Ja’Quan Snipes scored two crucial touchdowns in the second half, including a 53-yard dash that put Hampton in the lead, securing a 27-20 victory over Howard in the Truth and Service Classic on Saturday. The rivalry between these two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, known as The Battle for the Real HU since 1908, has been renamed the Truth and Service Classic since 2021. The event took place at Audi Field, a stadium with a 20,000-seat capacity that serves as the home turf for D.C. United of the MLS.
Chris Zellous opened the scoring for Hampton (3-1) late in the first quarter with a 6-yard pass to Tyler Hatcher, while Malcolm Mays extended the lead with a 34-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Howard fought back and managed to tie the game in the third quarter. Richie Ilarraza connected with Kasey Hawthorne for a 24-yard touchdown pass before Eden James broke free for a 16-yard scoring run.
Snipes turned the game in Hampton’s favor with his 53-yard touchdown run in the closing seconds of the third quarter, and then added a 5-yard rushing touchdown with less than nine minutes remaining. The Pirates accumulated 293 rushing yards, with Snipes contributing 117 yards on 10 carries.
Jaylon Tolbert led the Bison (2-2) by completing 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards and one interception, while James rushed for 107 yards on 14 carries.