Virginia Union University's
RJ Rosales passed for 196 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers extended their winning streak to six games with a dominant 48-7 victory over Bowie State University on Saturday, October 17, in Bowie, Md.
The Panthers improved to 6-1 overall and 5-0 in CIAA play with the victory, scoring in all four quarters while holding Bowie State scoreless until the fourth quarter.
Rosales completed 13 of 15 passes for 196 yards without an interception, connecting with three different receivers for a pair of touchdowns.
Latrell Sutton caught a 17-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, while
Juelz Cooper hauled in a four-yard scoring reception in the first quarter.
Virginia Union established control early, taking a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on Rosales' touchdown pass to Cooper.
The Panthers exploded for 24 points in the second quarter to take a commanding 31-0 halftime advantage. Running back
Ramon Brown scored twice on touchdown runs of 10 and 34 yards, while Sutton added his touchdown reception. Freshman kicker
Gage Miller capped the first-half scoring with a 25-yard field goal as time expired.
Miller continued his strong performance in the third quarter, connecting on a 22-yard field goal to extend the Panthers' lead to 34-0.
Travon Tensley added a five-yard touchdown run later in the quarter, giving Virginia Union a 41-0 advantage heading into the final period.
Bowie State scored its only touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but Virginia Union answered immediately.
Zyaire Tart returned the ensuing kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown, restoring the Panthers' 41-point lead and putting the finishing touches on the 48-7 victory.
Tensley led the Panthers' rushing attack with 124 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown. Brown added 76 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, helping Virginia Union compile 232 rushing yards.
Virginia Union finished with 428 yards of total offense, including 196 passing yards and 232 rushing yards, while limiting Bowie State to 137 yards. The Panthers' defense recorded four sacks and held the Bulldogs to just 45 passing yards.
Miller was perfect on the day, converting all six extra-point attempts and connecting on both field-goal attempts, from 25 and 22 yards, respectively.
"I loved the energy our team brought today," said Virginia Union Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. "All three phases were clicking very well, and that led to a dominant team victory. It was especially encouraging to see us execute on several areas we emphasized during the bye week. That shows the commitment our guys made to getting better. We'll enjoy this win, but our focus will quickly shift to preparing for our next opponent."
Virginia Union returns home to Hovey Field for Homecoming 2026 when the Panthers host Shaw University at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, in Richmond, Va.
