In an intense and hard-fought contest, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) pulled off a dramatic 15-14 victory over Virginia State University (VSU) with a clutch field goal in the final seconds. WSSU overcame a 14-6 deficit late in the fourth quarter to stun the Trojans in a game that went down to the wire.
First Half
Winston-Salem State struck first, converting a field goal from 30 yards by Gilberto Lorenzana with 14:42 left in the second quarter to take a 3-0 lead. The Rams’ defense held strong early, but Virginia State responded with a determined ground attack. At 11:01 in the second quarter, VSU’s Tylique Ray capped off a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point from Joshua Campbell, putting the Trojans ahead 7-3.
Winston-Salem’s offense struggled to find the end zone for the remainder of the first half, and VSU went into halftime holding a slim 7-3 advantage.
Third Quarter Action
The second half began with both teams jockeying for momentum. Midway through the third quarter, Lorenzana delivered his second field goal of the game—a 37-yard kick that brought WSSU within one point at 7-6 with 3:11 left in the third. The Rams stayed in striking distance, setting the stage for an exciting final quarter.