Oct. 6, 2012
Final Stats
PETERSBURG, VA- Virginia State University jumped out to an early 13-0 first quarter lead and held to earn a 28-17 win over Elizabeth City State University Saturday afternoon at Rogers Stadium.
The win gives VSU their first conference victory of the year in the Northern Division matchup. The Trojans improver to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in CIAA play while ECSU suffers their first conference setback of the year.
Virginia State took the momentum early in the game, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. The first came just two minutes and twenty seconds into the contest when VSU quarterback Jarred Battle connected with Dion Futch for the first of his two receiving TDs on the afternoon, a 46 yard pass for a 7-0 score.
After the Trojans intercepted a Namon Jones pass on ECSU's first drive of the game, Battle capped a 4 play, 43 yard drive with a scoring pass to Ja'vo Smallwood. The extra point attempt failed and the Vikings trailed 13-0.
43 seconds into the second quarter, the Vikings got on the board on a 1 yard TD run by Daronte McNeill. VSU's Tyler Wilson countered with a 1 yard rushing score of his own but the extra point attempt again failed and VSU led 19-7.
Brett Symonds hit on a 41 yard field goal just before the half expired and Virginia State took a 19-10 lead into the locker room.
In the third quarter Battle hooked up with Futch again, this time on a 65 yard touchdown. After the extra point attempt was blocked, the Trojans held a 25-10 lead. After the Vikings ensuing possession went back to VSU on downs, Jamien Bryant intercepted a pass by Battle and returned in to the Trojans' 7 yard line. One snap later McNeill got his second score of the day to pull ECSU within 8, 25-17 with 13:11 to go.
The Viking defense then forced a three and out on VSU's next possession. However a fumble deep in Trojan territory halted a promising ECSU drive and Virginia State took over with 8:11 to go.
Devonte Hunt kicked a 32 yard field goal with 1:40 left for the final point spread.
ECSU (3-3, CIAA 2-1) will return to action next Saturday when they travel to take on Lincoln University. Game time is scheduled for 1:00pm. For more information visit www.ecsuvikings.com and follow on Twitter @ECSUVikings.
