Box Score        GAME BOX

       The Yellow Jacket defense redeemed itself and the offense moved the ball but in the end a few mistakes proved to be too much to overcome as WVSU fell to visiting Virginia State 17-14 Saturday.

       The Trojans were picked to finish fourth in the CIAA this season. Last week WSVU fell 64-27 to John C, Smith which was picked to wind up 10th in that same conference,

       After taking a lead of 7-3 into the lockerroom at halftime and a 14-3 lead midway into the third period the WVSU football team looked to be on its way to breaking what has become a 12 game losing streak.

       Junior quarterback Ricky Phillips laid the ball out perfectly for Ervin Kent on a corner pattern in the front of the endzone from 21 yards out on the first play of the second quarter to give WVSU a 7-0 lead.

        Phillips later hit LeFloyd Phillips in the flat for a 6 yard score with 12:02 remaining in the third for a 14-3 advantage.

        After forcing the Trojans (1-1) to punt the Yellow Jackets faced a third down and long situation from their own 16 when Virginia State's Sean Smith stepped in front of a Phillips pass at the 25 and ran it into the endzone to cut the lead to 14-10 with 7:40 to go in the third.

         The Yellow Jackets could muster just 8 yards on three plays on their next possession and were forced to punt. The Trojans proceeded to drive 82 yards on nine plays for what proved to be thr game winner with 4:27 to go in the third period.

         The Yellow Jackets refused to roll over though.

         A Phillips pass into the endzone looked to be on target but one receiver crossed in front of another and the ball ended up falling to the ground.

         West Virginia State then missed on a 47 yard field goal attempt with 2:26 to play.

        The Yellow Jackets blocked a field goal attempt and had one last chance fopr the win but a pass intended for Kent was broken up and intercepted with 40 second remaining to clinch the outcome.

          Ricky Phillips finished with 217 yards through the air on 23-of-36 passing and added a team high 45 yards on the ground on nine carries.

          The Jackets rolled to 292 yards of total offense compared to 277 for the visitors and held a slight advantage in time of possession.