Virginia StateTrojans Take Tough Loss in Season Opener

ETTRICK, Virginia -- The Virginia State University Trojan Football team takes a tough loss in the season opener against California University of Pennsylvania on Sept. 5. The Trojans began their 2015 season at home falling short to the Vulcans 35-16. Today's loss marks the second consecutive season opener loss at home for the Trojans.

On their first drive, Cal. PA launched a pass down the field to the Vulcans Kowan Scott for a 50 yard touchdown. Junior quarterback Tarian Ayres (Dillwyn, VA) linked up with senior wide receiver Gene Holloman, Jr. (Virginia Beach, VA) for 2 first downs on the first VSU drive that resulted in 11 plays for 41 yards before the Trojans defense returned to the field after going for it on 4th and 3. Cal. PA stretched their lead 14-0 with a 90 yard pass to Gary Brown on 2nd and 13. The Trojans remained scoreless to end the first quarter.

The Trojans switched the play up in the 2nd quarter as wide receiver Willie Stubblefield (Highland Springs, VA) completed a 20 yard pass to Ayres to put the Trojans on the board. Sophomore kicker Mathew Hillquist (Glen Allen, VA) enters the game for a field goal attempt moments before halftime to chip away at the Trojans deficit. The kick by Hillquist was good for the Trojans to enter halftime down by 19.

Trailing the Vulcans 9-21 the Trojans didn't revisit the end zone again until the last 45 seconds of the ball game, where Ayres completes a 27 yard pass to Stubblefield.

Ayres completed 57.7% of his passes, throwing for 244 yards. Stubblefield led the Trojans in receptions, recording 4 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. All-CIAA preseason pick senior widereciever Jaivon Smallwood (Virginia Beach, VA) contributed 4 receptions for 36 yards. All- CIAA preseason pick junior running back Kavon Bellamy (Hampton,VA) rushed for 40 yards on 14 carries and contributed 34 yards on 2 receptions.

All-CIAA preseason pick junior Brandon Lynch (Norfolk,VA) led the Trojans defensively with 12 tackles and senior Dontrell Jones (Hampton,VA) contributed 6 tackles. All-CIAA preseason pick senior defensive lineman Ray Prosise (Petersburg, VA) recorded 1 tackle before leaving the game in the third quarter with an injury. Defensively the Trojans came up with 3 big time sacks from Lynch, junior defensive lineman Devin Claiborne (Hampton, VA), and sophomore defensive lineman Lyndon Thomas (Portsmouth, VA).

Despite their efforts the Trojans could not come out with the win today. "We just gotta come out ready to work and turn up our focus this week. We can't dwell on the lost," said Senior Team Captain Jaivon Smallwood.

The Trojans will keep the ball rolling as they travel down to Greenville, TN to face Tusculum College next week at 1 p.m. VSU's radio station, 91.3 WVST, will have live radio coverage of the game and you can also follow the game via LiveStats.

Tickets to all Virginia State Athletic events that charge admission can be purchased by calling (804) 524-5656 or visit www.govsutrojans.com. The ticket office is located on the 1st floor of the VSU Athletic Office: 20720 4th Ave. Petersburg, VA 23806.

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

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COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION