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Virginia Union’s historic season ends with loss to Valdosta State

12/12/2024, 6 p.m.
Virginia Union University’s football team saw its record-breaking season come to an end Saturday, Dec. 7, with a 49-14 loss …
Jada Byers

Virginia Union University’s football team saw its record-breaking season come to an end Saturday, Dec. 7, with a 49-14 loss to top-ranked Valdosta State in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals in Valdosta, Ga.

The Panthers advanced further in the NCAA Playoffs, played more games, and totaled more yards than any team in the program’s 125-year history, cementing the season as the greatest in Virginia Union’s history.

Jada Byers closed out a remarkable year by rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown against Valdosta State, becoming the first Panther to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season.

He finished with 2,061 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, just one short of Andre Braxton’s school record of 28. Byers also completed his collegiate career as the all-time leader in rushing yards with 5,978 and rushing touchdowns with 71.

On defense, Shamar Graham led the team with 12 tackles, including 10 solo stops. Reginald Vick Jr. contributed four receptions, one of which was a touchdown.

“We didn’t play our best, but that was evident,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “That doesn’t take away the remarkable season these kids had. I don’t want this loss to overshadow that. These guys had a heck of a season, broke a lot of records, and made a lot of history. I’m extremely proud of them. They’re probably going to soak in this a little more because they feel that they didn’t play their best today. But it was an historical run.”

The Panthers wrapped up the 2024 season with a 10-4 record, a second straight CIAA championship, and a place in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, solidifying their legacy in Virginia Union football history.