In Hampton, Virginia, Elijah Burris had an impressive game as he rushed 35 times for 145 yards and scored two touchdowns, while quarterback Chris Zellous also contributed with two rushing touchdowns, leading Hampton to a 33-21 victory over Division II Virginia Union on Saturday. Despite trailing 14-12 at halftime and 21-12 early in the third quarter, Hampton staged a comeback by scoring 21 unanswered points.
Throughout the game, Zellous completed 14 of 25 passes for 177 yards and ran for a touchdown, while Burris found the end zone twice, including a crucial 21-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter to secure a two-possession lead. Brennan Ridley was a key receiver for Hampton, catching six passes for 78 yards. On the opposing side, Jada Byers of Virginia Union had 21 carries for 105 yards and scored two touchdowns.
The matchup between Hampton and Virginia Union marked the 84th meeting between the two teams since their series began in 1906. Virginia Union holds a narrow lead in the series with a record of 42-40-3, but Hampton emerged victorious in the most recent game with a score of 42-28 in 2021. These teams have only faced each other three times since 1994 when Hampton transitioned from the CIAA to the MEAC conference. This win was particularly significant for Hampton coming off a close 30-28 loss against rival Morgan State.
Overall, the game showcased strong performances from Burris, Zellous, and the Hampton team, demonstrating resilience and determination to secure a notable victory in their football season.