Charlotte, N.C. – In a heart-pounding rematch that showcased grit, determination, and a few surprises, #1 Virginia State and #2 Virginia Union clashed in the 2024 CIAA Football Championship on Saturday evening. With a nail-biting finish and plenty of twists along the way, the Panthers ultimately triumphed 17-13, securing their second consecutive CIAA title and carving out a slice of history in the process.
For Virginia Union, the victory marked back-to-back championships for the first time since the early 1980s. It was a testament to their resilience, especially after falling to Virginia State in the regular season finale just weeks prior. The rematch, played in front of an energetic crowd of 511 fans, turned out to be a defensive battle, punctuated by clutch plays and standout performances.
The drama unfolded early. Virginia State opened with a promising drive, overcoming a daunting 2nd-and-20 thanks to a dazzling 25-yard rush by Jimmyll Williams. With a 1st-and-goal opportunity from the one-yard line, the Trojans seemed poised to strike first. But the Panthers’ defense, a hallmark of their season, dug in. Three relentless stops brought up a pivotal 4th-and-goal from the two-yard line. Virginia State rolled the dice but came up short, turning the ball over on downs.
The Panthers seized the momentum. In a drive powered by MVP Jada Byers, who had been a force all season, Virginia Union found the endzone. Byers capped the possession with a two-yard touchdown run, putting the Panthers up 7-0.
Virginia State responded with determination, moving the ball efficiently before settling for a 33-yard field goal to trim the lead to 7-3. As the second quarter wound down, Virginia Union managed to tack on another three points at the buzzer, taking a 10-3 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter started slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. But Virginia State eventually broke through, as quarterback Romelo Williams connected with Tylique Ray for a beautifully executed touchdown in the front corner of the endzone, tying the game at 10.
Virginia Union, however, quickly answered. Six minutes later, quarterback Mark Wright lofted a 23-yard strike to Reginald Vick Jr., who hauled it in to restore the Panthers’ lead at 17-10.
The game hung in the balance as the clock ticked toward zero. Virginia State, down by four, had one last chance to flip the script. With just 27 seconds remaining and starting from their own 11-yard line, they aimed for a miracle. But hopes of a comeback were dashed when Virginia Union’s William Davis intercepted Romelo Williams’ first pass of the drive, sealing the victory and igniting celebrations on the Panthers’ sideline.
Virginia Union’s standout running back, Jada Byers, was the unquestionable star of the game. Carrying the ball a staggering 32 times, Byers amassed 178 yards on the ground and scored the Panthers’ first touchdown. His relentless effort earned him MVP honors and underscored why he has been a cornerstone of Virginia Union’s success all season.
With this hard-fought win, Virginia Union achieved something not seen in over four decades: consecutive CIAA championships. The triumph not only cements their legacy but also positions them as a formidable force heading into the Division II playoffs, with berths and seeds set to be announced Sunday night.
For the Panthers, the victory wasn’t just about revenge for their regular-season loss. It was a statement—a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and championship pedigree. As the clock struck zero, Virginia Union celebrated not just a win, but a legacy reborn.
