RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Union University's
RJ Rosales completed 10 of 15 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns as the Panthers defeated Shaw University 49-6 in their Homecoming game on Saturday, October 24, at Hovey Field.
The victory improved Virginia Union to 7-1 overall and 6-0 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play, keeping the Panthers tied with Virginia State University for first place in the conference standings. Both teams remain undefeated in CIAA competition.
Virginia Union's offense totaled 417 yards, including 234 passing yards and 183 rushing yards, while the Panthers scored in all four quarters. VUU built a commanding 35-0 halftime lead after scoring 14 points in the first quarter and adding 21 in the second.
Rosales connected with
Montrell Wright for two touchdowns, including a 27-yard scoring strike in the first quarter and a 41-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Wright finished with four receptions for 91 yards.
Rosales also threw touchdown passes to
Ben Haulmark and
Latrell Sutton in the second quarter. Haulmark hauled in an 18-yard touchdown reception, while Sutton caught a 39-yard scoring pass to help the Panthers extend their lead before halftime.
Virginia Union added two rushing touchdowns, with
Jerome Jones scoring on a seven-yard run in the first quarter and
Raphael Tucker finding the end zone on a three-yard run early in the second quarter.
The Panthers capped their scoring in the fourth quarter when
Myles Derricott connected with
Lyvarius Gilbert for a 26-yard touchdown pass. Gilbert's reception gave Virginia Union its seventh touchdown of the afternoon.
On the ground,
Ramon Brown led the Panthers with 94 rushing yards on 18 carries. Tucker added 55 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.
Virginia Union's defense limited Shaw to 169 total yards, including 85 passing yards and 84 rushing yards. The Panthers recorded four sacks and intercepted two passes.
Derrick Burroughs returned one interception 39 yards, while
Quincy Jefferson also recorded an interception.
Ahmad Ross led the Panthers with 10 total tackles, including two tackles for loss.
Christian Aiken recorded four tackles and a sack, while the defense consistently pressured Shaw's quarterbacks throughout the afternoon.
"I thought our guys played well in all three phases of the game today," said Virginia Union Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. "It's always special to get a win on Homecoming in front of our alumni, fans, and supporters. It's a great feeling to be in control of our own destiny this late in October, and we understand the importance of that opportunity. What excites me most as a coach is seeing different players step up and make an impact each week. We'll enjoy this Homecoming victory, but our focus now shifts to Lincoln and the challenge ahead."
Virginia Union will travel to Philadelphia, Pa., to face Lincoln University of Pennsylvania on Friday, October 30.
