PHOTO GALLERY | Virginia Union University's
Jefferson Souza made a field goal with 21 seconds left in the game to give VUU a dramatic 16-15 win over Winston-Salem State University in the 18th Annual Dr. Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl on Saturday, September 28, at Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.
Souza's game winner came after the Panthers' Jarrett Sumiel blocked a Winston-Salem punt and recovered it on the Ram 19-yard line with 1:52 left in the game.
"We played well down the stretch against a tough Winston Salem team," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr.
Alvin Parker. "The CIAA is an extremely competitive league and we know week in and week out we must be ready for the challenge. I am proud of our guys. We will correct the mistakes from this game and be ready for our next game at Livingstone"
After a scoreless first quarter, Winston-Salem State drew first blood by connecting on a 24-yard field goal with 13:23 left in the first half.
The Rams then stretched the lead to 9-0 on a five-yard touchdown pass with 4:30 left in the second quarter.
Virginia Union got the offense in gear late in the first half when the Panthers marched 66 yards on 11 plays to make the score 9-7 with 37 seconds left in the quarter.
VUU then took the lead 10-9 on a 25-yard field goal by Souza in the third quarter.
Winston-Salem State took back the lead with 14:32 left in the fourth quarter on a touchdown run from one yard out to make it 15-10.
Souza then hit another 25-yard field goal with 12:01 left in the game to pull the Panthers to within 15-13 before the Union defensive heroics in the last three minutes.
VUU's quarterback
Khalid Morris connected on 11 of 19 passes for 114 yards while running back
Tabyus Taylor rushed for 76 yards on 22 tries. Taylor also caught two passes for 30 yards.
On the defensive side, VUU was led by
Tyrone Glanton's eight tackles.
The win raised Virginia Union's record to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the CIAA.  Winston-Salem State fell to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in CIAA play.
Virginia Union now travels to Salisbury, N.C., to meet Livingstone College at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5.