As the Hampton Pirates prepare for the highly anticipated showdown against Howard, head coach Trenton Boykin knows it will be intense.
“It’s the real HU,” Boykin said during the CAA football coaches media call, underscoring the deep connection between the two institutions and their communities. “It’s very important to both communities and institutions. Our guys understand what this game means to this university and community.”
Boykin has witnessed firsthand the fierce competitiveness that defines the matchup. “We’ve played all four quarters in these games. They’ve been close,” he said. “Sometimes we’ve come back in the fourth quarter. Sometimes they’ve stormed back. It’s a game you have to play for four quarters.”
He highlighted the complexity of preparing for Howard’s multifaceted offensive schemes.
“They can be in multiple personnel sets and formations. You have to be prepared for a little bit of everything. Their quarterback runs and throws well, their running game is strong, and defensively, they can show different fronts. Special teams are solid, too.”
The setting of the game also adds to the excitement. Played at Audi Field with a large, passionate crowd, Boykin said, “It feels almost like a home crowd for us. It’s treated like a classic. The fan base is big, and our guys enjoy that atmosphere.”
The intensity goes beyond the field. “You don’t really understand the intensity until you get involved in it,” Boykin shared. “Alumni are very emphatic, and you get a lot of phone calls. It’s something special.”
More than a football game, Boykin said the rivalry “stretches far beyond the field into everyday life and striving for excellence,” reflecting the pride and legacy at the heart of this annual contest.
As Hampton and Howard prepare to write the next chapter in their long-standing rivalry, Boykin’s words capture the spirit of competition and community that make the “Battle of the Real HU” one of college football’s most meaningful traditions.