Virginia State Claims CIAA Northern Division Title with 28-0 Win Over Chowan

MURFREESBORO, N.C. -- Virginia State (8-1, 6-0) claimed the CIAA Northern Division title and a trip to the CIAA Championship game and Jordan Anderson became just the fourth Trojan in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season as Virginia State whitewashed Chowan (3-6, 2-4), 28-0, at Garrison Stadium in Murfreesboro, N.C. to extend its winning streak to seven.

With the win, Virginia State will advance to the CIAA Championship game on Nov. 16 in Winston-Salem, N.C. Anderson finished the day with 160 yards giving him 1,021 for the season. He becomes the first Trojan since Taron Hampton rambled for a school-record 1,076 yards in 2008 to reach the 1,000-yard plateau.

Chowan was able to move the ball in the first half but turned the ball over on downs in each of its first three possessions. The Hawks converted just one of six fourth-down conversions in the first half and one of eight for the game.

After a scoreless first quarter, Virginia State struck first when Anderson broke loose, avoided tackles and tip-toed along the sideline 12 yards for a touchdown. Shawn Hunt's extra point gave the Trojans a 7-0 advantage with 5:10 to go before halftime.

Behind the running of Anderson, Virginia State took the opening kick of the second half and marched 75 yards in nine plays culminating in Anderson's one-yard run for a score to up the Trojan lead to 14-0.

The Trojan defense registered its seventh score of the season when Devonte Piggott intercepted a Chowan pass and ran it in from six yards out to boost the Virginia State lead to 21-0 with 4:33 left in the third quarter.

Late in the third quarter, Anderson broke loose and rambled 73 yards for the game's final score. The run gave him more than 1,000 yards rushing on the season.

The 28-0 shutout marked the second time this season the Trojan defense had whitewashed an opponent.

Coach Latrell Scott's team closes out the regular season on Nov. 9 when Vi
rginia State hosts archrival Virginia Union at 2:00 p.m. at Rogers Stadium setting up the league championship game a week later.

COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION