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VUU tops VSU to clinch spot in CIAA title game

Free Press staff report | 11/13/2025, 6 p.m.
Virginia Union University secured its place in the CIAA Championship Game with a 14-3 win over rival Virginia State University …
Virginia Union University running back Curtis Allen (0) carries the ball during the Panthers’ 14-3 win over Virginia State University on Saturday, Nov. 8, clinching a spot in the 2025 CIAA Championship Game. James Haskins

Virginia Union University secured its place in the CIAA Championship Game with a 14-3 win over rival Virginia State University on Saturday afternoon at Hovey Field.

Senior running back Curtis Allen led the way for the Panthers, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. The performance lifted his season total to 2,098 yards, breaking Jada Byers’ school record for single-season rushing yards. 

“It was an incredible day at Hovey Field,” said VUU Head Coach Alvin Parker. “I couldn’t be prouder of this program and how we came together as one. The defense set the tone and anchored us all game long, while the offense delivered big plays when we needed them most. Now, it’s on to the championship — time to lock in and prepare for the next challenge.” 

After a scoreless first quarter, Allen broke through midway in the second with a 4-yard touchdown run to finish an 80-yard drive. He added another score on the next possession from two yards out, giving Union a 14-0 halftime lead. 

Virginia State’s defense kept Union quiet in the second half, holding the Panthers to 46 passing yards and forcing eight punts. The Trojans controlled possession for more than 33 minutes and finally got on the board late in the third quarter when freshman Joshua Campbell hit a 25-yard field goal to cap a 15-play, 74- yard drive. 

VUU’s defense held firm, limiting the Trojans to 245 total yards and forcing two interceptions, both by Jayden Earley. Lamumba Howard led Union with 15 tackles, while Ahmad Ross added 14 tackles and a sack. 

For Virginia State, Rahsaan Matthews Jr. threw for 145 yards and added 21 on the ground. Jaylen Pretlow led the team with 43 rushing yards and 51 receiving yards. Mehkhi Johnson paced the Trojan defense with 13 tackles, including two for loss and a sack. 

With the win, Virginia Union improves to 9-1 overall and 7-0 in the CIAA. The Panthers will face Johnson C. Smith University in the CIAA championship game in Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, Nov. 15. Virginia State ends its season at 6-4 and 4-3 in conference play.