Virginia Union University’s football team racked up a school-record 674 offensive yards as the Panthers opened the 2024 season with a 69-7 win over Kentucky State University on Saturday, August 31, in Frankfort, Ky.
The 674 offensive yards broke the old record of 623 yards set against Norfolk State University in 1992.
VUU’s Jada Byers moved into second place among the all-time leading Virginia Union rushers with a total of 211 yards. Byer’s passed Bobby Phillips and now trails only all-time Virginia Union rusher Andre Braxton.
VUU’s defense shut down the KSU offense as well, allowing only 90 yards in total offense for the Thorobreds.
For the first time in school history, two VUU players returned interceptions for touchdowns on successive plays. Virginia Union’s Donald Gatling returned a KSU pass 46 yards for one score while teammate Jalen Mayo returned a pick 25 yards for another touchdown on the next play.
“Our guys played really well today,” said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. “Everybody on offense got to play and make a contribution. “We played a lot of guys today and a lot of guys got dirty. All of them made contributions and I’m really happy about that. Anytime you can run up some numbers, it shows how everybody has bought into the system.”
Courtesy: Virginia Union Athletics
