UU’s football season to open against Hampton on Sept. 4
Fred Jeter | 6/3/2021, 6 p.m.
Finally, some good news for Virginia Union University football.
After missing the entire 2020 season because of the pandemic, there is reason for optimism for 2021.
Coach Alvin Parker’s Panthers are ranked 25th among NCAA Division II programs by Lindy’s Sports Magazine.
“Lindy’s is among the most trusted publications when it comes to college football,” Coach Parker said. “Our players and coaches have worked extremely hard this past year to be put in such a prestigious position.”
The early season schedule will make it difficult, however. VUU opens Saturday, Sept. 4, at FCS Hampton University of the Big South Conference.
In a Hovey Field home opener on Saturday, Sept. 11, the Panthers will face Valdosta State University of Georgia, which ranked eighth in the Lindy’s poll.
The Willard Bailey Classic on Saturday, Sept. 18, presents an interesting matchup with Virginia University of Lynchburg.
Coach Willard Bailey coached at both VUU and at Virginia University of Lynchburg. He directed the Panthers on two occasions — 1971 to 1983 and again 1995 to 2003. He directed the VUL program from 2011 to 2013.
VUU is 15-5 under Coach Parker, who was a standout player for the Panthers under Coach Bailey. VUU’s last game was Nov. 9, 2019, when the Panthers lost at Virginia State University 27-24.
