to add a touchdown, in addition to an extra point to bring the score 35-30. At the 4:00 mark the Trojans when secured another touchdown when Cook connected with Andre Jackson on a 24-yard pass to take its first and final lead, 38-35.

The final quarter was the battle of the wills for both teams as the Hawks secured an early 42-38 lead at the 13:49 mark. The Hawks then got into field goal range to collect three points at the 3:44 mark, bringing the final score 45-38.

Leading the charge offensively for the Trojans was junior quarterback Cordelral Cook who rushed for 246 yards and collected two touchdowns. Cook finished the contest going 12-of-25 and passing for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman Jemourri La Pierre led all receivers with 67 reception yards on three catches.

Virginia State racked up 397 total yards of offense compared to 466 for Chowan University.

Senior Dhevyn Anderson (Watertown, NY) was Virginia State's leading tacklers with collecting seven tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. Diontae Bruce, Patrick Prosser, Rashard Jones and Adonte Braxton all collected five tackles respectively for VSU. Vincent Parker, Na'Shawn Reid-Carlos and Kolby Hunter all finished the contest with recording four tackles each.
 
Next, the Trojans will travel for their final game of the regular season.  Virginia State University will face the Panthers of Virginia Union University on Saturday, November 3 with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. from Hovey Field.
 
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