Former NFL stars Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson each earned their first victories as head coaches Saturday, leading their HBCU programs to season-opening wins.
Vick’s Norfolk State team edged Virginia State 34-31 in overtime in their annual rivalry matchup. Jackson’s Delaware State squad rallied past Albany 37-32 in a weather-delayed marathon that ended just after midnight in Dover.
“I just appreciate them hanging in there and being patient, trusting the process as we always say,” Vick said after his first win with the Spartans. “We shot ourselves in the foot with penalties, but in the second half and overtime we executed when it mattered most.”
Quarterback Otto Kuhns led Norfolk State by completing 13 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Kevon King rushed for 63 yards, and Jaylen Laudermilk added 59 yards and a score.
At Delaware State, the Hornets gave Jackson his first victory in a game that lasted seven and a half hours because of weather delays. Running back Marquis Gillis ran for 102 yards, Kaiden Bennett added 96 yards and three touchdowns, and Jayden Jenkins chipped in 70 rushing yards and 65 receiving yards. Quinten Johnson led the defense with three tackles and a fumble recovery.
Jackson credited his players for staying locked in during the extended period.
“I give credit to the morale and the mindset of our team; we never gave up,” Jackson said during the MEAC coaches conference. “We’re prepared for these situations and scenarios and we feel like we have the advantage.”
Delaware State will face Bowie State in the Hall of Fame game Sept. 13, while Norfolk State travels to Rutgers looking to upset the FBS program at their home.
