HAMPTON (Release via Hampton University Athletics) – HAMPTON, Va. (Sept. 17, 2024) … It’s that time of the year again, the 2026 Battle of the Bay will be held Saturday at Dick Price Stadium in Norfolk between the host Spartans of Norfolk State and the Hampton Pirates. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. and will be streamed on the MEAC Sports Network.
The 61st Battle of the Bay pits two improved teams from a year ago. In 2025, Hampton finished 2-10 while Norfolk State was 1-11. The Pirates are led by first-year head coach Van Malone and Spartans coach Michael Vick is in his second season.
ABOUT NORFOLK STATE (1-2)Norfolk State’s fifth-year running back Jalyn Daniels averages 70.0 yards per game on the ground while quarterback Deljay Bailey has tossed three TDs and averages 118.3 yards per game through the air with three TDs and three picks. Defensively, sophomore linebacker Brendan Thompson averages 7.7 stops per game with two tackles for loss. Senior safety Jordan Sanders makes 6.7 tackles per game with an interception.The Spartans are picked to finish fifth in the six-team MEAC but received a first-place vote. Offensive lineman Ryan Nolan and defensive lineman Jaylen Williams earned preseason All-MEAC nods…