Virginia Union football.

Staff report

HICKORY — Seventh-seeded Virginia Union pounded Lenoir-Rhyne 44-12 in a regional semifinal in the Division II football playoffs on Saturday at Moretz Stadium.

Linebacker Jabril Norman (Salisbury) had an impactful game for the Panthers with an interception and a fumble recovery.

Virginia Union ran all over Lenoir-Rhyne’s defense for 345 rushing yards and 524 total yards.

All-America running back Jada Byers had 185 rushing yards and two TDs, and Curtis Allen also topped 100 rushing yards. RJ Rosales threw for 179 yards.

Lenoir-Rhyne was held to 54 rushing yards.

Both teams are 10-3.

Virginia Union becomes the fifth HBCU since 2011 to advance to a Division II regional championship. The Panthees join a list that includes Albany State (2010), Winston-Salem State (2011 and 2012), Tuskegee (2015) and Bowie State (2021).

Next for Virginia Union is a trip to southern Georgia to play No. 1 seed Valdosta State. Valdosta State beat Miles 33-17 on Friday.