Norfolk, Va. (September 1) – The Virginia State University (VSU) Trojans Football team opened its 2018 season falling 34-13 to Division I (FCS) Norfolk State University on Saturday (9/01) night at William "Dick" Price Stadium. 

FINAL: Trojans 13, NSU 34
Virginia State's quarterback Cordelral Cook (Atlanta, GA) moved the chain for 13-plays and securing a 19-yard touchdown pass at the 8:39 mark in the first quarter. The Spartans Juwan Carter secured a 23-yard touchdown to tie to the game seven all to end the first quarter.

The second quarter favored Norfolk State where NSU kicker Josh Nardone collected a 26-yard field goal to edge the Spartans 10-7, which they took into halftime.
 
Securing the last points of game for VSU in the third quarter, Cook ran in a 3-yard touchdown with 2:25 left in the third quarter. 

The fourth quarter favored the Spartans they as added two touchdown and one field goal to take the 34-13 victory. 

The Spartans outgained the Trojans, 361-267 yards, including a 147-82 edge on the ground. Individually for VSU, Cook finished with 170 yards on a 14-for-26 performance while throwing two interceptions. Cook also rushed for 22 yards and two touchdowns. Demetrius Strickland finished the game with a total of 40 rushing yards for the Trojans.  
 
Defensively, the Trojans were led by Patrick Prosser (Newport News, VA) who finished with eight tackles, 3.5 tackle for loss, while senior Alexander Williams (Brooklyn, NY) contributed eight tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack. Followed by Will Adams (Richmond, VA) and Malik Sexton (Portsmouth, VA) both contributed seven tackles each.
 
Virginia State University will return to action next week, as they travel to face Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent Robert Morris. Kickoff is slated for 12 pm on Saturday, September 8 at Joe Walton Stadium.  
 
For the most up-to-date information on VSU Football please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.