Box Score Virginia Union University's Lavatiae Kelly caught three of Shawheem Dowdy's five touchdown throws, Stanback rushed for over 100 yards for the fourth time this year while scoring twice, and Virginia Union moved to 2-0 in the CIAA with a 50-21 win over the Falcons in their second game at Hovey Field this season.

It was the Panthers third win in a row after playing three straight games on the road.

Kelly's touchdown catches came from 16, 20 and 46 yards. He finished with eight catches and 100 receiving yards.

The 6-2 190-pound junior transfer from Tennessee State chuckled when asked if he has caught three touchdowns before.

"I mean, back in high school, not in college, so it was a good feeling," he said.

He said Dowdy made some good throws - Kelly's first two touchdowns were well placed passes in the back corner of the end zone - but Kelly had to elevate over the defensive back for the last one, which he did, before carrying it a few steps into the end zone.

"I had to go up and get that one," he said.

Not concerned with being the leading receiver in any category, Kelly emphasised the importance of the win, then the importance of moving on and looking ahead.

"We've just got to keep it going, day by day. Just got to get better each week."

Dowdy, who finished 18 of 33 for 247 yards with five touchdowns and an interception, sat out last week's game to let minor injuries heal.

"It definitely felt great to get back out here," Dowdy said. "I just had to trust my knee and just do what I know how to do, and that's play football."

With the field muddy and Union confident in their plan to attack the Falcons defense, Dowdy said they didn't want to rely too much on their run game.

He had connected with Kelly for six points just once prior to the three times on Saturday.

"It was a good day for us," he said. "We definitely have a relationship out here."

Stanback finished with 159 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. He also caught two passes, including an 18-yard score early in the third quarter.

He said the weather and wet field caused some conflicts with practice times this week. He called it a "mental week," because they had to stay focused despite the rain.

"We just wanted to come out here and give it our all, and just understand what we're going up against each and every week."

Going 1-0 everyday, even in practice, is a theme emphasised by coach Mark James. Another emphasis is family.

MICHAEL BROWN BACK ON THE SIDELINES

At halftime on Saturday, Union announced that Michael Brown, the Panther defensive back who was hospitalized with a neck injury he suffered at Winston-Salem State, was in attendance on the sideline.

After that, it was announced that Brown's parents were, unbeknownst to him, also in attendance.

It was the first time they had seen him in person since the injury.

"Definitely surprised me," Brown said.

He said it was great to see his teammates get a win, even if he was on the sideline in a neck brace.

"Just for them to go out there and continue to play and finish out strong and know the goal we all set from the jump, I'm definitely happy for them," he said.

It's tough to watch from the sideline, but he's still involved with the team, going to meetings and practices, reminding them to, "keep their eyes on the prize."

He, personally, said he feels great.

"I feel 100 percent," he said with a smile. "I'm still Mike Brown, so, everybody knows I'm feeling good, I'm in good condition, still in good shape."