RICHMOND,VA- The Elizabeth City State University Vikings suffered a tough 26-19 loss TO THE panthers of Virginia Union at Hovey Field on Saturday.

The Vikings drop to 2-7 overall, 2-5 in the CIAA, while the Panthers improve to a 7-2 overall, 5-1 record.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings totaled 14 first downs, rushed for 136 yards and the quarterback duo of sophomore Kendrick Patterson and junior Kevin Caldwell completed 10 passes for 118 yards.  Gregory Bryan led the Vikings ground attack with 124 yards rushing, while Dajuan Greene led the Vikings air attack with five receptions for 73 yards, going for 32 yards on his longest catch.

Defensively, Juanya Magette had seven solo stops, and assisted on six tackles, and Lawrence Brown scored on a 20 yard interception.  VUU QB Khalid Morris's pass was intercepted by Lawrence Brown at the VUU 20 and returned 20 yards for a touchdown for ECSU to take the lead 13-6 in the second quarter. 

"I would just like to say that we fought deep into the game against a very good football team" said Head Coach Anthony Jones.  "We came in here under adverse circumstances and my guys competed greatly today. We hung in there until the end.  We look forward to continuing the season at home next week against Bowie State.  I am really proud of our Vikings."  

The Vikings will face off against Bowie State University on Saturday, November 9 in Elizabeth City's historic Roebuck Stadium.