In what is being hailed as a potential game of the year in HBCU football, Edward Waters picked up a stunning upset victory over reigning CIAA champion Virginia Union, 41-38, on Saturday, September 13, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Edward Waters' win was capped off with a game-winning field goal, a dramatic conclusion after Virginia Union had held the lead for a significant portion of the half.
Virginia Union, which had previously won its Labor Day weekend matchup against Miles College 45-3, is known for imposing its will on opposing defenses.
Edward Waters broke out and took the 21-14 lead on a Torey Morrison 15-yard pass to IJean-Baptiste. Then, later on in the third quarter, Johntar Thomas gave Edward Waters a critical score with 2:20 remaining, breaking free for a 70-yard touchdown run to extend the lead 28-17. Not only were the Tigers poised to win, they were en route to a commanding victory. But Virginia Union fought back.
After a Ryan Gagne 27-yard field goal, Virginia Union made its move. With 5:55 remaining in the fourth quarter, Virginia Union found the end zone after a 9-play, 75-yard drive. Quarterback
RJ Rosales completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to
Jeremiah Francis, and a successful kick to put the Panthers a touchdown away from tying the game as Edward Waters clung to a 31-24 lead. Just over a minute later, at the 4:09 mark, Virginia Union's
Lamumba Howard recovered a fumble and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 31-31.
Virginia Union's moment of reprieve was short-lived, however, as Kieren Jackson returned the kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to give Edward Waters the thrilling 38-31 lead. But Virginia Union had one more stand left in them as Rosales threw a 25-yard pass to
Jeremiah Francis that finished a 9-play, 66-yard drive that was sure to send the game to overtime. But, Ryan Gagne called game on a 35-yard field goal that sealed the 41-38 upset victory.
Virginia Union proved their championship mettle as they refused to back down and still found themselves in a position to win the game.
"It was a tough loss, but we simply can't make that many mistakes against a good football team," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr.
Alvin Parker. "I was proud of the way our guys competed and fought to the very end. A few more plays down the stretch could have changed the outcome. Hats off to Edward Waters for earning the win"
Virginia Union is now preparing for a heavyweight showdown with Johnson C. Smith on September 20th at 6:00 p.m. at Hovey Field in Richmond, Va., with the game airing on CIAA Network.
