The Virginia Union Panthers are moving on to the second round of the Division II football playoffs following a 34-31 overtime win over Wingate.
This marks Virginia Union’s first-ever Division II playoff win in school history after 11 previous appearances. They will move on to face the winner of the opening-round contest between Lenoir-Rhyne and West Alabama.
Panthers snap postseason streak
Virginia Union’s win snapped Wingate’s seven-game win streak, including a six-game home win streak dating back to last season.
This was a theme in this game, as the Panthers’ win snapped numerous streaks.
The most notable streak it snapped was the Panthers’ 11-game Division II playoff losing streak, which had been in place since their first appearance in 1979.
It also marked the first win for an HBCU on the road in the Division II playoffs since 2016, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Finally, Virginia Union became the first HBCU since Saint Augustine’s in 2012 to win against Wingate, snapping a 20-game win streak.
Virginia Union offense exploded against Wingate
The biggest difference between Virginia Union in this game and its previous two Division II playoff appearances was the offense produced when it mattered most.
The Panthers amassed 404 offensive yards, the most Wingate has allowed all season (allowed just 202.8 entering this game).
In their previous two playoff appearances, the Panthers managed 259 and 272 yards, respectively. In addition, Virginia Union also outscored itself, scoring a combined 21 points in the last two playoff games.
A game-changing interception turned the tide
The seeds for this win for Virginia Union were planted with five minutes left in the fourth quarter when they trailed 28-21, and Wingate had the ball.
Needing a momentum swing, the Panthers’ defense provided it as Jayden Earley intercepted a pass, giving the offense the ball back past midfield.
Following a methodical drive, RJ Rosales connected with Jerami Frances for what would turn out to be the game-tying touchdown to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, after holding Wingate to a field goal on its first offensive drive, the Panthers took the ball with a chance to win.
Rosales once again came through for the Panthers, first scrambling 18 yards to convert on third down. He then finished the job, punching it in for the one-yard score to clinch the win.
