Rivalries open, cap Norfolk State schedule

(STATS) - A return to the Labor Day Classic will kick off Norfolk State's 11-game 2016 schedule, announced Wednesday.

The Spartans will host the first Labor Day Classic since 2012 against former Division II rival Elizabeth City State on Sept. 3.

The programs have played 55 times, the most among Norfolk State opponents.

Their season-opening matchup will be among five the Spartans will play at home. They also will host fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference members North Carolina Central (Sept. 24), Howard (Oct. 1), Bethune-Cookman (Oct. 22) and Morgan State (Oct. 29, Homecoming).

"I'm excited about the return of the Labor Day Classic," coach Latrell Scott said. "This game has a great tradition of rivalries and big crowds and we're looking forward to bringing an old rival back onto our schedule. It should be a great way to start the season at Dick Price Stadium."

Highlights of the Spartans' road schedule are a first-ever meeting with Richmond on Sept. 10, when Scott squares off against a Spiders team he coached in 2010, and the annual Battle of the Bay at Hampton on Nov. 19. It will be just the second time and first since 1996 that NSU and Hampton will cap the regular season against each other.

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2016 Norfolk State Schedule

Sept. 3, Elizabeth State

Sept. 10, at Richmond

Sept. 17, at William & Mary

Sept. 24, North Carolina Central*

Oct. 1, Howard*

Oct. 8, at North Carolina A&T*

Oct. 22, Bethune-Cookman*

Oct. 29, Morgan State* (Homecoming)

Nov. 5, at Savannah State*

Nov. 12, at South Carolina State*

Nov. 19, at Hampton*

* - MEAC game