Walk-Off Kick Shocks Ranked HBCU in Inaugural Unity Classic

Jacksonville, Fla. — Edward Waters flipped the script on HBCU soccer Saturday evening. The Tigers surprised No. 13 Virginia Union, 41-38, within the inaugural Unity Basic, capped by freshman kicker Ryan Gagne’s 35-yard game-winner as time expired. The kick touched off a frenzy at Nathaniel Glover Neighborhood Subject & Stadium and pushed EWU to 3-0 for the primary time in program historical past.

Offense Delivers Knockout Punch

Quarterback Noah Bodden seemed in management, throwing for 283 yards on 19-of-35 passing. He added a landing and, simply as importantly, prevented sacks and turnovers towards a bodily Virginia Union entrance.

The Tigers’ floor sport offered steadiness. Johntarrious Thomas bruised his method to 100 yards and a rating, whereas Brady Tillman ripped off a 70-yard landing dash down the sideline, stretching the result in 28-17.

By the air, Izaiah Jean-Baptiste was the difference-maker with 112 yards and two touchdowns, together with a gadget-play strike from receiver Torey Morrison to interrupt a 14-14 tie. Senior wideout Makai Lovett made three catches for 91 yards, none greater than a 42-yard seize within the ultimate seconds that arrange Gagne’s winner.

Particular Groups Swing Momentum

Particular groups flipped the sport late. Kieren Jackson took a kickoff 90 yards to the home, giving Edward Waters a 38-31 lead and energizing the house crowd. Gagne was excellent all evening, hitting all 5 further factors and each subject targets — the final one sending the Tigers into the file books.

Protection Stands Tall

The Tigers’ protection bent however didn’t break. Travis McNichols completed with 5 tackles, whereas Rodney Williams and Trevon French got here up with key second-half stops. Jaylen Brown added a compelled fumble to gradual Virginia Union’s high-powered assault and purchase time for the offense.

A Assertion for EWU

The win didn’t simply make historical past — it despatched a message. Edward Waters, led by interim coach Brian Jenkins, knocked off a nationally ranked HBCU opponent in dramatic trend.

“It is a historic evening for Edward Waters College soccer and for our group,” Jenkins mentioned. “Our gamers confirmed coronary heart, resilience, and perception in each other. To win the inaugural Unity Basic on this trend — it’s one thing our student-athletes and followers will bear in mind without end.”

What’s Subsequent

The Tigers now take their unbeaten run on the street in a matchup laced with storylines. Jenkins returns to his previous stomping grounds when Edward Waters faces Bethune-Cookman College subsequent Saturday. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET, with protection reside on HBCU GO.

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