Canton, Ohio (Sept. 1, 2024)- The Virginia State University football team played Benedict College in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic and emerged with a 23-7 victory, ending the Tigers regular season winning streak at 20 games.
The Tigers started the game with the ball and drove down to the redzone but were forced to take a field goal. During the attempt the kick was blocked but since it was touched by a Trojan player beyond the line of scrimmage the ball was recovered by Benedict for a touchdown. After that the Trojans used a combination of two chunk plays with a 51-yard touchdown throw to Kevin Gayles and an 82-yard touchdown run by Jimmyll Williams. In between those drives Virginia State went on a long drive but had to settle for a field goal making it 16-7.
With 47 seconds left in the first half VSU Cameron Davis had a strip sack with Akhari Haggard recovering the ball to set up the Trojans at the Benedict 49-yard line. However, the Tigers defense was up to the task to hold the score at 16-7 at the end of the first half.
With VSU getting the ball to start the third quarter J. Williams would find himself in the endzone once again making the score 23-7. With the Tigers next drive an hour rain delay slowed Benedict's momentum, after driving down the field, as the Trojan regained possession after the punt. The Trojans managed to put together a lengthy drive but ended with a punt that put Benedict at their own 10-yard line.
In the fourth quarter Benedict once again got close to midfield but a diving interception by Carl Poole Jr. Gave the ball back to the Trojans at the VSU 44 yard line. Then for the second Tigers drive in a row the Trojans got an interception by Jeffrey Wilson, and he returned the ball to the VSU 49. Benedict had one last opportunity, but the VSU defense forced a turnover on downs.
The defense only allowed Benedict to gain 233 yards. J. Williams lead the game with 150 rushing yards on 23 attempts. Gayles recorded 75 receiving yards and a touchdown. R. Williams finished with 13 completions for 197 yards.
The team will have a short week as the travel to in state rival Norfolk State on Saturday September 7 for a 4 p.m. kickoff.
