By Christopher Streeter, VSU Sports Information
Picture Caption-Jarred Battle completed 12 of 14 pass attempts for 231 yards with three touchdowns in a win against Elizabeth City State University on Saturday, October 6th in Ettrick, VA.
It was evident from the opening snaps of the game that the Trojans’ offense was ready to turn things around. Elizabeth City State had no answer for Virginia State’s early passing attack, as the Trojans scored on four plays going 71 yards on their opening drive. VSU quarterback Jarred Battle (Sr./ Norfolk, VA) completed four of four pass attempts, quickly marching down the field and capped it with a 46 yard touchdown to wide receiver Dion Futch (Jr./ Hampton, VA).
The Trojan defense also picked up the intensity early against the Vikings’ offense. VSU’s defensive back Sean Smith (Jr./ Atlanta, GA), intercepted the ECSU quarterback and returned it 22 yards on the Vikings’ opening drive. With the offense back on the field, the Trojans looked to their rushing attack hoping to balance the momentum. VSU’s Bryan Jones (Jr./ Hayward, CA) rushed for a 12 yard gain and Tyler Wilson (So./Stafford, VA) added a 5 yard rush. With the ECSU defense expecting another rush, quarterback Jarred Battle hooked up with wide receiver Ja’von Smallwood (Fr./Virginia Beach, VA) for a 28 yard touchdown. Battle completed 4 of 4 pass attempts in the first quarter for 99 yards with 2 touchdowns. VSU led 13-0 heading into the second quarter.
Opening the second half, the Trojans offense continued to put on a passing clinic. With a variety of screens and timing routes the offense looked like a finely tuned athletic machine. Battle threw his third touchdown of the game to a wide open Dion Futch for 65 yards. Battle completed 12 of 14 pass attempts for 231 yards against the Vikings. Futch had two catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. The Trojans chose a method of running back by committee with Tyler Wilson, Bryan Jones, and Lamont Britt. The trio balanced out the offensive attack combining for 92 yards rushing. The final score read, Virginia State 28 Elizabeth City State 17.
The Trojans improve to a 2-4 record overall and are looking to improve as they travel next week to CIAA opponent Bowie State University.
Owusu-Mensah Paces VSU in Win at Trojan XC Invite
Prince Owusu-Mensah finished third overall leading the Trojans to a first place finish at the VSU Trojan Cross-Country Invite on Friday, October 5th on the campus of Virginia State University.
The Trojans averaged 30:37 on the five mile course. VSU combined for 25 points as runners finished in 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th place. Washington Adventist placed second with 59 points averaging 33:23 as a team. Virginia Union and Chowan both tied for third place with 72 points each. Prince Owusu-Mensah finished third and led the Trojans with a time of 30:09. Chris Henry followed with a close fourth place finish (30:10), while Justin Pittman ranked fifth (30:38). VSU’s Andres McIntyre finished sixth (30:40) and LeMontre Taylor finished seventh (31:31).
Three Lady Trojans Lead Team To Win at Trojan XC Invite
Led by a first place finish by Taylor-Ashley Bean, the Lady Trojans placed first at the VSU Trojan Cross-Country Invite on Friday, October 5th on the campus of Virginia State University.
The Lady Trojans averaged 21:45 on the 5k course. VSU combined for 23 points as runners finished in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, and 9th place. Chowan placed second with 43 points and Virginia Union placed third with 64 points. Taylor-Ashley Bean outran the pack with a time of 19:38. Shannon Lewis followed in a time of 20:38 for a second place finish, while Samantha Edwards finished third in a time of 21:08. VSU’s Aprica Bullock finished eighth (23:35) and Shani Francklin finished ninth (23:47).
