Spartans in action on the field during the game. (Emmanuella Addo).
Spartans football earned their first win of the season in a 34-31 overtime victory against the Virginia State Trojans. Taking place at the William “Dick” Price stadium on September 6th, this matchup marked the 56th meeting between the schools with the first one dating back to 1939.
The Trojans started the game receiving the ball and put the first points on the board with a 22-yard field goal by Joshua Campbell. While the Spartans had possession of the ball, Trojans Mehkhi Johnson forced a fumble that was recovered by his teammate KJ McNeil, placing them on their 13-yard line.
The moment didn’t last long for the Trojans. As they were punting the ball away, Spartans safety Ricardo Underwood blocked the kick and it was recovered by Spartans Jason Wonodi in the end zone for the first touchdown of the game. Following the play was a good kick by Evan Helfrich adding to the score 7-3.
Quarter one might’ve ended with the Spartans in the lead, but the Trojans fought back hard in the second quarter. They started the quarter with a touchdown from a 41-yard pass to Ajenavi Byrd and a successful kick by Campbell to take the lead 7-10.
Trojans Donavan Howard gave them another touchdown after he recovered a loose ball from the Spartans possession, but their kick for an extra point was blocked by Spartans Makai Frisby, ending the first half 7-16.
Coming out of halftime, Spartans Marco Peery made a 36-yard field goal during their first possession of the third quarter.
There was a slow moment for both teams until Trojans Rahsaaan Matthews Jr. got a touchdown rushing 14-yards into the end zone with a successful extra point to follow, extending their lead to end the third quarter 10-23.
Within the first minute of the last quarter, the Spartans got a touchdown with a 6-yard pass into the end zone to J.J. Evans. Soon after was a quick 18-yard pass to Spartans DreSean Kendrick for another touchdown to take the lead 24-23.
With about 2 minutes left of the fourth quarter, the Trojans got a touchdown and a two-point conversion to regain their lead 24-31, but the Spartans were not done yet. Spartans Jaylan Laudermilk responded with a rushing 33-yard touchdown and a good kick from Helfrich tied the score 31-31, taking this rivalry game into overtime.
The Spartans won the coin toss and chose to start overtime on defense. This is a strategy for Vick
to take the defense in a situation like this, and it worked in their favor. The Trojans were unableto score with their possession, and it gave Helfrich the opportunity to kick a 29-yard game-winning field goal for the Spartans 34-31.
The Spartans next game will be away on September 13th versus Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be live on Big Ten Network. Their next home game will be against the Sacred Heart University Pioneers on September 20th at 4pm. It will also be streaming live on ESPN Plus.
Spartan Echo 