After two consecutive losses, Virginia State University (2-2, 1-0 CIAA) returned to the win column with a 35-18 victory over Fayetteville State (2-2, 1-1 CIAA) on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Trojans used a strong offensive performance led by quarterback Romelo Williams and wide receiver Kevin Gayles to secure the conference win.

Fayetteville State opened the scoring on its first drive, marching down the field in five minutes to take an early 7-0 lead.

Virginia State struggled on its first possession, leading to a punt, but defensive back KJ McNeil intercepted a tipped pass, setting up the Trojans in Fayetteville territory. On the very next play, Williams connected with Gayles for an 18-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.

The remainder of the first quarter saw both teams exchange punts. Early in the second quarter, the Trojans capitalized on an eight-play drive, with Jimmyll Williams punching in a 4-yard touchdown to give VSU a 14-7 lead. Fayetteville State responded by intercepting a Romelo Williams pass but could only manage a field goal, narrowing the gap to 14-10. VSU then struck back quickly, as Williams found Gayles for a 63-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 21-10 at halftime.

In the third quarter, with five minutes left, Williams and Gayles connected again, this time for a 68-yard touchdown, making it 28-10. Shortly after, Tayshaun Porter caught a 17-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 35-10. Fayetteville State managed a late touchdown and 2-point conversion, but the 35-18 deficit proved insurmountable.

Romelo Williams finished the game 10-of-16 for 231 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to Gayles. Jimmyll Williams led the rushing attack with 76 yards and a score. Virginia State will look to continue its winning momentum when they face Johnson C. Smith at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, in Charlotte, N.C.