Final Stats

RICHMOND, VA- Virginia Union University amassed 496 yards of total offense as the Panthers captured a 43-31 win over Elizabeth City State University Saturday afternoon at Hovey Field.

VUU's 43 points and offensive output represents the highest totals surrendered by the Vikings this season. Four Virginia Union rushers also combined for opponent highs this year of 275 yards and 50 carries.

Dre Thomasson led all defenders with a game high 11 tackles and Tyrrel Jones had 10 stops including 2.5 for loss of 6 yards. Elijah Washington had the best game of his rookie campaign with 9 tackles (6 solo) a sack, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry.

The Panthers jumped out to a 10-0 advantage in the first quarter on a 50 yard fumble recovery returned for a score and a 27 yard field goal by Beymar Piraquive. They extended their lead to 17-0 with 12:56 left in the second quarter on a 19 yard rushing touchdown by Shawheem Dowdy.

The Vikings finally countered when Ra'sheed Rushing capped an 8 play, 83 yard drive with an 8 yard rushing touchdown at the 9:19 mark. Jeff Flores would add a 22 yard field goal with 7:05 left in the first half and ECSU trailed 17-10 at the intermission.

The Panthers took their first drive of the second half 88 yards on 8 plays and Hakeem Holland found the end zone on a 6 yard scamper; after the missed extra point Virginia Union led 23-10. On the next two drives the teams exchanged punts and then for the duration of the contest, tested their opposing defenses.

The Vikings and Panthers would combine to score a touchdown on each of the game's next six possessions. A short punt and field gave ECSU the ball in Panther territory and three plays later Lovie Banks-Rose, Jr snagged a one handed scoring reception to pull the Vikings within a touchdown, 23-17. Virginia Union responded orchestrating a 12 play, 72 yard drive to reclaim a 13 point edge, 30-17, as the third quarter expired.

The teams traded touchdowns on all but one drive in the final quarter. Each time the Vikings pulled within striking distance the Panthers (7-2, CIAA 5-1) would counter with a touchdown of their own. ECSU trailed 37-31 until Holland's second rushing score came with 2:19 left and although the extra point was blocked, the TD sealed the win for the Panthers.

Daquan Neal finished with 255 yards through the air with 2 passing touchdowns and 64 yards on the ground including a 24 yard rushing score. Banks-Rose hauled in 8 passes for 140 yards including both of Neal's passing touchdowns.

ECSU (4-4, CIAA 2-4) will wrap up the season next Saturday against Bowie State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm at Roebuck Stadium.