Jacksonville, Fla. — Edward Waters University will host Virginia Union University in the inaugural Unity Classic on Saturday, September 13 at 4:00 pm inside the Nathaniel Glover Community Stadium. Edward Waters will look to make a statement against the No.13 ranked team in Division II football.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets Must Be Purchased Online At: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/ewc/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzE1ND9zaW5nbGU9MA%3D%3D
BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Channel: ESPN+
Broadcasters: Todd Corder/Symone Stanley
Broadcast Link: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/1c36fb64-6f6c-476f-96bc-ef4dea876a1b?om-navmethod=espn%3Acollege-football%3Agamepackage&playLocation=where-to-watch%3Amenu
Live Stats Link: https://ewutigerpride.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
WEATHER REPORT:
The projected game-time forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the low 80s and just under a 50% chance of rain — perfect conditions for an exciting HBCU classic game under the lights.
MAKING HISTORY
Edward Waters enters this match up with 2-0 mark under interim head coach Brian Jenkins, the lead man on the EWU sidelines this weekend. Jenkins has taken the EWU Football Program to new heights as they have won their first two games of the season for the first time in over 21 years. competitive programs.
COACHING RECORDS:
Brian Jenkins (EWU): 2-0, 1st season
Dr. Alvin Parker (VVU): 56-16, 8th season
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday marks the first matchup ever between these two historic HBCUs.
EDWARD WATERS TIGERS PREVIEW
The Edward Waters offense will be led by transfer veteran quarterbacks Noah Bodden who has been on fire through the first two games of the season. Bodden is currently ranked second in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) with five passing touchdowns and third in passing yard. Running back Johntarrious Thomas also currently sits third in the SIAC in rushing while wide receiver Aiden Showers ranks fifth in total receiving yards. In total, through two games the EWU Tiger offense is 12th in all of Division II in scoring offense averaging 43.5 points per game.
Defensively, EWU has been tremendous to start the year. The Tigers are currently tied for sixth in all of Division II with six total turnovers forced. EWU Football has also received back-to-back SIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors as David Law-Mortimer took home the award in week one and Trevon French garnered the award for week two. French has compiled 16 total tackles, which leads the team and is 6th-best in the SIAC right now. His 3.5 tackles for loss ranks first in the SIAC and his 11 solo tackles is fourth most in the SIAC.
Under Coach Jenkins' leadership, the Tigers are expected to emphasize tempo on offense and discipline on defense, making this Unity Classic a true measuring stick for the program's growth.
VIRGINIA UNION PANTHERS PREVIEW
The VUU Panthers are two-time defending CIAA champions and reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA DII Championship Playoffs in 2024. The Panthers are currently 1-0 on the season after defeating Miles 45-3 in the opening week of the season.
RJ Rosales leads VUU with 120 yards passing and one touchdown. Running back Curtis Allen was named HBCU Player of the Week after rushing for 185 yards and two touchdowns in week one.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers linebacker Lamumba Howard leads the team with seven total tackles and one interception. Christian Aiken had tallied six tackles while Nathaniel Knox also has chipped in one interception and four total tackles.
LOOKING AHEAD
After the Unity Classic, the Tigers will hit the road for a renewed rivalry game against Division I foe Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, September 20. The game will be held at Daytona Stadium and kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm and will be nationally televised on HBCU Go Network.
Follow The Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWU_Athletics (Twitter), /EWUTigers (Facebook) and @EWU_Athletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
