Box Score Virginia Union University's Andre Kates had five tackles, recovered two fumbles and returned an interception 23 yards as the Panthers downed Benedict College 28-7 in their season opener on Saturday, September 1, in Historic Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.

Kates also broke up four passes and scored a safety in the win.

VUU's Kenneth Graham, making his first collegiate start, passed for 154 yards, connecting on 14 of 27 passes, including a 36-yard touchdown strike to Devin Anderson in the first quarter.

Virginia Union's senior running back, Jerrell Washington, led the Panther ground game with 94 yards on 13 carries.  Washington broke through the line and scampered for a 59-yard touchdown run to seal the game in the fourth quarter.

VUU's Trevon Winston led the receiving corps with 60 yards on six catches.

Senior kicker Stephen Velasquez was almost perfect, hitting two field goals from 36 and 39 yards out, respectively, and going 2-3 on extra points.  Velasquez also had 265 yards on eight punts.

The win raised VUU's record to 1-0 on the year while Benedict dropped to 0-1.  Virginia Union now travels to Brevard, N.C., to meet Brevard College at 6:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 8.