Saint Paul's 41, Virginia Union 35

October 1, 2005

LAWRENCEVILLE, VA – Thousands of Saint Paul’s College alumni and were in attendance to watch the Tigers kick-off on their home turf for the first time in over 17 years. The SPC football team truly gave them something to cheer about as they downed the Panthers of Virginia Union University 41-35.

Fans came dressed in their orange and black to show support for their college. Surprisingly, fans also surfaced proudly displaying Virginia Union colors on their chest, but cheering for Saint Paul's College. They weren't confused, they were actually Virginia Union alumni who came to support Willard Bailey. Bailey, head football coach of the Tigers, coached at Virginia Union for 22 seasons prior to his departure just two years ago. At the end of his tenure at Virginia Union, Bailey had compiled a career record of 211-112.

Historically, the Tigers have not done well against Virginia Union. In contests dating back to 1923, the match-up stands at 31-2 in favor of the Panthers. The only other time that the Tigers have defeated VUU occurred on October 31, 1931 (13-12).

Statistically, the Tigers improved offensively posting 328 yards of total offense in the contest. Leading the way offensively was Lonie Sanders (FR/WR/6-6/210/Sacramento, CA), whose three catches totaled 94 yards. Once again, Gutierrez (FR/K/5-11/230/Oakland Park, FL) would post critical points for the Tigers converting 2 field goals and 5 PAT’s. In his season debut as starting quarterback, Demetrius Brown (FR/QB/6-3/215/Hollywood, FL) would complete 7 out of 11 passes (153 yards) including two touchdowns.

Heading into the match-up, Saint Paul’s total defense was ranked #20 in the NCAA Division II Poll. The defense was ignited by Jerome Mann (FR/DB/6-0/180/Vinton, VA), who recorded 4 tackles and one interception that was returned 45 yards to the VUU 4-yard line. Greg Toler would also turn in 2 interceptions in the contest.

Saturday, October 1, Saint Paul’s will travel to Virginia State University to take on the Trojans of Virginia State University. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 pm on the at Rogers Stadium.