Nov. 2, 2014 Final Stats
ELIZABETH CITY, NC- Virginia Union University spoiled the Vikings' Senior Day with a come from behind 14-7 victory over Elizabeth City State University Saturday afternoon at Roebuck Stadium.
The win was the Panthers first in 8 tries over ECSU as they last defeated the Vikings 14-6 on October 29, 2005 in Richmond, VA. The victory also sets up a showdown for the CIAA Northern Division crown as the Panthers will host Virginia State University next Saturday at Hovey Field.
The Vikings' ground game was stunted on Saturday afternoon where ECSU's running backs were held to just 69 of the team's 302 total offensive yards.
The Panthers (7-2, CIAA 5-1) overcame four interceptions from quarterback Dane James and 229 yards on 23 penalties to capture their first win at Roebuck Stadium since the 2004 season. After trailing 7-0 at halftime, VUU recovered a fumble at the ECSU 31 on the Vikings first possession of the second half. Nine plays later they capitalized on the turnover with a 15 yard TD pass from James to Jussie York knotting the game at 7 apiece with 7:39 to go in the third quarter.
On the Vikings ensuing possession Willie Bailey came up big for the Panther defense, intercepting Tyrell Houghton at the VUU 35 yard line. Bailey returned the pick to the ECSU 34 and behind wildcat rushing by Lenworth Lennon found the end zone again for the go ahead score. Lennon's wildcat play proved to be the spark the Panther offense needed as he carried the ball 17 times and led all rushers with 137 yards which was more than all seven of ECSU's ball carriers combined.
The Vikings got deep into VUU territory, with first and goal at the Panther 4 yard line with 14:48 left in the game. However after a short two yard gain on a reception by Antonio Huff, the Panther defense stiffened, loading up the box to stuff three straight rushing attempts and take over on downs at their own one yard line.
VUU's next drive failed to cushion their lead when Troy Krepich's 43 yard field goal attempt missed wide right. The Panthers would again deny ECSU on fourth down on their ensuing drive however the Vikings would get another shot after James was picked off for the fourth time on the afternoon, this time by Tyrrel Jones at the ECSU 49 with 4:38 to go.
The Vikings only score of the day came on a two yard rushing touchdown by Houghton with 2:50 left in the in the opening half. Stephen Williams led all defenders with 13 tackles (9 solo) and two interceptions.
ECSU (4-5, CIAA 3-3) will close out the 2014 season on Saturday, November 8th at Bowie State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm. Follow on Twitter @ECSUVikings and visit www.ecsuvikings.com for more information.
