Virginia Union University running back Jada Byers rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns, but Hampton University outlasted the Panthers 33-21 last Saturday.

Hampton running back Elijah Burris was the difference-maker, breaking loose for 135 yards and two scores to lead the Pirates (1-1) to victory in front of 6,308 fans at Armstrong Stadium.

“We played four quarters tonight,” said Hampton Coach Trent Boykin. “We played with a lot of energy and intensity. I was really proud of the way we played on both sides of the ball.”

Burris, the second-leading rusher in the Coastal Athletic Association last season, was held to just 43 yards in Hampton’s season opener against Morgan State. But the senior found his stride against Virginia Union (1-1), scoring two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the win for the Pirates.

VUU quarterback RJ Rosales completed 3-of-6 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, while Shamar Graham recorded a career-high 17 tackles, including 10 in the first quarter alone, for the Panthers.

“We didn’t finish,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “It’s something we teach our guys every day in practice, but today we just didn’t finish the game. You have to play four quarters, and we didn’t accomplish that today.”

At halftime, Hampton honored its 1994 and 2004 national championship football teams, both coached by the legendary Joe Taylor.

Virginia Union (1-1) will have a bye week next weekend before traveling to Charlotte, N.C., to face Johnson C. Smith University on Sept. 21. Hampton (1-1) will visit Norfolk State on Sept. 14.