STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Norfolk State football team (1-4) showed resilience on the road Saturday afternoon, building an early two-touchdown lead before ultimately falling 18-13 to Wagner (1-4) at Hameline Field.

Quarterback Otto Kuhns paced the passing attack with 119 yards on 17-of-28 completions, while Kevon King carried the load on the ground with 48 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Spartans displayed balance in the backfield, as Jaylen Laudermilk (27 yards), Kuhns (25) and X'Zavion Evans (24) all contributed, with Evans breaking through for NSU's second score.

In the receiving game, DreSean Kendrick hauled in a team-high 33 yards, while Taron Biles-Walker (29), J.J. Evans (28) and Elyjah Mitchell (26) all provided reliable targets.

The Spartan defense put together an aggressive performance, forcing four turnovers with interceptions from Corey Chapman and Kaleb Broadbent alongside two fumble recoveries. Chapman and Major Dillard each finished with nine tackles, while Terique Miles led all defenders with 10 stops.

After a scoreless first quarter, NSU struck quickly in the second. Evans' 14-yard touchdown run opened the scoring, and less than two minutes later King powered in from one yard out, stretching the lead to 13-0.

The defense kept the Seahawks off the board throughout the first half, setting the tone with multiple stops and takeaways.

Wagner found momentum in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with 12 unanswered points before pulling ahead midway through the fourth on a 24-yard touchdown reception. Despite several late offensive possessions, the Spartans couldn't find the end zone again, falling just short in another hard-fought contest.

Norfolk State now turns its focus to one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, traveling to Hampton, Va. on Saturday, Oct. 4, for the annual "Battle of the Bay" rivalry game against Hampton University. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.