Virginia State Special Teams Dominate Trojan End Zone

ETTRICK, Virginia  --  Special Teams dominated the end zone for the Trojans to push them past Kentucky State University 14 - 7. "A football team is like a spear. You have offense on the top of the spear, defense on the bottom, but what makes that tip is the special teams. That's the point, that's the dagger, and that's how you finish the game," said Head Coach Byron Thweatt.

The Trojans special teams were responsible for the Trojans 14 points of the contest. With,3:10,remaining in the third quarter, the Trojans defense forced the Thorobreds to punt on 4th down and 3. Senior wide receiver Jaivon Smallwood (Virginia Beach, VA) returned the 32 yard punt for a 44 yard touchdown. Smallwood's punt return gave the Trojans a 7-0 lead to end the third quarter.

"The guys did a good job blocking for me. I just made the run, and they did the rest," said Smallwood.

Late in the fourth quarter, the Thorobreds are locked down by the Trojan defense and forced to punt on 4th down and 20 after a pair of sacks by sophomore linebacker Brandon Lynch (Norfolk, VA) and junior linebacker Geo Feggins (South Hill, VA).

With,2:04,remaining in the fourth quarter Junior cornerback Trevon Byron (Virginia Beach, VA) blocks the punt and recovers the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.

Scoreless and trailing by two touchdowns, the Thorobreds completed a pass to Charles Johnson for a 36 yard gain on 2nd down and 10 in the fourth quarter . The Thorobreds were able to get down the field after three complete passes to get to the VSU 13 yard line. On 1st down and 10 at the VSU 13 yard line, the Thorobreds were able to get into the end zone on a 13 yard pass from Alex Spriggs to Bryan Henderson with only 34 seconds remaining on the game clock.

The Thorobreds attempt an onside kick with 34 seconds remaining in the game, but the Trojans were quick to recover the kick and close out the ball game with their first home victory of the season.,

Offensively Jaivon Smallwood led the Trojans in receptions with 46 yards on 5 receptions. Trent Cannon added 93 yards on on 18 carries. Trevon Byron led the Trojan defense with 8 solo tackles. Geo Feggins also contributed 6 tackles (5 solo) and 2.5 sacks for losses.

Today's victory was cheered on by members of the army from, Ft. Lee Military base as the Trojans celebrated their annual Military Appreciation Day at Rogers Stadium.

Next week the Trojans will host Fayetteville State University at Rogers Stadium at 12 p.m , The contest will be broadcasted live by the Sinc
lair Broadcast Group and ASN (American Sports Network).
Box Score

Sports Information GA- Shalyn Moore
COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION