Virginia Union University clinched its second consecutive CIAA Football Championship with a thrilling 17-13 victory over Virginia State University on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Salem.

The Panthers, now back-to-back champions for the first time since 1982-83, secured the win in dramatic fashion with a defensive stand and a game-sealing interception in the final moments.

The Panthers will face Wingate University in the first round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Wingate, N.C., marking their third straight playoff appearance.

A Defensive Stand

Virginia State opened the game with a promising drive, including a 25-yard rush by Jimmyll Williams that helped set up a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line. However, the Panthers’ defense held firm, stopping the Trojans on four consecutive plays to force a turnover on downs.

Virginia Union capitalized on the momentum, orchestrating a strong offensive drive capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by star running back Jada Byers, giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead.

Virginia State answered with a 33-yard field goal to narrow the deficit to 7-3. As the first half wound down, VUU kicker Brady Myers added a field goal as time expired, extending the Panthers’ lead to 10-3 at halftime.

A Back-and-Forth Second Half

The Trojans tied the game at 10 in the third quarter when quarterback Romelo Williams connected with Tylique Ray for a touchdown. Virginia Union responded quickly as quarterback Mark Wright found Reginald Vick Jr. for a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting the Panthers back in front, 17-10.

Virginia State managed another field goal to cut the lead to four, but the Panthers’ defense stepped up once more.

With 27 seconds remaining, Virginia Union botched a fourth-down snap, giving the Trojans one last chance from their own 11-yard line. On the very next play, William Davis intercepted Williams’ pass to seal the victory.

Byers Shines Again 

Jada Byers, named the game’s MVP, delivered another standout performance, rushing for 178 yards on 32 carries and scoring a touchdown.

“This is amazing,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “We knew we needed to give them a good game after last week. The defense did a great job, and the guys up front were incredible.”

Looking Ahead

Virginia Union enters the playoffs with an 8-3 record and as the seventh seed in Super Region 2. They’ll face Wingate University, the second seed and South Atlantic Conference champions with a 9-1 record.

The matchup will be a rematch of last year’s NCAA playoff game, where Wingate defeated VUU at Hovey Field.

The Panthers’ playoff berth continues a historic run, matching the success of the 1981-83 teams that also reached three consecutive NCAA playoffs.

Ticket details for Saturday’s game will be announced later this week.