September 1, 2024 – Canton, Ohio –
Virginia State University handed Benedict College a 23-7 defeat in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic on September 1, 2024, snapping the Tigers’ 20-game regular-season win streak. This season opener also marked the debut of new Benedict head coach Ron Dickerson Jr., but it proved to be a challenging one as penalties and mistakes plagued his team, allowing the Trojans to take control early and maintain their dominance throughout the game. Benedict College opened the scoring in an unusual manner. After a promising drive down the field in the first quarter, the Tigers lined up for a 27-yard field goal attempt. Virginia State managed to block the kick, but Benedict long snapper Jesse Bradberry IV reacted quickly, scooping up the loose ball and returning it 10 yards for a touchdown. Lucas Wynn’s extra point gave Benedict a 7-0 lead with just under 11 minutes left in the quarter.
Virginia State responded swiftly, erasing Benedict’s early lead with a big play of their own. Quarterback Romelo Williams connected with wide receiver Kevin Gayles on a 51-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 later in the first quarter. The Trojans built on that momentum, adding a 26-yard field goal early in the second quarter to take a 10-7 lead. Shortly after, VSU running back Jimmyll Williams broke through Benedict’s defensive line for a stunning 82-yard touchdown run, extending the Trojans’ lead to 16-7. Late in the second quarter, Virginia State’s defense played a key role in maintaining their lead. Cameron Davis forced a strip sack on Benedict quarterback Charles “Tre” Simmons, and Akhari Haggard recovered the fumble, setting the Trojans up with a short field. However, Benedict’s defense held strong, preventing any further damage before halftime and keeping the score at 16-7 heading into the break.
Virginia State took the opening drive of the second half and methodically marched down the field, converting on key third and second-down plays. Jimmyll Williams capped off the 75-yard drive with his second touchdown of the game, this time on a 9-yard run, extending the Trojans’ lead to 23-7. Benedict responded by driving deep into VSU territory, but a rain delay of over an hour halted any momentum the Tigers were building. After the delay, they were forced to punt, and Virginia State’s defense continued to clamp down. In the fourth quarter, the Trojans’ defense sealed the game with two crucial interceptions. Carl Poole Jr. made a diving interception to give VSU possession deep in their own territory, and Jeffrey Wilson followed up with another pick on the Tigers’ next drive, returning it to midfield. Benedict’s final chance to stage a comeback ended in a turnover on downs, as the Trojans’ defense remained stout throughout the remainder of the game.
Benedict struggled offensively, gaining only 233 total yards and failing to score an offensive touchdown. Quarterback Charles “Tre” Simmons completed just 11 of 24 passes for 28 yards, threw two interceptions, and was sacked three times. Despite the offensive struggles, running back Jalen Leary provided a bright spot for the Tigers, rushing for 109 yards on 14 carries, but his efforts couldn’t shift the game’s outcome. The Tigers were also hampered by six penalties, which cost them 63 yards, and their turnovers proved costly against a well-prepared Virginia State defense. After the game, head coach Ron Dickerson Jr. acknowledged the team’s mistakes and the need for improvement, stating, “We beat ourselves tonight. That’s a good team over there, but the Benedict Tigers beat themselves.”
On the other side, Virginia State’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense allowed them to control the game. Jimmyll Williams led the way with 150 rushing yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns, while quarterback Romelo Williams threw for 197 yards and a touchdown. Kevin Gayles added 75 receiving yards and one touchdown, contributing to the Trojans’ 384 total yards of offense. The defense was relentless, forcing three turnovers and consistently pressuring Benedict’s offense.
With the victory, Virginia State improves to 1-0 and will face in-state rival Norfolk State on Saturday, September 7. The game is set for a 4 p.m. kickoff, and the Trojans will look to build on their impressive start. Benedict, now 0-1, will have a bye week to regroup before hosting Lane College in their home opener on September 14 at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. The Tigers will hope to address their issues and bounce back from a tough opening loss. Virginia State’s strong performance on both sides of the ball not only ended Benedict’s long win streak but also set the tone for what could be a promising season. Meanwhile, Benedict will need to eliminate costly errors and find more consistency on offense to compete as the season progresses.
