TROJANS TOPPLE ECSU VIKINGS WITH 23-10 VICTORY

TROJANS TOPPLE ECSU VIKINGS WITH 23-10 VICTORY
Virginia State Captures First Win over ECSU Since 2005; Earn All Important Division Win

October 3, 2009

PETERSBURG, VA - The Virginia State University snapped Elizabeth City State’s four game win streak with a 23-10 triumph at Rogers Stadium Saturday night.

Most significantly the Trojans now hold the head-to-head advantage over the Vikings. Both hold 2-1 conference marks in the East behind Bowie State who remains 3-0 in the CIAA after their 51-20 win over Lincoln University Saturday.

The Trojans scored 20 points in the first half while concurrently holding the Vikings scoreless before the intermission. That marks the first time that a team has blanked ECSU in the first half since it happened in a 14-6 loss to Virginia Union on October 29, 2005. Additionally the 2005 season was the last time that a Virginia State team defeated the Vikings.

After the Trojans first possession yielded a punt, a fumble by Creven Powell on ECSU’s first play from scrimmage gave VSU the ball back on the Vikings’ 25 yard line. Six plays later Antwain Lyde caught a 17-yard pass from Leonard Johnson and the Trojans took an early 6-0 lead after a fail extra point attempt. With 5:38 remaining the first quarter Johnson found Corey Young with a 35- yard scoring strike and a 13-0 advantage. Then, with just 35 seconds left before the intermission, Rahoo Walker capped a 12 play 78-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown rush and a commanding 20-0 score.

After the initial turnover at the start of game, each Viking offensive series in the first half ended with a punt and they only crossed into Trojan territory once (43-yardline). In the second half the Vikings converted two interceptions (Tolbert Matthews, Zavis Padgett) to a 25-yard field goal by Daniel Mendez and a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Howard Williamson in the third quarter. The Trojans would chew up precious time in the 4th quarter (11:54) and add a 39-yard field goal by Justin Parker to close out the game.

ECSU’s offense tallied a season low 135 yards from scrimmage while the defense surrendered 356 (121 rushing) total yards to the Trojans. Virginia State (4-2, CIAA 2-1) was 7-for-14 on third down conversions and was 2-for-2 in the red zone. They also held a 19-9 advantage in first downs.

For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.