RICHMOND, Va., October 3, 2026 — Virginia Union University's football team extended its winning streak to five games as the Panthers defeated Elizabeth City State University 20-7 on Saturday at Hovey Field.
The victory moves Virginia Union to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in CIAA play. The Panthers overcame rainy conditions by relying on a strong rushing attack and a defense that held Elizabeth City State scoreless after the first quarter.
Virginia Union's
Travon Tensley led the Panthers' rushing attack with 123 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. His six-yard touchdown run with 35 seconds remaining in the second quarter capped a 13-play, 73-yard drive and gave VUU a 20-7 advantage at halftime.
Quarterback
RJ Rosales was perfect through the air, completing all nine of his attempts for 66 yards and a touchdown. Rosales also rushed for 17 yards and a touchdown.
Rosales' three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave the Panthers their first score of the afternoon.
Ben Haulmark then hauled in a five-yard touchdown pass from Rosales with 10:30 remaining in the second quarter to put VUU ahead 13-7.
Virginia Union finished the game with 289 yards of total offense, including 223 rushing yards. The Panthers recorded 20 first downs and controlled the ball for 36:41.
The Panther defense limited Elizabeth City State to 196 total yards and recorded four sacks.
Christian Aiken led VUU with 11 tackles and a sack, while
Ahmad Ross added 10 tackles and a sack.
Jessiah Gildersleeve contributed seven tackles, while
Elijah Candia added eight tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack.
Joseph Brooks recorded two sacks for the Panthers.
Elizabeth City State scored on its opening possession when Simms Rogers broke loose for a 53-yard touchdown run. The Panthers responded with three consecutive touchdown drives spanning the first and second quarters and kept the Vikings off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.
"I was pleased with the way we handled the elements today versus Elizabeth City," said VUU Head Football Coach Alvin Parker. "This team continues to show a high level of resiliency, and I'm proud of the way our guys have responded week after week. To head into the bye week at 5-1 is a good place to be. As always, we'll evaluate where we can improve, continue to get better, and use this time to get some much-needed rest before our next contest."
Virginia Union will now have a bye week before traveling to Bowie, Md., to face Bowie State University on Saturday, October 17.
