In a key HBCU football matchup, the Virginia State Trojans secured a 38-17 victory over the Bowie State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Rogers Stadium. With the win, Virginia State improved to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the CIAA, keeping its slim conference championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, Bowie State’s loss drops them to 1-5 on the season and 1-3 in CIAA play, dimming their postseason chances and adding to the challenges in this competitive HBCU football season.
Virginia State started fast, building a 24-0 lead by halftime. Quarterback Romelo Williams spearheaded the Trojans’ offense, throwing for 291 yards and two touchdowns. Early in the first quarter, Williams connected with Ajenavi Byrd for a 37-yard touchdown, followed by a 47-yard strike to Malik Hunter, pushing Virginia State ahead 14-0. Jimmyll Williams added a 1-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime, extending the lead to 24-0.
Bowie State showed signs of life in the second half. Curtis Murray scored on a 3-yard touchdown run with 11:31 remaining in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 24-7. However, Virginia State quickly responded with an 11-yard touchdown scramble by Romelo Williams, followed by another rushing touchdown from Jimmyll Williams, making it 38-7.
The Bulldogs continued to fight in the fourth quarter. Kevin Taylor capped a 64-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the score to 38-17 with 6:04 left in the game. Despite their late push, Bowie State’s struggles on third down—converting only 1 of 11 attempts—hampered their comeback effort. Virginia State, meanwhile, was efficient, converting 8 of 18 third downs to control the tempo.
Micah Robinson led the Bowie State offense, rushing for 33 yards and adding 32 receiving yards. Murray contributed 31 rushing yards along with his touchdown, and Joseph Towler recorded 54 receiving yards for the Bulldogs. On defense, Jamal Jones delivered two sacks, a forced fumble, and five total tackles, while the unit as a whole recorded four sacks and eight tackles for loss, limiting Virginia State to 130 rushing yards.
This win keeps Virginia State’s CIAA title hopes alive, improving their conference record to 2-1. Bowie State, now 1-3 in CIAA play, faces a tough path ahead to remain competitive. Both teams will look to regroup as they continue through the HBCU football season.
Bowie State returns home next week to face Bluefield State for their homecoming game on October 19 at Bulldogs Stadium. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on HBCU GO TV. Meanwhile, Virginia State aims to carry the momentum forward as they continue their pursuit of the CIAA championship.