Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick addressed the media Monday following a tough 18–13 loss to Wagner, a game where the Spartans squandered an early two-touchdown lead despite forcing four turnovers.
“We’ve got to learn to step on teams when we get the opportunity,” said Vick, reflecting on the missed chances that led to the team’s third straight loss. “We created opportunities, and we just didn’t finish.”
Norfolk State’s offense sputtered in the second half, while Wagner found late momentum through the air. Vick pointed to lapses in focus in the secondary and a sluggish start from his quarterback as key issues.
“We had a big kickoff return to start the game, had a three-and-out, and then it just felt like it took our offense, our quarterback in particular, a while to get going,” he said. “This one’s going to hurt more than the other ones.”
The Spartans (1–4) now turn their focus to one of the most intense rivalries in HBCU football — the Battle of the Bay — as they head to Hampton University (1–4) for a Saturday afternoon showdown.
While Vick is in his first season as a head coach, he is no stranger to the tradition of the Battle of the Bay.
“Growing up 30 minutes away from here… we spent a lot of time at these games,” Vick said. “To be a part of it is a full-circle moment. It’s for bragging rights. These guys run into each other all throughout the seven cities.”
Despite the early-season struggles, Vick said the focus remains on growth and consistency.
“We don’t get a preseason in college football. These first five games have given us a chance to see what our guys can really do,” he said. “This is another week to get better, another week to learn how good we really are.”
With local ties to both schools — and a household that may be split on Saturday — Vick knows the stakes are personal.
“I want to be the one doing the bragging all next week,” Vick said with a laugh. “It’ll hurt if it goes the other way.”
Vick emphasized that his passion for the job remains strong, regardless of early results.
“I’m enjoying every minute of it,” he said. “Helping these young men, seeing them grow — that’s what it’s about.”
