Elizabeth City, N.C. (Oct. 19, 2024)- The Virginia State (4-3, 3-1) football team traveled down to Elizabeth City State University (2-5, 0-4) and got revenge for last season's defeat, winning in dominate fashion 36-7. The VSU defense made the Vikings finish with –47 rushing yards.
The VSU defense forced a punt on the opening drive for ECSU. With the Trojans taking over at midfield Romelo Williams found Jimmyll Williams for a 30-yard catch and run to get the first points on the board. Neither team would get on the board again in the first quarter.
On the first drive in the second quarter Virginia State used their running game to drive down the field but were forced to settle for a field goal to make it 10-0. The Trojans would then force a fumble on the next Vikings drive to set up the offense in plus territory, but once again Joshua Campbell was sent out to kick a field goal making it 13-0. Then just before the half Williams had a shot at a touchdown but just overthrew his target to make the halftime score 13-0.
Virginia State would get the ball to start the second half and thanks to a 45-yard rushing touchdown by J. Williams made it 20-0. The Trojan defense then forced another three-and-out to get the ball back to the offense. J. Williams then for the second straight drive had a 47-yard touchdown rushing touchdown. However, the next time the Trojans touched the ball a fumble and the ensuing return set up the Viking on the four-yard line. It only took ECSU one play to finally get on the board.
On Elizabeth City's first drive in the fourth quarter put them on their own one yard line after the Trojans turned it over on downs. Mustapha Coly on the third play of the drive got a sack and caused a safety making it 29-7. Elizabeth City State on the next drive turned the ball over on downs and when the Trojans got the ball and R. Williams found Tylique Ray for a 68-yard touchdown catch which was the last score in the game.
J. Williams rushed the ball 18 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns while adding a catch for 30 yards and a touchdown. Jayshaun Alston lived in the Vikings backfield recording four sacks out of the 11 the Trojans had on the day.
