Jada Byers rushed for 188 yards and two touchdowns, leading Virginia Union University to a 35-0 victory over Elizabeth City State University on Saturday at Hovey Stadium.

  

The Panthers’ defense, anchored by Shamar Graham’s 14 tackles, secured their second consecutive shutout against the Vikings at home. VUU blanked ECSU 49-0 in 2022.

Mark Wright completed 9 of 17 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. Kalen Carver caught both of Wright’s touchdown passes.

Jalen Mayo blocked two kicks, becoming the first Panther to achieve this feat in a single game since Brian Smith in 2009. The school record of three blocked kicks was set by Robert Convers against Norfolk State University in 1980.

“We’re capable of going to the NCAA playoffs for the third straight year,” VUU Coach Alvin Parker said. “But we’ve got to play though because we’re not only coming off a CIAA championship season, but two straight playoff appearances. That means you’re going to get everybody’s best shot, so you’ve got to give everybody your best shot.”

Virginia Union (4-2, 3-0 CIAA) will travel to Lincoln University, Pa., to face Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 1 p.m Saturday, Oct. 19.