NORFOLK, VA – The Winston-Salem State University football team (0-1) opened the 2026 season Saturday evening, falling 56-0 to Norfolk State at William "Dick" Price Stadium.
The Rams, playing their first game under head coach
Tory Woodbury, faced a 14-0 deficit after the opening quarter as Norfolk State scored on its first two scoring drives. Deljay Bailey connected with Elyjah Mitchell for a 13-yard touchdown before adding a 20-yard rushing score to give the Spartans the early advantage.
Winston-Salem State looked to establish its offense throughout the first half, but Norfolk State's defense limited the Rams to 43 total yards before halftime. Quarterback
Kendall McKoy completed 14-of-24 passes for 88 yards, while
Taron Biles-Walker led the Rams with five receptions for 69 yards.
Norfolk State added a touchdown in the second quarter to take a 21-0 lead into halftime. The Spartans extended their advantage with two touchdowns in the third quarter before adding three more scores in the fourth.
The Rams finished the game with 106 yards of total offense, including 88 passing yards and 18 rushing yards. WSSU recorded 10 first downs and held the ball for 22:50.
Biles-Walker paced the Rams' receiving corps with five catches for 69 yards, while
Jayden Grimes added four receptions for 15 yards. Grimes also provided a spark in the return game, totaling 73 yards on three kickoff returns.
On the ground,
Jayvion Danzy led the Rams with 25 rushing yards on six carries.
Defensively,
Maurice Odom led Winston-Salem State with nine tackles and two tackles for loss.
Smith Chancellor and
Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman each recorded five tackles.
Punter Anthony Barrett averaged 37.3 yards on seven punts, including a long of 48 yards.
WSSU Top Performers
Kendall McKoy
- 14-of-24 passing
- 88 passing yards
Taron Biles-Walker
- 5 receptions
- 69 receiving yards
Maurice Odom
- 9 total tackles
- 2 tackles for loss
Jayden Grimes
- 4 receptions
- 15 receiving yards
- 73 kickoff return yards
Up Next
Winston-Salem State returns home for its 2026 home opener against Mars Hill University on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. inside Bowman Gray Stadium.
For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.
