Virginia State Trojans Cruise Past Tusculum College

GREENEVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Virginia State University Trojans used a strong ground attack and solid defense to defeat the Pioneers of Tusculum College 40-13 in Greeneville, Tennessee. The Trojans rushed for a total of 363 yards on 66 touches. Offensively it was the Trojans rushing game that fueled them pass the Pioneers. "We have two very talented backs that need to touch the football. The offensive line did a tremendous job opening the holes and the rest is history," exclaimed Head Coach Byron Thweatt. 

Aside from the Trojans earning their first win of the season to establish a 1-1 overall record, today marked the first win for head Coach Byron Thweatt as both a Trojan and Head Coach. "It's a tremendous feeling. I have great bunch of guys. I'm proud to be their coach.  We always harp on family and today our family got a much needed win," expressed Thweatt.

The Trojans success offensively was pioneered by the running back tag team duo of Junior Kavon Bellamy (Hampton,VA) and Sophomore Trent Cannon (Hampton, VA).
 

"Last week we felt that we didn't establish the run. So coming into this week there was a big emphasis on showing our identity and winning the line of scrimmage, stated Bellamy."
 

CIAA Preseason team pick Kavon Bellamy rushed for 187 yards on 25 carries. Trenton Cannon rushed for 152 yards on 28 carries and 2 Touchdowns. 

The Pioneers won the coin toss and deferred the ball to the Trojans to start the game on offense. On their opening drive the Trojans scored their first touchdown off of a 1 yard run by junior quarterback Tarian Ayres (Dillwyn, Va). The Trojan Defense held the Pioneers to 5 plays for 75 yards before being forced to punt on 4th and 13. On the very next VSU drive sophomore runningback Trent Cannon rushed for a 26 yard touchdown, which marked his very first touchdown as a Trojan. Cannon revisited the end zone on a 18 yard rush with 39 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter to stretch the Trojans lead 21-0.  

"It was great scoring my first touchdowns of the season and as a Trojan. We are going to build off of this win and get another one next weekend," expressed sophomore runningback Trent Cannon. 

The Score remained 21-0 well into the 2nd quarter until junior safety Bryce Bradley (Richmond, VA) picked off the pass from Tusculum quarterback Lancaster at the goal line and scampered 100 yards for his first pick six of his career. 
 

With 9 seconds remaining in the first half, 3rd & 4 on the VSU 10 yard line the Pioneers charge a timeout. After the timeout the Pioneers score their first touchdown of the game off of a 10 yard pass.
 

At the conclusion of the first half the Trojans lead the Pioneers 28 - 7. The Trojans were 7-7 (100%) on third-down conversions to end the first half. The Trojans really gained confidence early and laid  the pressure on the Pioneer defense heavy in the first half.  

Late in the third quarter sophomore safety Martel Peden forced a safety on the Pioneer offense to extend the Trojans lead to 30-7 for what would've been a scoreless third quarter for both teams.
 

Tusculum scored early in the 4th quarter off of a 1 yard run to chip away at the Trojan lead making it a 30 - 13 contest. The Trojans marched down the field for a 57 yard drive, but were faced with a 4th and 14 and sent sophomore kicker Mathew Hillquist on to the field to attempt a field goal. The field goal by Hillquist extended the Trojan lead 33- 13. Third play into their second drive of the 4th quarter the Pioneers throw a pass that's intercepted by Bradley and rushed for 54 yard touchdown. Bradley's second pick 6 of the game extended the Trojans lead 40- 13 and would seal the deal for the Trojans with only 2:20 remaining on the game clock.  

Junior widereceiver Willie Stubblefield (Highland Springs, VA) led the Trojans with 52 yards on 3 receptions. Senior widereceiver Jaivon Smallwood (Virginia Beach, VA) contributed 20 yards on 2 receptions. 

Defensively the Trojans came up big today as well. Using the bend don't break approach the defense stopped Tusculum on three drives in the red zone.  All three stops resulted in forced turnovers. One fumble recovery and two pick sixes. Junior cornerback Trevon Byron (Virginia Beach, VA) lead the Trojans defensively with 7 solo tackles and 12 tackles total. Junior linebacker Geo Feggins (South Hill, VA) accounted for 2 solo tackles and 12 total. Sophomore linebacker Brandon Lynch (Norfolk, VA) added 10 tackles. Senior safety Dontrell Jones (Hampton, Va) and Senior cornerback Darion Thomas (Virginia Beach, VA) each contributed 7 tackles. Defensively the Trojans were a well oiled machine.  

Next week the Trojans will be back in action at Rogers Stadium as they face the Kentucky State University at 2 p.m for the annual Military Appreciation game. Coach Thweatt and the Trojans have conveyed that they're still in the business of strictly handling business, and that they will continue to concentrate and approach each opponent one game at a time.

 
For more information on VSU Trojans Football, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030. 

COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION