The Norfolk State University Spartans emerged victorious at the Battle of the States game against the rival Virginia State University Trojans to secure a 28-23 win on September 7 at William Dick Price Stadium.
The game kicked off with a Spartan 60-yard touchdown pass from quarterback, Jalen Daniels, to wide receiver, Jaquez Jones, giving them an early 7-0 lead. The Trojans responded quickly, orchestrating a 92-yard drive capped off by a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback, Romelo Williams, to wide receiver, Kevin Gayles, tying the game 7-7.
Shortly after the second quarter started, Trojans took the lead 7-14 with a 2-yard run by running back Jimmyll Williams. The Spartans tied the game 14-14 as Daniels showcased his dual threat abilities scoring on an 11-yard touchdown run after leading a 70 yard. The game continued to progress in favor of the Spartans when Daniels connected with wide receiver, Kam’Ryn Thomas for a 22-yard touchdown pass, putting Norfolk State ahead 21-14.
The third quarter was slow for both teams, with no one gaining a touchdown during the first 12 minutes. It picked up towards the end when the Trojans started their drive with 6 minutes left on the clock, and ended with the Spartans halting the Trojans’ offense, forcing a field goal.
The games deciding moment came when Spartans running back, Kevon King, broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 28-17 after a 95-yard drive. The Trojans tried to mount a late comeback with Williams scoring on a 7-yard run, however they failed to capitalize on the two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 28-23 in favor of Norfolk State.
Despite the late push from the Trojans, the Spartans’ defense held strong, preventing any further scoring and helped them take the win. Both teams displayed resilience and defensive prowess, but the Spartans’ explosive play, particularly from Daniels and King, ultimately sealed the win.
Notable players for Norfolk State include Daniels with 210 yards, one touchdown and one interception; King ended the game with 20 carries, 137 yards, and one touchdown; Jones also helped win with 4 receptions, 109 yards, and one touchdown; Lastly Kam’Ryn Thomas ended the game with 5 receptions, 47 yards, and one touchdown.
The next game for the Spartans will be the Battle of the Bay game against the Hampton University Pirates at 4 p.m. on September 14 at William Dick Price Stadium.
Spartan Echo 