VSU vs. Elizabeth City State Gm#6

The Virginia State University Trojans were looking to extend their win streak to three games, and sole possession of first place in the eastern division of the CIAA, but fell short to the Elizabeth City State Vikings 15-14 in a nail biter at Roebuck field.

In the first quarter neither offense could get it going with each defense forcing their oppponent to punt on consecutive drives. The Vikings finally grasped the momentum driving the length of the field into Trojan territory only to see a pass by Viking QB Donald Norman intercepted by FS Omar Philmore in the endzone for a touchback. As the Trojans began the drive from their own 20-yd line, QB Michael Terry threw deep to junior WR Jerome Jeter for a 45-yd gain into Viking territory. With the end of the first quarter winding down Trojan RB Nick Fleming scored on a 1-yd touchdown run to put the Trojans up 7-0. In the second quarter the defenses continued to dominate the line of scrimmage by putting constant pressure on the opposing QB. With 8 minutes gone in the second quarter, Trojan QB Michael Terry threw a 77-yd strike to WR sensation P.J. Berry for six to extend the lead to 14-0 going into halftime.

The ECSU Viking's came to life on their first possession in the second half. The Viking offense kept the Trojan defense on their heels running the ball the length of the field which resulted in a 2-yd run by Viking RB Victor Branch to make the score 14-7. Led by Dewitt Newkirk's 11 tackles and Howard Williams' 2 interceptions, the stingy Viking defense froced the Trojans to punt once again. With 6:34 left in the third quarter the Trojans suffered a safety on a bad snap that went out of the endzone to cut the lead to 14-9 Trojans. The Viking's continued to control the second half with an interception by Howard Williams that was returned into Trojan territory. A few plays later QB Donald Norman found WR Marvin Jackson in the endzone for a 35-yd completion to give ECSU their first lead at 15-14. The Trojans had one last shot at the victory, but came up short when a pass from QB Michael Terry went incomplete to WR Jerome Jeter on fourth and ten. Look for Coach Andrew Faison and company to reedem themselves homecoming day next Saturday, at Roger's Stadium, when they face Rowan College.

Game Notes by,

Edwin Wesley