RALEIGH, NC – The Shaw University Bears football team is set to hit the road for an crucial matchup against the Virginia Union Panthers (1-2,0-1) in a pivotal CIAA conference showdown Saturday, September 28, 2024. Kickoff is scheduled for  1:00 PM at Hovey Field, in Richmond, Virginia.


The Bears (3-1, 1-0), coming off a strong performance in their last game defeating Lincoln (PA) 48-14, are eager to continue their momentum as they face the defending CIAA champion Panthers. Shaw's defense will be tested against Virginia Union's explosive group of running backs headlined bu Jada Byers, who has been a dominant force this season until the Panthers loss at Johnson C. Smith last week where the star back was held to under 60 yards rushing. 


Shaw's offense features a few statistical leaders who rank towards the top of the CIAA and NCAA.  Quarterback Christian Peters leads the CIAA in touchdown passes with 13 and ranks second in yards with 809. His favorite target Ah'Shaan Belcher has pulled in six TD receptions in the first four games of the season. Jon Barnes has also tallied five touchdowns while Maceo Wingate has added another threat to defenses with three touchdowns. 


Travon Tensley leads the running back group averaging just under 100 yards per game at 98.3. His 393 yards leads the CIAA in total yards. 


The Shaw defense will look to continue it's hot play from last week where they came away with three interceptions including a pick six from Raegzon Mackey. Their six interceptions ranks tied for first in the CIAA with six.