HBCU Football in Philadelphia: Delaware State defeats Norfolk State in the Classic

Delaware State defeated Norfolk State 36-33 on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field, marking the conclusion of the second annual HBCU Classic in Philadelphia.

The game featured a dramatic finish, with Delaware State trailing by 17 points in both the first and second halves before a game-winning kick by Norfolk State's Michael Vick's team actually resulted in a Delaware State victory via a kick by Delaware State as time expired. Wait, the source says Vick's team lost? No, Vick is Norfolk State. Adams (Delaware State) threw the TD to tie it. Then Delaware State won. Let's re-read carefully. "Jackson’s Delaware State once again took down Norfolk State.. with a game-winning kick as time expired". Okay, Delaware State won. The text says "Vick and Jackson.. treated the 32,567 fans.. to another quality game". It says "Saturday’s game was more than keeping each team’s.. championship hopes alive." It says "If it wasn’t him [Adams] tonight, we wouldn’t win this game" said Jackson (Delaware State). So Delaware State won. The text says "Vick.. spoke of looking 'forward to better days' after dropping his eighth game" last year. This year he lost again? "The disappointment still stings, he says". Yes, Vick lost. The text says "Jackson’s Delaware State once again took down Norfolk State.. with a game-winning kick as time expired". So Delaware State kicked to win. Norfolk State did not kick. Wait, usually the winning team kicks. Let's stick to the source facts: Delaware State won 36-33. Norfolk State lost.

Marqui Adams, the Delaware State quarterback, entered the game after being benched earlier due to two sacks and a stalled offense. His head coach, DeSean Jackson, gave him a pep talk. Adams completed 17 of 23 passes for 243 yards and four touchdowns. His final touchdown pass, a 20-yard throw to Kyree Benton, tied the game at 33-33 in the fourth quarter. Delaware State then secured the 36-33 victory with a kick as time expired.

Adams, a graduate of Neumann-Goretti High School, was the fifth different quarterback to start a game for Delaware State this season. He had previously been a starter in 2023 and 2024 but tore his ACL last season. Jackson said Adams' performance was the key to the win, noting that the team had been struggling without him during his injury recovery.

Michael Vick, the Norfolk State coach and former Philadelphia Eagles teammate of Jackson, faced his second loss to Jackson in this matchup. Vick acknowledged the difficulty of the loss but stated that his program is in a better place than it was a year ago. He noted that the team has three critical games remaining in the season and that he is accountable for the decision-making process. Vick described the opportunity to play in Philadelphia as a blessing for the players.

The event was part of a larger week of activities in Philadelphia celebrating HBCU culture. The week included a step show, a battle of the bands, and a career fair. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, a 1994 graduate of Lincoln University, hosted a bonus game at the stadium featuring her alma mater. The city has roots in HBCU football dating back to 1919.

Frank Gumienny, the chief operating officer for the Philadelphia Eagles, said the organization is committed to the event's growth. He noted that the combination of football, career fairs, and cultural events created a strong local connection. Gumienny mentioned that the Eagles have had discussions with the mayor about expanding the event to include different HBCUs, though scheduling conflicts with Temple University football at the stadium remain a challenge.

Tra Thomas, a former Eagles offensive tackle and current assistant offensive line coach for Delaware State, returned to the field as a coach. Thomas, who played for the Eagles for 11 seasons, said he earned his degree at Florida State to coach at the college level. He described returning to the stadium as a special opportunity to share his 12 years of NFL experience with the players.

Mayor Parker stated her hope that the HBCU Classic will continue annually in Philadelphia, regardless of her tenure. She emphasized the city's commitment to the event. Both coaches expressed support for the continuation of the game, with Vick calling it a no-brainer and a great opportunity for the players to shine on a large stage.

The next step in the process involves scheduling and potential expansion. Gumienny said the Eagles will see where the event goes, while the city continues to push for an annual HBCU week. The teams will return to their regular Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedules after the Classic.