Virginia Union University rallied in the fourth quarter but came up short, losing 27-24 to California (PA) in Saturday’s NCAA Division II playoff at Willie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium.

After a rough first quarter that saw VUU fall behind 14-0, the Panthers outscored the Vulcans 17-6 in the second quarter to cut the halftime deficit to 20-17. Running back Curtis Allen rushed for 128 yards on 21 carries, including a 2-yard touchdown that sparked VUU’s comeback. 

Special teams provided one of the game’s highlights when Zyaire Tart returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, bringing the Panthers within 27-24 with 9:41 remaining. VUU forced two consecutive punts, giving the team chances to tie the game, but a late drive stalled at the Vulcans’ 27-yard line with just over a minute to play. 

California controlled the clock, holding a 36:46 to 22:07 edge in time of possession and running 71 offensive plays to VUU’s 49. The Panthers’ defense produced several key stops, including sacks by Mesa Pennix and Lamumba Howard, who also led the team with 12 tackles. 

Offensively, RJ Rosales and Myles Derricott combined for 85 passing yards, including a 20-yard touchdown reception by Derrick Pauling-Outlaw in the second quarter. Tart added 51 receiving yards and 149 kickoff return yards. 

Coach Alvin Parker praised his team’s effort and highlighted Allen’s performance. 

“We depend on Curtis Allen for that average yardage. He had about 6.1 yards per carry today, and his 128 yards came in only three quarters because he didn’t touch the ball in the first quarter,” Parker said. “If we could have come out of the gate a little better, then his numbers would have been even more impressive.” 

The loss ends Virginia Union’s season at 9-3, marking the program’s fourth straight NCAA playoff appearance.