Delaware State tops Norfolk State 36-33 at the Linc to close One Philly HBCU Week

Delaware State University edged Norfolk State University 36-33 on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field, in the game that wrapped up Philadelphia's One Philly HBCU Week.

According to CBS Philadelphia, Delaware State won on a 35-yard kick on the final play, completing a rally after trailing by 17 points. 6abc Action News said the score was even until the last few seconds.

The matchup drew extra interest because both head coaches once played for the Philadelphia Eagles. Michael Vick leads Norfolk State, and DeSean Jackson leads Delaware State. FOX 29 reported that the former teammates teamed up with the Eagles and city officials to stage the contest, promoted as the HBCU "Battle of the Legends," at the NFL venue. The station called it a rematch, and one fan told FOX 29 this was the event's second year.

FOX 29 noted that the two programs belong to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and that neither school is located in the Philadelphia region. CBS Philadelphia and FOX 29 both put attendance in the thousands.

Mayor Cherelle Parker's office organized the week honoring historically Black colleges and universities, 6abc reported. CBS Philadelphia said the six days of programming featured a step show, a band competition, a choir contest among colleges, a job and college fair, and football games at the stadium.

Before Saturday's kickoff, students, graduates and members of Black Greek-letter organizations held tailgates outside the venue, according to 6abc. Inside, majorettes and marching bands entertained the crowd, CBS Philadelphia reported.

Brandon Graham, who played defensive end for the Eagles, also attended. He told 6abc that having Vick and Jackson involved is "driving more people to learn about HBCUs."

A number of people at the game had roots in the city. Zuri Brown, a Delaware State senior who serves as head drum major, grew up in West Philadelphia and told CBS Philadelphia that playing at the stadium felt like coming home. "I'm from West Philadelphia so it just feels good to be home," Brown said. A Norfolk State alumna raised in Philadelphia told the same station she was happy to watch her school compete in her hometown.

Fans interviewed by all three stations said the occasion meant more to them than the result on the field. Several compared the mood at HBCU gatherings to a family reunion, and some said they appreciated that young players were being coached by two well-known former NFL players.

Compiled by True News from reporting by 6abc Action News, CBS Philadelphia and FOX 29 Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/671