ETTRICK, VA (November 9, 2019)- The Virginia State University football team have secured a spot in the NCAA Super Region 2 Playoff, after the  Virginia Union University Panthers throw a pass to no one, giving the Trojans a 27-24 overtime victory.
The season has seen many highs and low, but the team prevailed during the battle. "The guys stayed in the fight the entire time," said Coach Barlow. "That is what being a Trojan all is about!" The victory was a great way for the 2019 Trojan Football seniors to close out their final regular season game of their collegiate careers.
 
THE BASICS
MATCHUP: Virginia State (VSU) vs. Virginia Union (VUU)
FINAL OT SCORE: VSU 27 - VUU 24
SERIES RECORD: 56-42-6 (VSU)
SEASON RECORD: VSU (8-2), VUU (7-3)
 
FIRST HALF
The first quarter did not see any scoring action, setting the play for a very eventful rivalry matchup. Although the Panthers got on the board with a 27 yard field goal, the Trojans Demetrius Strickland entered the end zone for a 1 yard touchdown. The 7-3 lead was not enough for VSU, so Elijah White found a gap in the Panthers play for an interception and 45 yard touchdown.
VSU rounded out the half with a 14-3 lead over VUU.

SECOND HALF
The 3^rd quarter saw many changes in possession before a score change at the 3:23 minute mark. After 8 plays and 39 yards, Nicholas Woolfolk secured a 27 field goal. VSU's defense left an opening on the field, allowing VUU to secure a 31 yard touchdown with 9 seconds left in the quarter. Heading into the final quarter of regulation, VSU held a 17-10 lead.
Seeming to rule in favor of the Panthers, the 4^th quarter saw 2 VUU end zone appearances. All hope looked lost as the Panther controlled the matchup 24-17. The Trojans got back in the game when Cordelral Cook made a connection with Jevon LaPierre for a 36 yard pass, resulting a Trojans touchdown. The 24-all score moved the game into overtime as the Trojan fans stood to their feet, preparing for a VSU victory.

OVERTIME
Staying focused, VSU secured a 34 yard field goal, by Woolfolk, to take the 27-24 lead. The Trojans defense was prepared to hold off the Panthers in order to secure the win, but the efforts were not needed. The Panther threw a 4^th down pass to an empty Panthers end zone, giving the Trojans a 27-24 overtime victory.

LEADERS
Offensively, Cook was 16-for-30 in pass completions for 211 yards and rushed for 84 net yards on 16 attempts. Demetrius Strickland was not too far behind with 69 net yards on 12 attempts and a single touchdown.  Marquez Phillips covered 64 yards on 3 receptions while Jevon LaPierre's single reception earned him a 36 yard touchdown.
Defensively, NaShawn Reid-Carlos led the charge for VSU with 9 total tackles which were all solo. Will Adams and Javon Frazier chipped in with 9 tackles respectively, while Frazier collected 2 sacks for 17 yards.
 
UP NEXT
The Trojans will standby until next week's NCAA selection show, to determine who they will face in the first round of the NCAA Division II Super Region 2 Playoffs.
 
STAY CONNECTED
For the most up-to-date information on VSU football please visit www.govsutrojans.com, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports and on Instagram VSUtrojans_1882.