PETERSBURG
Former Southampton Indian Andre Rawls, a senior linebacker for the Virginia State University Trojans, made a key interception during the NCAA Division ll playoffs at Rogers Stadium on the campus of VSU on Saturday. In the second quarter of play, Rawls picked off a Long Island University-Post pass from quarterback Steven Laurino and raced 83 yards for a touchdown to put the Trojans ahead 14-7.

Rawls was also credited with 6 solo tackles and one assisted tackle.

“This was my chance to make a play for the team,” the Franklin native said. “Like I always tell our defense, bend but don’t break.”

It was the tenth straight win for the Trojans as they went on to take the game 28-17. VSU now advances to the second round of the playoffs and will travel to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Nov. 29 to face Bloomsburg University.

Rawls also earned a spot on the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association All-Conference First Team.

The linebacker has picked off 3 passes this season, has 73 total tackles and 10 tackles for a loss. He’s also forced 1 fumble and has recovered 3. He’s hurried the quarterback 3 times, been in on 3.5 sacks and has broken up 6 passes.