Fayetteville, NC – The last time Fayetteville State lined up against Virginia State was the CIAA Championship Game in 2017. So much has changed since then but the bitter taste of a championship lost. Bronco fans can rest a little easier tonight after celebrating a 28-14 victory in Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium. FSU improves to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the CIAA as Virginia State drops to 0-3 and 0-1 on the season.
The conference opener for both teams lived up to the hype as Fayetteville State played as if they had something to prove. The Broncos dominated the offense with 340 yards of total offense to the Trojans’ 131. FSU threw for 194 yards and ran for 146 yards. Quarterback Khari Lane connected 21 of his 29 attempts for one touchdown and zero interceptions. Tyeous Sharpe hauled in six receptions for 76 yards and the score. His longest catch was for 28 yards.
Virginia State managed 107 yards in the air and 24 on the ground. D’Vonte Waller completed 7-of-14 passes for 70 yards and Mark Wright was 4-of-8 for 37 yards.
The Trojans scored first with 1:33 remaining in the first quarter of a 37-yard breakthrough by Demetrius Strickland, who finished with 49 yards rushing.
At the top of the second quarter (13:22), Quran Blount picked up a three-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Kicker Jacob Young threw a quick pass for the two-point conversion. Donshel Jetton gave Fayetteville State a 15-7 lead with 7:46 left in the first half after capping a 6-play, 64-yard scoring drive. Jetton punched through to the endzone from the one-yard line. Young’s kick was good.
Virginia State capitalized on a Bronco fumble in the third quarter to close the gap to 15-14 with 9:59 on the clock. Tyrone Fisher scooped up the fumble recovery and returned it 77 yards for the score. Ernest Brewer’s kick was successful.
Before the third quarter expired, Elton Andrew nailed a 42-yard field goal at the 1:48 mark for an 18-14 advantage.
Midway through the fourth quarter with 8:29 left in the game, Lane connected with Sharpe for a 14-yard touchdown that increased the Broncos’ lead to 25-14. Andrew scored the final points on the game with 1:47 left as his 22-yards field goal attempt split the uprights.
Fayetteville State will host Lincoln (Pa.) in Luther “Nick” Jeralds next Saturday (October 2nd) with another 7 pm kickoff. Proof of vaccination or negative CoVID results within 72 hours of the game is required for entry into the stadium.
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