RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 30) – Saint Augustine's University struck first but eventually fell to Virginia Union University 28-7 in a CIAA football contest at the George Williams Athletic Complex on Saturday.

The Falcons (1-1 CIAA, 1-4 overall) scored on the opening drive when D.J. Johnson (Jr./Richmond, VA) found Sam Boyd (Sr./St. Petersburg, FL) for a six-yard touchdown pass and Sean Smith (R-Jr./Valdosta, GA) kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead. The Panthers (2-0 CIAA, 3-2 overall) then scored 28 unanswered points including 21 in the first quarter. The Falcons' defense stiffened after halftime as they held the Panthers scoreless in the second half.

Linebacker James Hickman (Jr./Antioch, CA) led the Falcons with a game-high 14 tackles including a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Linebacker Tray King (Sr./Kershaw, SC) added seven tackles while defensive back Denzel Malone-Huff (Sr./Gadsden, AL) and defensive lineman Chasz Cosby (Sr./Charlotte, NC) each finished with six tackles. Cosby added a sack for the Falcons, who also got an interception from Devaughn Taylor (Jr./Washington, DC).

Jeremiah Miller (So./Miami, FL) gained 77 yards on 19 carries and Johnson added 63 rushing yards and 174 passing yards in addition to his touchdown throw. Lenwood Joyner (Jr./Miami, FL) caught five passes for 87 yards and Boyd had five receptions for 57 yards and a TD.

Darius Taylor sparked the Panthers with 207 passing yards and two touchdowns to go along with his one interception. Jewison Dawkins grabbed four passes for 136 yards and two scores and Arron Baker rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown.

At halftime, the Falcons' football team held a mock signing day for Carter Pepper, a 10-year-old kid with a rare, inherited blood disorder. Fans cheered as he signed a national letter-of-intent to become an honorary team member.

The Falcons are back at home next Saturday, Oct. 7, against Livingstone College at the George Williams Athletic Complex at 1 p.m. This will be the second of three straight home contests for the Falcons.