Virginia State opens on the road at Lenoir-Rhyne University

COACH REGGIE BARLOW

ETTRICK , Virginia -- Coach Reggie Barlow had the good fortune in 1999 to play on a Jacksonville Jaguars squad that showcased two of NFL’s elite ball carriers — Fred Taylor and James Stewart.

Now in his first season coaching football at Virginia State University, Coach Barlow sees a similar situation, relative to competition, with his own Kavon Bellamy and Trenton Cannon.

“I’ve been blessed,” said Coach Barlow whose Trojans open Saturday, Sept. 3, at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

“In Jacksonville, they called Fred ‘Thunder’ and James ‘Lightning.’ I hate to put the pressure on them, but with us, Kavon is ‘Thunder’ and Trenton is ‘Lightning.’ ”

In 1999, Jacksonville posted a 14-2 regular season record, with Taylor and Stewart combining for nearly 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Coach Barlow was a receiver for the Jaguars that season under Coach Tom Coughlin.

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