Delaware State defeats Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field

DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Hornets beat Michael Vick’s Norfolk State Spartans 27-20 on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, a nationally televised matchup that reunited the former Philadelphia Eagles teammates now coaching rival historically Black colleges and universities. The game, played at 7 p.m., marked the first time two HBCU programs met at the Eagles’ home stadium and drew an announced crowd of 47,266.

Delaware State’s victory was punctuated by a special teams play early in the second quarter when Amir Anderson blocked a Norfolk State punt and returned it for a touchdown. Quarterback Kaiden Bennett connected on a 24-yard scoring pass to Tahmir Ellis, and kicker Patrick Fisher-Butler added two field goals. James Jones broke a 76-yard rushing run in the fourth quarter to help seal the Hornets’ win. Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns, and receiver JJ Evans finished with five catches for 124 yards.

Both coaches embraced at midfield after the game as fireworks sounded around the stadium. Jackson, who advocated moving the Delaware State home game from Dover to Philadelphia, said earlier this season that...