Big problems for Little

Virginia Union quarterback Lamar Little suffered another ankle injury in the first quarter of the Panthers’ 17-10 overtime loss to Saint Paul’s last Saturday. Coach Greg Richardson said today that Little is questionable, but does expect him to play against Lincon on Saturday.

Panthers hurt by penalities

Virginia Union committed 19 penalties for 130 yards against Saint Paul’s. But it wasn’t the number of penalties, but the untimely penalities, particularly in crucial situations that cost them.

The Panthers, held to a season-low 155 yards of total offense, damaged their chances in overtime with a false start to began the drive, then had a holding penalty that wiped out a touchdown that would have forced double-overtime. They were penalized 35 yards on their overtime possession, and finished the game inside their own 40.

The penalties, Richardson said, has put Union in the positon of having to win all its remaining games – and hope for a Saint Paul’s defeat – to advance to the CIAA title game for the second year in a row.

“We have to win out strong and hope for help,” Richardson said.

Panthers banged up

Virginia Union running back Tarian Donaldson was held out last week with an ankle injury and he is doubtful this week. Also, offensive tackle David Mims and defensive lineman Reginald Small are both out with foot injuries.

“We are a little thin,” Richardson said, “so we definitely don’t have a cakewalk against Lincoln. “We should be good enough to make some adjustments despite our injuries.”

Lincoln (1-5) has lost five straight after a winning its season opener. The Panthers (4-2) had won four after losing its season opener at East Stroudsburg. 

Not-so-special teams

On Monday the Virginia State coaches spent time in the film room examining the breakdowns in special teams before preparing game plan for the Trojans trip to Saint Paul’s.

“I think we got burned a little bit because I took out some of my starters on special teams,” VSU coach Andrew Faison said. “Our punt and kickoff teams were really effected by it, so we inflicted a lot of things on ourselves.”

The Trojans allowed a punt return for a touchdown and had a punt blocked that led to another score in their 35-7 setback to Elizabeth City State.

“We’re not getting the kind of results on the kickoff teams that we’re used to,” Faison said. “I’ve got to go back to guys with some bumps and bruises.”

Berry suffers back injury

Virginia State wide receiver Brian Berry is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game at Saint Paul’s after suffering a back injury last week. Berry has been unable to practice this week.

Berry leads the Trojans in receiving (44 catches, 506 yards and 2 TDs) and is both the punt and kickoff returner. His absence could have a widespread effect on a team that had trouble punching the ball in the end zone.

“Brian has been taking a lot of punishment because he’s playing a lot of minutes,” Faison said. “We kept trying to give him a blow before he was injured.”

Berry was carted off the field in the last quarter of the game after taking a helmet to the back. He was expected to get further treatment today.

In addition to Berry, Virginia State might be without the services of offensive tackle Manny Becker, who missed last Saturday’s game because of an ankle injury. Also, linebacker LaQuentin Milo, who missed practice on Monday and Tuesday, is still hobbling on a bad ankle and is listed at 80 percent ready.

“In hindsight I probably shouldn’t have played [Milo],” Faison said. “His ankle started bothering him in the second quarter.”

Strong statement

“Saint Paul’s win at Virginia Union wasn’t an upset because they probably would have won that game if they had played.” – VSU coach Andrew Faison