Virginia Union University's
Mark Wright passed for 140 yards while
Jada Byers rushed for two touchdowns, but Johnson C. Smith University defeated the Panthers 21-16 on Saturday, September 21, in Charlotte, N.C.
Byers now has 54 career rushing touchdowns and is closing in on the VUU school record of 62, held by Andre Braxton.
Virginia Union's
Ricky Key, Jr., caught four passes for 73 yards while teammate
Shamar Graham had a team-high 10 tackles.
"It was tough hard fought CIAA game, hats off to JCSU for pulling out the victory," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr.
Alvin Parker. "We had our chances but didn't capitalize. We will work on what needs to be corrected and be ready for our next contest."
Virginia Union will now open the 2024 home season when the Panthers host Shaw University at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, at Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.