BOWIE, Md. — On a crisp Homecoming Saturday at Bulldog Stadium, Bowie State seemed in full control — until the Elizabeth City State Vikings engineered one of the most dramatic comebacks of the CIAA season.

Trailing 27–7 midway through the third quarter, ECSU stormed back with 21 unanswered points, capped by a 19-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Navian Hilliard to Terrance Holland with 1:51 left, to edge the Bulldogs 28–27 in front of a stunned Bowie State crowd.

The loss overshadowed a career day from Bowie State quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who racked up 81 rushing yards, three touchdowns on the ground, and 139 yards passing, and a highlight defensive play by Tommie McKoy III, whose 97-yard interception return gave the Bulldogs a 20-point cushion late in the third quarter.

But the Vikings refused to fold.

Moments after McKoy’s pick-six, ECSU’s defense flipped the script. On 1st-and-10 from the Viking 13, Manuel Montout read Witherspoon perfectly and came away with a red-zone interception — a momentum-turning moment that swung the energy to the visiting sideline.

Hilliard quickly made the Bulldogs pay. Aided by consecutive penalties, the Vikings’ offense capitalized on a short field, as running back Traquan Johnson punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 27–14 with 3:00 remaining in the third quarter.

From there, ECSU’s defense tightened up. After forcing Bowie State to turn it over on downs, Hilliard connected with Joe Griffin for a 33-yard touchdown, slicing the score to 27–21 early in the fourth.

Then came the play that silenced the Homecoming crowd. On the ensuing kickoff, ECSU’s Shamar Sutton recovered a Bowie State fumble at the Bulldogs’ 29-yard line. Johnson again shouldered the load, setting up Hilliard’s 19-yard dart to Holland for the go-ahead score. Wyatt Jackson’s extra point gave ECSU its first lead, 28–27, with less than two minutes left.

Bowie State’s final drive reached midfield, but the Vikings’ defense held firm — sealing a statement road victory and spoiling the Bulldogs’ Homecoming celebration.

Top Performers

Bowie State (2–7, 1–6 CIAA)

• Savion Witherspoon: 81 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 139 passing yards

• Maximus Jones: 86 rushing yards on 22 carries

• Tommie McKoy III: 97-yard interception return TD

Elizabeth City State (3–6, 3–3 CIAA)

• Navian Hilliard: 198 passing yards, 2 TDs

• Traquan Johnson: 2 total TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving)

• Manuel Montout: Red-zone interception that sparked comeback

Up Next

Bowie State will close its season on the road at Lincoln University (Pa.) next Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth City State returns home for Homecoming against Bluefield State, where a win would secure the Vikings’ best CIAA finish since 2013.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — HBCU Original was live on the scene as the 2025 HBCU Football Classic brought the energy of the HBCU gridiron straight to Lincoln Financial Field. The matchup featured two Philadelphia legends — DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick — returning home as head coaches, leading Delaware State University and Norfolk State University in an unforgettable clash under the lights.

The crowd came early, the bands were loud, and the city showed up in full force. From the maroon and gold of Delaware State to the green and gold of Norfolk State, HBCU pride filled every corner of the stadium. It was more than football — it was a celebration of culture, community, and homegrown greatness.

The Game: Delaware State 27, Norfolk State 20

The action on the field didn’t disappoint. Delaware State’s balanced attack and fourth-quarter resilience lifted them over Norfolk State with a 27–20 victory.

Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns showed off his arm early, connecting with wide receiver J.J. Evans for a 13-yard touchdown in the second quarter. But Delaware State responded — grinding the clock and leaning on the legs of running back James Jones, who powered through defenders for a 76-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

Jones finished the night with over 120 rushing yards, while Kuhns threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns for Norfolk State. Delaware State’s defense sealed the win, forcing a late turnover and holding off a final Spartan drive as time expired.

The victory pushed Delaware State to 6–3 overall (2–0 MEAC), while Norfolk State fell to 1–8 (0–2 MEAC) — but both teams walked off to roaring cheers from an HBCU-filled stadium that understood this moment was about more than records.

Philly Legends, HBCU Pride

For DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, the game was more than a sideline duel — it was a full-circle moment. Both coaches, products of Philadelphia’s football culture and NFL greatness, used the platform to shine light on HBCU football and inspire the next generation.

“It’s about giving back, showing these players they belong on any field in America,” Jackson told local reporters postgame.

“The love we get from Philly and the HBCU community — that’s what this is all about,” added Vick.

Fans echoed that sentiment. Between drumlines, step shows, and chants from alumni, the day felt like a homecoming festival meets playoff atmosphere.

The Culture Lives Here

HBCU Original was there to capture it all — from the tailgate parties outside Lincoln Financial Field to the electric halftime performances that had the crowd on its feet. The event proved once again that HBCU sports bring a cultural heartbeat no other stage can match.

As the lights dimmed and fans poured out onto the streets of South Philly, one thing was clear:
This wasn’t just another football game — it was a movement of pride, purpose, and progress.

📸 Stay tuned for HBCU Original’s exclusive interviews, photo galleries, and behind-the-scenes coverage from the 2025 HBCU Football Classic in Philadelphia.

Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and hbcuoriginal.com for more highlights from across the HBCU Nation.

By HBCU Original | October 24, 2025 | Wilmington, DE

The Bowie State Bulldogs delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, sweeping Goldey-Beacom College 3–0 in a non-conference matchup in Wilmington, Delaware. Behind a disciplined defense and a balanced offensive attack, the Bulldogs secured their 10th win of the season — improving to 10–14 overall.

Set scores: 25–20, 28–26, 25–23

🐾 Bulldogs Bring the Energy

From the first serve, Bowie State showed poise and purpose. The Bulldogs posted a team hitting percentage of .179, while holding Goldey-Beacom to just .115. Their ability to stay aggressive on the net — racking up 14 total blocks — proved crucial in closing out tight sets and maintaining control down the stretch.

Coach [Insert Name] praised the team’s togetherness and focus:

“This was one of those matches where everyone contributed,” the coach said. “We trusted our system, communicated, and stayed composed when it mattered most.”

Set-by-Set Recap

Set 1 (25–20):
Bowie State established rhythm early behind key kills from Nina Edwards and Nicole Taylor. The Bulldogs’ front line pressured the Lightning into errors, giving BSU the opening set.

Set 2 (28–26):
Both teams traded points in a thriller. Bowie State held firm as Taylor Johnson’s serving run and clutch digs turned the momentum late.

Set 3 (25–23):
With the sweep on the line, Nadira Avery anchored the defense with crucial blocks. Edwards sealed the match with back-to-back kills to end Goldey-Beacom’s comeback hopes.

🎯 Bulldogs by the Numbers

🔥 Game Leaders

• Kills: Nina Edwards – 12 | Nicole Taylor – 8 | Lyric Snowden – 5

• Aces: Mekenna Scott – 3 | Taylor Johnson – 3 | Haley Pelham – 2

• Blocks: Nadira Avery – 8.0 | Edwards – 4.0 | Madyson Brinson – 4.0

• Assists: Mekenna Scott – 22

• Digs: Taylor Johnson – 11

Bowie State edged Goldey-Beacom in total points, 60–46, and showed why their balanced approach is starting to turn the corner late in the season.

🏆 What’s Next

The Bulldogs return home next week, looking to extend their win streak and finish the season strong. If this performance is any indication, Bowie State Volleyball is finding its rhythm at just the right time.

📸 Photo Credit: HBCU Original Sports
📍 Coverage: HBCUOriginal.com | @HBCUOriginal on Instagram
#GoBSU #BowieStateVolleyball #HBCUSports #HBCUOriginal #BulldogPride #WomensVolleyball

Final Score: Chestnut Hill 4, Lincoln (PA) 0

Scoring Summary:

• 20:21 – Chelsea Ritter (CHC) PENALTY KICK GOAL

• 33:29 – Abigail Collins (CHC), Assist: Shaina Klos

• 68:11 – Abigail Collins (CHC)

• 86:57 – Rebecca Dalton (CHC), Assist: Bryce Westervelt

Key Lincoln Stats:

• Shots on Goal: 1

• Saves: 10 (Lourraine De Luna)

• Corner Kicks: 0

• Fouls: 4

Game Recap:
Lincoln University (PA) faced a tough opponent in Chestnut Hill, but the Lions never gave up. Keeper Lourraine De Luna was phenomenal, racking up 10 saves to keep her team in the fight. Despite falling 4-0, Lincoln showed HBCU pride, resilience, and determination, pushing hard on every possession and displaying flashes of offensive potential.

Chestnut Hill dominated possession, but Lincoln’s defense and effort underlined the team’s commitment to growth and representing the HBCU community. The Lions continue to fight for their first win of the season, gaining valuable experience along the way.

HBCU Original was on the scene to capture every save, tackle, and moment of pride. 🎥🔥

Across HBCU campuses, the chants, steps, and colors of the Divine Nine tell a powerful story — one of unity, leadership, and legacy. These nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations have shaped the Black college experience and influenced generations of leaders in education, politics, business, and culture.

Formed during a time when African Americans were excluded from mainstream fraternities and sororities, the Divine Nine built a network of empowerment, scholarship, and service that continues to thrive today.

Here’s a look at their beginnings and where they stand now:

🖤 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906 – Cornell University)

The first intercollegiate Black fraternity, founded by seven visionary men known as the “Seven Jewels.” Alphas have produced leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. Today, they remain dedicated to scholarship, manly deeds, and love for all mankind.

❤️ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908 – Howard University)

The first Black sorority, founded by 16 trailblazing women. Known for service and sisterhood, AKAs continue to empower women globally through programs in education, health, and economics. Vice President Kamala Harris proudly represents their legacy.

💜 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911 – Indiana University)

Built on achievement in every field of human endeavor, Kappas are known for their signature “Kappa Kane” and polished style. They focus on mentoring young men and uplifting communities nationwide.

💛 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911 – Howard University)

Founded on principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift, Omegas are known for their intensity, loyalty, and community service — from mentoring youth to promoting education through the Achievement Week program.

💙 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913 – Howard University)

Born out of activism, Deltas made history with their first public act — marching in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade. Today, they continue that legacy of advocacy and service through initiatives like Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital.

💚 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914 – Howard University)

Founded on brotherhood, scholarship, and service, Sigmas promote equality and social justice. They are deeply connected with their sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

💙 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920 – Howard University)

Zetas are known for “Finer Womanhood,” scholarship, and service. Their work includes the Stork’s Nest program with March of Dimes and countless community initiatives across the globe.

❤️ Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922 – Butler University)

Founded by educators, SGRhos emphasize education, leadership, and community uplift. Their programs support youth development and women’s health initiatives worldwide.

🖤 Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963 – Morgan State University)

The youngest of the Divine Nine, Iotas emerged during the Civil Rights Movement, embodying brotherhood, citizenship, and leadership. Their commitment to community activism continues to grow across campuses and cities nationwide.

Today, the Divine Nine remain a vital force on HBCU campuses — mentoring students, leading service drives, and strengthening community ties. Beyond step shows and colors, their true power lies in their shared mission: to uplift, educate, and unite.

From classrooms to Congress, from the yard to the world, the Divine Nine prove that when we stand together, we rise together.

#DivineNine | #HBCUPride | #GreekLife | #HBCUOriginal
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