It was a tough start to the 2025 season for two North Carolina Division II programs on Thursday night. Barton fell at home to Virginia State, 35-7, while Livingstone dropped a 39-10 decision on the road at Charleston.
Virginia State 35, Barton 7
Virginia State quarterback Rashaan Matthews threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns as the Trojans rolled up 569 yards of offense. Matthews hit Kevin Gyles for a 58-yard strike on the third play of the opening possession, setting the tone for a fast start that saw VSU score on its first three drives.
Barton finally broke through in the fourth quarter when quarterback Trevor Nored connected with Jackson Parrish for an eight-yard touchdown, avoiding the shutout. Linebacker Ja’Correy Bible led all tacklers with 13 stops for the Bulldogs, who were outgained 569-115 in the first-ever meeting between the two schools. VSU finished second in the CIAA last season and looks to be a strong contender again.
Charleston 39, Livingstone 10
Livingstone couldn’t keep pace with a high-powered Charleston squad (reigning Mountain East champs) that scored on its first two possessions and built a 27-3 halftime lead. Golden Eagles quarterback Ean Hamric threw four touchdown passes, three of them to Yves Bosmans, who finished with a hat trick of scores.
The Blue Bears’ highlights came from a 43-yard first-half field goal by Jason Zapata and a 63-yard third-quarter touchdown run by Maliq Staten. Quarterback Alfredo Sotelo threw for 174 yards, and receiver Justin Glenn led the way with 101 yards on four catches. Freshman Dontavius Phillips also broke a 63-yard run for a score.
👉 Next up: Barton visits West Virginia State on Sept. 6, while Livingstone travels to Allen University that evening in Columbia, SC.
