Charlotte, N.C. - Week 10 of the CIAA football season was nothing short of exciting and saw a second and final team solidify a spot in the 2024 CIAA Football Championship. Virginia State took down Virginia Union on their home field and used a loss by Johnson C. Smith to move up to the top spot in the rankings and earn a second-consecutive showdown with Virginia Union in the championship game. 

Virginia State def. Virginia Union, 35-28
Virginia State were hot out the gate and claimed a 14-3 lead and would go on to take a 21-13 lead at the break. Their success carried over into the second quarter as they found the end zone twice more and led 35-21 with just a quarter remaining. The Panthers found the end zone once more but the Trojans’ defense buckled down and held them scoreless for the remainder of the game to claim the victory and earn a spot in the championship.

Livingstone def. Johnson C. Smith, 15-10
The oldest rivalry in HBCU was renewed this weekend and had huge implications, as Livingstone played host to Johnson C. Smith. The Golden Bulls had a win-and-in  for the the 2024 CIAA Championship, but had their aspirations cut short, as Livingstone, who eclipsed the most program wins in over 5 years, took down JCSU and ultimately kept them out of the championship. 

Bowie State def. Lincoln (PA), 45-7
Bowie State ended the season on a high note with a 38-point victory over Lincoln (PA). The Bulldogs finished 4-6 including winning three of their last four, while the Lions conclude the season at 2-8 (2-5 CIAA).

Winston-Salem State def. Fayetteville State, 37-31
Despite not making the championship game, Winston-Salem State accomplished a strong season, eclipsing seven wins while going 5-2 in the CIAA. 

Elizabeth City State def. Bluefield State, 27-21
ECSU had a down season in 2024 but were able to build up some momentum heading into next season, as they ended the season with a 27-21 road victory over Bluefield State. The Vikings finished 3-7 (1-6 CIAA), while Bluefield State concludes at 1-9 (0-7 CIAA). 


Next week is the 2024 CIAA Football Championship, as #1 Virginia State will take on #2 Virginia Union.

WEEKLY HONORS
Below are the weekly honors:


NAME: Romelo Williams
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University
POSITION: Quarterback
CLASS: Graduate
HOMETOWN: Miramar, FL.

Romelo was tremendous in the game against Union where he totaled 349 yards by himself, 294 passing and 55 rushing and four total touchdowns to help VSU become Co-Champions of the CIAA!!!!



NAME: Jimmyll Williams
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University
POSITION: Running back
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Durham, N.C.
 

Jimmyll was a work horse for VSU rushing the ball 20 times for 88 yards for a 4 yard average. He added a 23 yard touchdown that ended up being the game winner.

NAME: Malik Hunter
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University
POSITION: Wide Receiver
CLASS: Junior
HOMETOWN: Woodbridge, VA.

Malik was a huge target in the win over VUU. He had six catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns one of which came in a 3rd and 34 situation where he streaked down the field for a 91-yard catch and run



NAME: Bruno Onwuazor
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University
POSITION: Offensive Lineman
CLASS: Junior
HOMETOWN: Bladensburg, MD.
 

Bruno was a pivotal part of the VSU offense that totaled 436 yards of offense. He also didn't allow a sack in the game  



NAME: Cameron Davis
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University
POSITION: Defensive End
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Henrico, VA.
 

Cam had nine tackles, five of which were solo and two tackles for loss. He also added a huge sack.

NAME: Sadiq Salawu
INSTITUTION: Bowie State University
POSITION: Linebacker
CLASS: Senior
HOMETOWN: Upper Marlboro, MD.
 

Recorded six tackles and two QB hurries in the Bulldogs win over Lincoln (PA).

NAME: Dante Bowlding
INSTITUTION: Winston-Salem State University
POSITION: Defensive Back
CLASS: Graduate
HOMETOWN: Fayetteville, N.C.
 

Against Fayetteville State, Dante recorded eight total tackles (5 solo) and three assists. Bowlding also had a huge sack in a 37-31 victory.  

NAME: Devin Versteegen
INSTITUTION: Winston-Salem State University
POSITION: Punter
CLASS: Senior
HOMETOWN: Raleigh, N.C.
 

On November 9th against Fayetteville State, Devin recorded on six punts he netted 242 punting yards. Versteegen had a long of 51 yards, three punts inside the 20 yards.

NAME: Joshua Campbell
INSTITUTION: Fayetteville State University
POSITION: Kicker
CLASS: Freshman
HOMETOWN: Sterling, VA.
 

Joshua had a huge day for the Trojans. He made all five of his extra points and kicked off six time for 328 yards which is an average of 54.7 yards per kickoff