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.
Fourth Quarter Drama
Early in the fourth quarter, Virginia State extended its lead when Ray broke loose again, this time with a 14-yard touchdown run. Campbell’s extra point put the Trojans up 14-6 with 7:28 left in the game, and it seemed as though Virginia State was poised to close out the victory.
However, Winston-Salem State quickly responded in spectacular fashion. Less than 30 seconds after VSU’s touchdown, WSSU’s Timothy “TJ” Ruff powered his way through the Trojan defense for a 78-yard touchdown run. Ruff’s big play brought the Rams back to within two points, 14-12. Though WSSU missed the opportunity to tie the game with a two-point conversion, the Rams had life and a chance to win.
The Final Stand
With time winding down, the Rams marched down the field on a critical drive, setting up Lorenzana for a game-winning 20-yard field goal attempt with just three seconds left on the clock. Lorenzana, who had been perfect all night, calmly drilled the kick through the uprights, giving WSSU the 15-14 lead and silencing the Virginia State crowd.
The win marks a huge victory for Winston-Salem State, whose resilience and late-game heroics sealed their thrilling comeback. VSU’s strong rushing performance by Tylique Ray wasn’t enough, as the Rams held off the Trojans and pulled out a nail-biter on the road.
| Statistics | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Players:
- Gilberto Lorenzana (WSSU): 3/3 on field goals, including the game-winner.
- Timothy “TJ” Ruff (WSSU): 78-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
- Tylique Ray (VSU): Two rushing touchdowns, including a 14-yarder in the final quarter.
This win is a testament to Winston-Salem State’s never-give-up attitude and Lorenzana’s reliable leg, proving crucial in their narrow victory over Virginia State.