Virginia Union took care of business in the final week of the regular season in the CIAA, defeating its in-state rival Virginia State 36-14.
As a result, the Panthers punched their ticket to their fourth straight CIAA championship game, establishing a new school record for consecutive conference title game appearances.
Virginia Union controlled the game from the outset defensively, building a 20-0 lead in the first half, holding the Trojans to just over two yards per play on 32 scrimmage snaps.
Defensive lineman Elijah Candia was the star of the game, putting constant pressure on the Trojans to the tune of six tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
RJ Rosales led the Panthers’ offense with 211 yards on 73% passing, scoring four total touchdowns (three passing touchdowns, one rushing).
Ramon Brown tallied 111 rushing yards and a touchdown, marking his second straight 100-yard rushing game.
Virginia State’s loss means Virginia Union will meet Johnson C. Smith in a rematch of last year’s conference championship game.
Despite not needing a win, Johnson C. Smith delivered one in its regular-season finale anyway, taking down Livingstone 27-14 in the Commemorative Classic.
Fabian Duncan continued what has been a remarkable season, compiling 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive end Darion Johnson paced the Golden Bulls on defense, recording six tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
Last year’s championship game was a historic affair that saw Virginia Union looking to complete its first three-peat since 1983 and for Johnson C. Smith looking for its first conference title since 1969.
In the end, the Golden Bulls emerged victorious in a dynamic 45-21 win.
