In a battle of two of the top teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Virginia State University defeated Virginia Union University 35-28 on Nov. 9 in Ettrick. The win sets up a rematch between the two teams in the CIAA Championship Game on Nov. 16 in Salem, Va.

VUU running back Jada Byers rushed for 106 yards, while quarterback Mark Wright passed for 324 yards in the loss. However, it was not enough to overcome a strong performance by the VSU Trojans.

The Trojans got on the board first with a 10-play touchdown drive capped by a 31-yard scoring pass from Romelo Williams to Tayshaun Porter. VUU answered with a field goal, but VSU extended their lead to 14-10 with another Williams to Porter touchdown pass.

VUU tied the game at 21-21 in the third quarter, but VSU responded with two more scores to take a 35-21 advantage. The Panthers made it close late, but VSU held on for the victory.

“We took a tough one today, we had our chances,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “We now prepare to defend our championship in Salem.”

This will be the first time the two teams have met in a postseason game since 1932, when VUU defeated VSU 6-0 in the “Tiebreaker Bowl” after the regular season ended in a 6-6 tie. Virginia Union finishes the 2024 regular season with a 7-3 record overall and a 6-1 mark in the CIAA, while VSU moves to 7-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play.