In a dramatic HBCU football clash, Norfolk State wide receiver JJ Evans turned a deflected pass into a spectacular 70-yard touchdown, but Delaware State, led by coach DeSean Jackson, secured a 27-20 victory over Michael Vick’s Spartans in a Thursday night game at Lincoln Financial Field. This highly anticipated matchup between former NFL stars drew significant attention to the HBCU Battle of the Legends, played at the same Philadelphia stadium where they once electrified fans as Eagles teammates, highlighting their new roles as coaches aiming to uplift historically Black college football programs.
Norfolk State struck first in the second quarter when quarterback Otto Kuhns connected with Evans on a 13-yard touchdown pass, giving the Spartans a 6-3 lead after a missed extra point. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Delaware State’s Amir Anderson blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Hornets ahead 10-6 at halftime. The blocked punt score energized the Delaware State sideline and set the tone for a back-and-forth contest filled with big plays and emotional swings.
Delaware State extended its lead in the third quarter with a 26-yard field goal from Patrick Fisher-Butler, making it 13-6. Early in the fourth quarter, Hornets quarterback Kaiden Bennett found Tahmir Ellis for a 24-yard touchdown pass, widening the gap to 19-6 and putting Norfolk State on the ropes. This scoring drive showcased Delaware State’s offensive versatility, as they mixed runs and passes to keep the Spartans’ defense off balance.
The Spartans responded with the play of the game: Kuhns launched a deep ball to Evans, who tipped the pass to himself before hauling it in and sprinting 70 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 19-13 and injecting new life into the Norfolk State sideline. This highlight-reel moment showcased the explosive potential of Vick’s offense and evoked memories of the dynamic plays he and Jackson made together in the NFL.
But Delaware State answered immediately, as running back James Jones broke loose for a 76-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion, pushing the lead to 27-13 with 6:38 remaining. Norfolk State added a late touchdown on Kuhns’ third scoring pass of the night, a connection with DreSean Kendrick, but failed to recover the ensuing onside kick, allowing Delaware State to run out the clock.
The game underscored the broader narrative of former NFL stars revitalizing HBCU athletics, with Jackson’s Hornets improving to 6-3 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, while Vick’s Spartans fell to 1-8 and 0-2 in conference play. Both coaches expressed pride in their roles mentoring young athletes and raising the profile of their institutions, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities in underrepresented sectors of college sports.
This contest not only provided thrilling football but also demonstrated the growing appeal of HBCU matchups, attracting a larger audience and media coverage. The continued rivalry between Vick and Jackson is poised to inspire future games and foster development in college football’s underrepresented sectors, potentially leading to increased investment and visibility for HBCU programs nationwide.