Virginia Union University’s Jada Byers had a record-setting day as VUU defeated Bowie State 56-28 on Saturday.
First, Byers became the Panthers’ all-time leading rusher by rushing for 324 yards, giving him a career total of 5,311 rushing yards. This broke the previous record of 5,008 set by Andre Braxton from 1997-2000.
Then, Byers scored six rushing touchdowns to set a new school record of 66 career rushing touchdowns, eclipsing Braxton’s old mark of 63.
Byers’ six TDs also broke a 93-year-old record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single game. The old mark was five, done three times: by Dick Armistead against Brick Junior College in 1931, by J.W. Cotton against Saint Paul’s in 1927 and by R.S. Moton against Johnson C. Smith in 1926.
Finally, Byers’ 324 rushing yards also broke his own Virginia Union milestone of 319, set against Valdosta State in 2022.
Virginia Union’s Mark Wright completed 13 of 17 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown, while teammate Reginald Vick, Jr., caught seven passes for 148 yards.
On the defensive side, VUU’s William Davis had eight tackles, while Shamar Graham had seven tackles and an interception.
“It was a great team win today,” said VUU coach Alvin Parker. “There were a bunch of millstones set today. I am extremely proud of Jada for his individual performance. The records he broke today have stood the test of time. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in VUU history.”
Courtesy: Virginia Union Athletics
