Virginia Union’s important season ended with a tough 49-14 loss to top-ranked Valdosta Order within the NCAA Category II playoffs. The sport additionally marked the overall occupation sport for Jada Byers, one of the crucial electrical operating backs in contemporary reminiscence for HBCU soccer. The sport was once held at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium and showcased Valdosta Order’s high-powered offense and smothering protection, which have been extra for the Panthers to triumph over.
The sport began competitively, with Virginia Union’s protection forcing Valdosta Order to grind out their opening scoring force. Alternatively, Valdosta Order struck first with an 8-yard landing run through Alfonso Franklin, who can be a key determine all the way through the sport.
Virginia Union spoke back in the second one quarter with an noteceable 18-play, 75-yard force capped through a 7-yard landing run from Jada Byers. This narrowed the distance to 14-7, however Valdosta Order’s offense erupted with 3 unanswered touchdowns ahead of halftime, together with two lengthy scoring moves from quarterback Sammy Edwards to Rodney Bullard. The Blazers carried a commanding 28-7 govern into the fracture.
In the second one part, Valdosta Order endured to dominate, with a 62-yard landing go to Samuel Curry and any other lengthy accident to Bullard hanging the sport out of achieve. Virginia Union added a overdue landing go from R.J. Rosales to Reginald Vick Jr., nevertheless it was once too negligible, too overdue.
Impressive Performances
- Jada Byers (Virginia Union): The peak HBCU operating again this season carried the ball 22 occasions for 109 yards and a landing.
- R.J. Rosales (Virginia Union): The quarterback threw for 88 yards and a landing life fending off giveover.
- Virginia Union Protection: Shamar Graham led the attempt with 12 tackles, together with a take on for loss.
- Sammy Edwards (Valdosta Order): The quarterback was once outstanding, throwing for 302 yards and 4 touchdowns, connecting ceaselessly with Rodney Bullard, who hauled in 3 touchdowns on 5 receptions for 158 yards.
- Alfonso Franklin (Valdosta Order): Balanced the Blazers’ assault with 64 dashing yards and two rankings.
An HBCU season to bear in mind
In spite of the loss, Virginia Union’s 10-3 season displays a powerful marketing campaign which integrated two NCAA playoff victories. Jada Byers finishes his occupation as the best-ever important rusher in Virginia Union historical past, a mark he surpassed previous this season. Schoolmaster Alvin Parker’s squad displayed flashes of brilliance however may now not maintain momentum in opposition to the people’s peak crew. Valdosta Order strikes ahead as a sunny championship favourite, showcasing why they keep the Deny. 1 score.
