Virginia State Defeats Benedict College in 2024 Black CFB Hall of Fame Classic

Some inclement weather wasn't going to sour the day for Virginia State.

The Trojans faced the Benedict College Tigers in the 2024 edition of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. A lengthy delay derailed the game in the third quarter but the Trojans were able to ride strong defense to a 23-7 victory.

The Trojans' defense did not allow a touchdown as the Tigers got on the board through a special teams miscue in the first quarter.

Virginia State matched those seven points with a 51-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Romelo Williams and wide receiver Kevin Gayles. That would be the extent of the scoring in the opening quarter but the Trojans would have a strong output in the second.

This started with a 26-yard field goal from Ben Blakley and was added to by an 81-yard touchdown run from tailback Jimmyll Williams.

Virginia State would add another Jimmyll Williams touchdown to make it 23-7 and would ride that score to the end.

Romelo Williams went 13-of-21 for 197 yards and a touchdown while adding seven rushes for 22 yards. Jimmyll Williams had 23 carries for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Gayles led the receiving core with two catches for 75 yards and a touchdown.

Charles Simmons went 11-of-24 for 68 yards and two interceptions for the Trojans while Jalen Leary had 14 carries for 111 yards.

Virginia State will hope to relay the victory into some momentum for next week's matchup against Norfolk State. Benedict will look to rebound next week against Lane College.