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Five Blazers Named All-GSC

2009-11-12

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Five Valdosta State Blazers were named to the All-Gulf South Conference squad, in a vote of the league coaches, according to an announcement made by the GSC Office on Thursday. Three of the Blazers earned first-team All-GSC honors, including wide receiver Cedric Jones who became just one of 46 players to earn first team All-GSC honors three times in their career. Jones, who also earned first-team honors in 2006 and 2007, tallied 57 catches for 544 yards and two touchdowns during the 2009 season and finished the year ranked second in the GSC with 7.1 receptions per game. He ended his career with 282 receptions, the most in GSC history, and 3,177 yards, third-best in league history. He was joined on the first-team squad by linebacker Larry Dean and cornerback Carlos Anderson. Dean, who was a second-team selectee in 2008, led the Blazers in tackles for the second straight year as he finished the season with 80. He tallied a team-high 7.5 tackles for loss and broke up four passes, third-most on the team. The junior ended the year with 246 career tackles, 10th most in school history and just 94 behind the VSU school record held by Jessie Tuggle. Dean was one of only nine non-seniors, out of 37 players named, to earn first-team All-GSC honors on the season. Anderson was second on the team with 57 tackles on the year, six of which were for loss. He intercepted three passes on the year and broke up a team-high five passes. He also forced a Gulf South Conference high five fumbles on the season while recovering two additional fumbles. For the second straight season and the third time in four years, Valdosta State also garnered the Offensive Freshman of the Year as wide receiver Gerald Ford picked up the honor in 2009. Ford, who was also named second-team All-GSC, finished the year second on the VSU squad with 41 receptions as well as in receiving yardage with 526 on the season. He caught a team-high four passes and joined Randy Fisher (1986), Ramon Allen (1988), Jones (2006) and Chris Hart (2008) as the only Blazers to win league Rookie of the Year honors. Sophomore punter Jack Fulford rounded out the Blazers to earn All-GSC honors as he garnered second-team honors for the second straight season. Fulford was third in the Gulf South Conference with a 40.0 yards per punt average as he totaled 2,002 yards on 50 punts on the year. His high, booming kicks were responsible for Valdosta State averaging a GSC-best 34.4 net yards on punts, 23 of which placed inside the opponent%u2019s 20 yard line, including nine inside the 10.

Blazers Trounce Edward Waters 70-6

2009-11-07

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State scored a school-record tying 70 points as the Blazers defeated Edward Waters 70-6 in non-conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Tigers (0-10) opened the scoring in the first quarter after a 54-yard fumble return gave them the ball on the VSU 30. Javari Liggins gained 12 yards on first down before two more runs moved the ball to the VSU 12. A pass from Brandon Turman to Jonathan Johnson moved the ball to the Blazer four and three plays later Turman hooked up with Covin to post EWC to a 6-0 lead. Valdosta State (6-4) quickly struck back as it needed just four plays to find the end zone. After a fumble on first down, Kellen Lewis rushed for seven yards before hooking up with Gerald Ford for a 13-yard completion. On the next play, Lewis hit Isaiah Jupiter on a deep pass. The sophomore receiver broke a tackle and scored to put VSU up 7-6. After a punt, VSU took the lead when Michael Brown scored from a yard out while an Eric Sledge one-yard touchdown run with 12:28 to go in the second quarter made it 21-6. Lewis capped off a three-play drive on Valdosta State's next possession with a six-yard scoring run while Brown pushed the Valdosta State lead to 35-6 with a 15-yard touchdown run on the Blazers' sixth drive of the game, a play that came after a 44-yard run by Lewis. Lewis hooked up with R.J. Bastone from 11 yards out with 54 seconds to go before the intermission to push the Blazer lead to 42-6. David Arnold scored on a 36-yard on Valdosta State's first possession of the second half while Sledge, who had never scored prior to the game, added his second rushing touchdown, again on a one-yard run, with 2:20 to go in the third quarter. A Russ Callaway-to-Jackson Dean 16-yard completion pushed the VSU lead to 63-6 with 11:21 remaining in the game while Sledge scored on his third one-yard touchdown run three minutes later to finish out the scoring. Valdosta State tallied 536 yards of total offense in the game, including 265 on the ground and 271 through the air, while holding Edward Waters to just 163 total yards. The Blazer defense forced four turnovers in the game as Demetrius Bozeman, Demarcus Flanagan and Carlos Anderson all recorded interceptions while Justin Curry registered a fumble recovery. Lewis completed 18-of-22 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns while also carrying the ball nine times for 100 yards and a score. Sledge added 19 yards on six carries to go with his three touchdowns while Dean finished with a team %u2013high five catches for 67 yards. Flanagan finished with a team-best 12 tackles in the contest, including sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Edward Waters Game Notes

2009-11-05

Today's Game: Valdosta State concludes its 2009 season as the Blazers host Edward Waters in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers enter the game with a 5-4 record, including a 5-3 mark in Gulf South Conference play after a 31-20 win at West Georgia last week, while the Tigers are 0-9, including a 45-24 loss to Division I Savannah State in their last outing. The game is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff. VSU averages 405.3 yards of total offense on the season while surrendering 363.1 yards per game. Quarterback Kellen Lewis leads the offense as he has completed 214-of-350 passes for 2,297 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 385 yards and eight scores. Wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 57 passes for 544 yards and two scores and linebacker Larry Dean leads the defense with 76 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss. Edward Waters is averaging 268.1 yards per game while surrendering 389.3 per outing. Quarterback Brandon Turman leads the Tiger attack with 1,015 passing yards and six touchdowns. Rudy Wilson leads the EWC defense with 62 tackles, including six tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the Edward Waters game will be the 320th game in school history. The Blazers have won 215 contests, lost 100 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .680. Balance in the Receiving Corps: Valdosta State has been very balanced in receptions this season as eight players have reached double digits in catches on the year. Cedric Jones leads the way with 57 catches, followed by Gerald Ford with 39. R.J. Bastone has 25 receptions, Ronnye Nelson 24 and Kody Case while Cedric Evans has 22, Jackson Dean 18 and Owen Dixon 10. Six more players have caught at least one pass on the year. Jones leads the way with 544 yards while Ford has 507. Bastone has tallied 413 yards on the season. Seven Blazers have caught a touchdown pass, led by Ford who has four touchdowns on the season. Jones, Bastone, Case and Evans have all caught two on the year. In 2008, only six receivers recorded double digit receptions, led by Jones with 57, while 10 did so during the 2007 season, in which VSU played 14 games. Blazer Seniors to be Honored: Valdosta State will honor 20 seniors prior to Saturday's regular season finale. The group includes defensive end Chauncey DeBose, defensive tackle Tommie Duhart, cornerback Rashad Etheridge, quarterback Kellen Lewis, safety Josh Wylie, wide receiver Johnny Belt, cornerback Devin Cannon, linebacker Marcel Horne, fullback Donnie Powell, linebacker Seasn Weathers, deep snapper Ryan Bough, linebacker Demarcus Flanagan, fullback Eric Sledge, offensive lineman Garrett Grady, cornerback Carlos Anderson, wide receiver R.J. Bastone, defensive end Melvin Black, wide receiver Cedric Jones and center Edward Gregory. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Top West Georgia 31-20

2009-10-29

CARROLLTON, Ga. - Valdosta State scored 21 fourth quarter points to defeat West Georgia 31-20 in Gulf South Conference action at University Stadium Thursday evening. West Georgia (1-8, 1-6) opened the scoring on its first drive of the game as they marched 54 yards for a 42 yard field goal by Adi Brkic. Valdosta State (5-4, 5-3) took the lead on its next drive as the Blazers capped off a 14-play, 67 yard drive with a one-yard David Arnold touchdown run. Kellen Lewis completed seven-of-eight passes for 76 yards on the drive while Ronnye Nelson picked up seven yards on three carries. After a Nelson run moved the ball to the UWG three, Arnold picked up two yards on a run before punching the ball in on his next carry for his first career touchdown, giving VSU a 7-3 lead with 14:19 to go in the second quarter. V.J. Hunt gave the Wolves the lead back 3:06 before the half as he scored on a 30-yard reverse to cap off a nine-play, 80-yard drive. Brendan Behenna completed passes to Yusuf Holloway and Hunt to open the drive before Joey Harris gained 11 yards on a pair of runs. Two plays later Malcolm Johnson moved the ball into Valdosta State territory with a 25-yard reception before Holloway gained a yard on a run. On the next play, Holloway took the hand-off from Behanna and broke to the right before handing off to Hunt. The sophomore receiver got a block and raced untouched to the end zone to give West Georgia a 10-7 advantage. VSU tied the game at the intermission horn as Daniel Andersen kicked a 28-yard field goal. Chris Wellborn set up the field goal when he returned a punt 20 yards to the UWG 28. A penalty on the play gave the Blazers the ball on the UWG 23 with 41 seconds remaining and no time outs. Cedric Jones caught a nine-yard pass on the first play of the drive while Lewis picked up three yards on a run two plays later to move the ball to the Wolf 11. The Blazers attempted three passes into the end zone before running the kicking unit onto the field with three seconds remaining on the clock. Andersen's kick was right down the middle to even the game at the intermission. After a scoreless third quarter, Gerald Ford put Valdosta State up 17-10 as he scored on a 58 yard pass. After a West Georgia punt and a substitution infraction by the Wolves, the Blazers took over on their own 32. A screen pass to Nelson lost three yards before Cedric Evans picked up the first down with an eight yard catch. Lewis rushed for no gain and hit Ford for five yards to bring up third down. A play later, Ford caught the ball over middle and broke a tackle before racing the final 42 yards for his fourth score in the last three weeks. On Valdosta State's next possession, Cameo Holloway scored on a 22-yard touchdown run to put the Blazers up by 14. Valdosta State kept the ball on the ground for the entire drive, which began with a 22-yard run by Lewis. After an offsides call against the Wolves, Arnold picked up 20 yards on a pair of runs before Lewis gained 13 more on the ground. Mike Brown gained four more on a carry to the move the ball to the West Georgia 22, setting up Holloway's run off left tackle that posted the Blazers to a 24-10 advantage. West Georgia marched down and scored on a 29-yard Johnson touchdown reception with 1:19 to go, but Lewis scored on a 40-yard touchdown run 19 seconds later to again push the VSU lead to 14. A 34-yard Brkic field goal at the final horn closed out the scoring. Ford recorded all six of his receptions in the second half while registering his first career 100-yard game, finishing with 123 in the contest. Lewis completed 20-of-32 passes for 247 yards in the contest while also gaining 78 yards on the ground. Dudley Spence tallied a career-high 10 tackles to lead the Valdosta State defense. Behenna completed 17-of-35 for 203 yards and a touchdown. Holloway carried the ball 23 times for 75 yards while also catching four passes for 36 yards. Valdosta State out-gained UWG 414 to 356 in the contest, but was hampered by 15 penalties for 163 yards. Valdosta State concludes its 2009 season next Saturday, November 7, when it hosts Edward Waters at 2:00 p.m. in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The VSU seniors will be honored prior to the game.

West Georgia Game Notes

2009-10-28

Today's Game: Valdosta State hits the road for the final time in 2009 as the Blazers visit Carrollton, Ga. and the University of West Georgia for the annual Battle for the Peach Basket. The Blazers enter the game with a 4-4 record, including a 4-3 mark in Gulf South Conference play after a 62-27 loss to North Alabama last week, while the Wolves are 1-7 and 1-5 in league play, including a 10-9 victory over West Alabama in their last outing. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. VSU averages 404.2 yards of total offense on the season while surrendering 364.0 yards per game. Quarterback Kellen Lewis leads the offense as he has completed 194-of-318 passes for 2,050 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 307 yards and seven scores. Wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 52 passes for 489 yards and two scores and linebacker Larry Dean leads the defense with 73 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss. West Georgia is averaging 274.6 yards per game while surrendering 471.8 per outing. Running back Yusuf Holloway leads the Wolf attack with 74.9 rushing yards and 24.9 receiving yards per game. Linebacker Travis Payton leads the UWG defense with 40 tackles, including an assist on a tackle for loss, and two fumble recoveries. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the West Georgia game will be the 319th game in school history. The Blazers have won 214 contests, lost 100 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .679. Blazer Fast Facts: 2009 Record: 4-4 (.500); 2009 Gulf South Conference Record / Rank: 4-3 (.571) / 3rd; Last Five Games: 3-2 (.600); Last 10 Games: 5-5 (.500); Last 15 Games: 9-6 (.600). Head Coach David Dean: David Dean is in his third season at the helm of the Valdosta State Blazers and sports an all-time record of 26-8 (.765). In 2007, Dean became just the second NCAA Division II first-year head coach to lead his team to a national title, joining North Dakota State's Earl Solomonson, while leading VSU back to the NCAA Division II Playoffs in 2008. He has tallied a 17-6 record (.739) in Gulf South Conference play. West Georgia Fast Facts: 2009 Record: 1-7 (.125); 2009 Gulf South Conference Record / Rank: 1-5 (.167) / 11th; Last Five Games: 1-4 (.200); Last 10 Games: 1-9 (.100); Last 15 Games: 1-14 (.067). Head Coach Daryl Dickey: Daryl Dickey is in his second year as the leader of the West Georgia football program, having accumulated an 1-17 (.056) record with the Wolves. Dickey has also served as the head coach at Presbyterian College, where he tallied a 28-15 mark in three years, while also filling assistant coaching roles at Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida State. Television: The game will be broadcast live as part of the GSC Game of the Week package on Comcast SportSouth and Cox Sports. In Valdosta, the game will be carried by Mediacom Channel 77. Internet Webcast: There will be no webcast of the game. Radio Network: WDDQ, Talk 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WSFB 1490 AM/97.7 FM (Quitman); WHLJ, Foxy 97.5 FM (Valdosta, Statenville); WKZZ, Z 92.5. FM (Tifton); WVOH, Classic 93.5 FM (Hazlehurst); WDMG, The Big Dog 97.9 FM (Douglas); WTHV, 810 AM (Valdosta); W241BG, 96.1 FM (Valdosta). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Fall 62-27 to North Alabama

2009-10-22

VALDOSTA, Ga. - North Alabama jumped out to a 27-0 lead and never looked back as the Lions defeated Valdosta State 62-27 in Gulf South Conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Thursday evening. After Valdosta State (4-4, 4-3) failed to score after recovering a fumble on the return of the opening kickoff, the Lions (9-0, 6-0) opened the scoring on their first drive as they marched 80 yards in 11 plays. Harrison Beck completed six-of-seven passes for 76 yards, the last coming to Wes Holland from 19 yards out to give UNA a 7-0 lead. Two drives later, Beck again marched North Alabama down the field as he completed six passes for 55 yards on the drive, the final three coming to Thor Merrow from three yards out to push North Alabama's lead to 13-0 at the end of the first quarter. The lead continued to grow as Beck rushed for a one-yard touchdown with 11:41 to go in the second quarter. After the ensuing kickoff went into the end zone for a touchback, Michael Johnson picked off the first pass from VSU's Kellen Lewis and returned it 23 yards for a score and a 27-0 UNA lead. The Blazers answered on their next drive as they marched 51 yards in six plays. Ronnye Nelson carried the majority of the load on the drive as he rushed for 34 yards on four carries, including a 23-yard run that cut the VSU deficit to 27-6. The Lions missed a field goal on its next drive, but closed out the half with its fifth touchdown when Marcus Sims dove over the top from a yard out with 23 seconds remaining in the half, giving North Alabama a 34-6 halftime lead. Valdosta State was stopped on the first drive of the second half, but after recovering a Tim Hicks fumble, quickly scored to close to within 34-13. Lewis and Gerald Ford hooked up on three straight passes on the drive, the final coming from 22 yards to give Ford his second touchdown of the season. North Alabama wasted little time in getting the score back as on the next play from scrimmage, Beck faked a hand-off and hit Mico McSwain for a 69 yard touchdown. The duo again hooked up to drives later, this time on a six yard strike, giving the Lions their largest lead at 48-13. Valdosta State used some trickery to score early in the fourth quarter as the Blazers faked a field goal. Ford, who lined up wide and was uncovered on the play, took a pass from Russ Callaway and raced 18 yards untouched to close the Blazers to within 48-20. VSU attempted an on-sides kick on the ensuing kick-off, but the ball traveled just three yards, giving UNA the ball on the VSU 38. Cory Eddinger made the Blazers pay as he connected with Jusmon Rivers for a 38-yard scoring pass on the first play from scrimmage on the drive. Lewis added a 14-yard pass to Cedric Evans with 4:14 remaining to again close Valdosta State to within 28 points. However, the Blazers once again failed on an on-side kick attempt, leading to the final North Alabama score of the game. The kick traveled the necessary 10 yards and actually hit off of a UNA player. However, Brandon Pickett out-raced a pair of VSU defenders to the ball and scooped it up, returning the ball 40 yards for a touchdown. Beck completed 25-of-39 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns in the game while Lewis was 17-of-35 for 157 yards and a pair of scores. Cedric Jones caught six passes for 61 yards to lead the VSU receiving corps while Ford had five catches and 62 yards as well as two touchdowns. McSwain caught six passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns while Rivers added five receptions and 118 yards. The Lions rolled to 518 yards of total offense in the game, including 439 through the air, while holding Valdosta State to just 266 total yards. Larry Dean led all tacklers with 11 on the evening while also breaking up one pass and recording one quarterback hurry. Johnson added a team-high seven tackles to his interception return for a touchdown to lead the Lions defensively. Valdosta State returns to action next Thursday, October 29 when it travels to Carrollton, Ga. to face the Wolves of West Georgia. Kick-off for the game is slated for 7:00 p.m.

North Alabama Game Notes

2009-10-22

Today's Game: Valdosta State hosts the Lions of North Alabama in a nationally televised affair as VSU and UNA hook up on CBS College Sports. The Blazers enter the game with a 4-3 record, including a 4-2 mark in Gulf South Conference play after a 23-17 victory over Harding last week, while the Lions are 8-0 and 5-0 in league play, including a 34-24 victory over Delta State last Thursday. The game is scheduled for a 8:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff. VSU averages 424.0 yards of total offense on the season while surrendering 342.0 yards per game. Quarterback Kellen Lewis leads the offense as he has completed 177-of-283 passes for 1,893 yards and nine touchdowns while also rushing for 283 yards and seven scores. Wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 46 passes for 428 yards and two scores and linebacker Larry Dean leads the defense with 62 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss. North Alabama is averaging 422.8 yards per game while surrendering 282.4 per outing. Quarterback Harrison Beck leads the Lion attack with 290.6 passing yards per game while three different receivers have caught at least 31 passes. Linebacker Michael Johnson leads the UNA defense with 64 tackles, including 8.0 for loss. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the North Alabama game will be the 318th game in school history. The Blazers have won 214 contests, lost 99 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .681. Television Broacast Information: The game will be broadcast live in high definition by CBS College Sports (Dish Network Channel 152; DirecTV Channel 613, Check local cable listings) as well throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia as well as in Birmingham, Montogomery and Dothan, Ala. on Fox Sports South (Dish Network 420, DirecTV 646). The game will also be shown on Sports South in all of Tennessee; Huntsville, Decatur and Florence, Ala.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Columbus, Tupelo and West Point, Miss. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Finish Second at Indian Bayou Classic

2009-10-20

DESTIN, Fla. - Valdosta State shot a final round 292 to finish second at the Indian Bayou Classic held at the par-72 Indian Bayou Golf Club Tuesday. The Blazers tallied a two-round total of 582 (six-over) to finish 10 shots behind tournament host North Alabama, which finished the tournament with a four-under 572. Shorter and Columbus State tied for third at 595 while Northeastern State and Clayton State tied for fifth at 600. Will Repko shot a two-round total of 143 (one-under) to finish fourth in the tournament while Chesley Gunn was fifth at an even-par 144. Chad Smith shot a 147 on the tournament while Fredrick Hildebrand finished with a 148 and Wade Holland a 159. The Blazers return to action next Monday when they travel to Ocoee, Fla. to take part in the Rollins Invitational.

Blazers Top Harding 23-17

2009-10-17

SEARCY, Ark. - Valdosta State scored 20 unanswered second quarter points to defeat Harding 23-17 in Gulf South Conference football action at First Security Stadium Saturday evening. Harding (4-4, 2-3) got on the scoreboard first as Zac Ross scored on a 70-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. After blocking a 38-yard field goal attempt by the Blazers (4-3, 4-2), the Bison took over on their own 21 yard line. Ross picked up seven yards on first down before Jeremy Holt gained one on the ground on second. Ross, in his first start at quarterback, called his own number on the next play and broke through the line to outrace the VSU defense, giving HU a 7-0 lead. Micah Canterbury added a 26 yard field goal for Harding with 0:10 to go in the first quarter to push the Bison advantage to 10-0 before Valdosta State used a partially blocked punt to get its first points of the night with 10:16 to go in the second quarter. The blocked punt gave the Blazers the ball on their own 41 yard line. Ronnye Nelson picked up one yard on a first down carry before Kellen Lewis and Kody Case hooked up for a 29 yard gain through the air. Case's second catch of the game gained four more yards before a holding penalty against the Bison moved the ball to the HU 16. Two plays later, Lewis found Gerald Ford for across the middle for a 16 yard gain and the score. The snap on the extra point was high, preserving a 10-6 Harding lead. Lewis scored on a one-yard touchdown run on a fourth down play on the Blazers' next drive to put VSU up 13-10. Lewis began the drive with an 11-yard completion to Cedric Jones to move the ball to midfield while a face mask on the play gave Valdosta State a first and 10 on Harding 35. Two plays later, a pass interference call gave the Blazers another first down before Lewis found Ford for nine more yards to the Bison 11. A pass and two runs moved the ball to the one, setting up Lewis' seventh rushing score of the year. After forcing another Harding punt, Valdosta State pushed its lead to 20-10 on its next drive. The teams traded holding penalties on the first two plays of the drive, with VSU's penalty negating a 61-yard touchdown reception by R.J. Bastone. Facing a first and 20 situation, Lewis hooked up with Jackson Dean for a pair of receptions that netted 35 yards. Two plays later Bastone caught a pass down the right sideline and broke a tackle to score from 36-yards out with two minutes to go in the half. Harding used a two-play drive to cut its deficit to just three points in the third quarter as Jeremy Holt took a pass from Ross and raced 68 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Bison deficit to 20-17. Justin Kraemer kicked a 41-yard field goal for the Blazers with 11:04 to go in the game to close out the scoring. Valdosta State sealed the victory when it recovered a muffed punt by Ross on the Harding 17 with 1:49 to go in the game. Lewis completed 28-of-51 passes in the game for 329 yards and two touchdowns. Ford caught a career-high seven passes for 65 yards while Jones tallied six catches for 69 yards. Larry Dean led the Blazer defense with 13 tackles. Ross completed 12-of-22 passes for 155 yards while also carrying the ball 24 times for 151 yards. Rene Stephen tallied 11 tackles to lead the Bison defensively. Valdosta State returns to action Thursday, October 22 when it faces North Alabama in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The game will be nationally broadcast on CBS College Sports and is scheduled for an 8:06 p.m. kickoff.

Harding Game Notes

2009-10-15

Today's Game: Valdosta State travels to Searcy, Ark. to face Harding in a Saturday evening Gulf South Conference affair. The Blazers enter the game with a 3-3 record, including a 3-2 mark in Gulf South Conference play after a 33-20 victory over Henderson State last week, while the Bison are 4-3 and 2-2 in league play, including a 21-7 victory over Ouachita Baptist last weekend. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff. VSU averages 437.0 yards of total offense on the season while surrendering 337.8 yards per game. Quarterback Kellen Lewis leads the offense as he has completed 149-of-232 passes for 1,564 yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing for 261 yards and four scores. Wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 40 passes for 359 yards and two scores and linebacker Larry Dean leads the defense with 49 total tackles, including 6.0 for loss. Harding State is averaging 346.6 yards per game while surrendering 420.0 per outing. Quarterback Josh Powell leads the Bison attack with 221.3 passing yards per game while Zac Ross has caught 33 passes for 305 yards. Josh Jones leads the Harding defense with 58 tackles and eight interceptions. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the Harding game will be the 317th game in school history. The Blazers have won 213 contests, lost 99 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .680. Lewis Named GSC Offensive Player of the Week: Kellen Lewis became the first Blazer to earn Gulf South Conference Player of the Week honors when he earned the league's offensive honor on October 12. Lewis was honored after leading Valdosta State to a 33-20 victory over Henderson State, a game in which he accounted for 426 of VSU's 530 yards of total offense in the game. Lewis completed 22-of-34 passes for 314 yards, his third straight 300-yard passing game, in the contest while rushing the ball 18 times for 112 yards. He had a hand in all four of Valdosta State's touchdowns in the game as he ran for scores of six and 20 yards while throwing touchdowns of 18 and 17 yards. Lewis is the first offensive player from Valdosta State to earn GSC Player of the Week honors since Michael Terry did so on September 29, 2007. Jones Sets Receiving Record: Valdosta State's Cedric Jones became the most prolific receiver in Gulf South Conference and Valdosta State history when he caught 14 passes against Delta State on October 1. The 14 receptions game Jones a total of 258 in his career, surpassing Sean Pender's school and league record of 247 set between 1992 and 1996. Jones now ranks 10th all-time in the NCAA Division II record books with 265 catches and is 58 behind Division II record holder Clarence Coleman of Ferris State, who caught 323 passes during his career. Injuries Begin to Pile Up: Valdosta State has been victimized by the injury bug through the first half of the 2009 season as five players have suffered season ending injuries thus far. The defense has been the hardest hit by the injuries as four players, including two starters, off of the two-deep depth chart have been sidelined for the season, including Demario Jones, Japree Miles, Rashad Etheridge and Brett Sudduth. Meanwhile, Cam Short on the offensive line also had his season ended due to injury while Gordon Steele has yet to return from an injury suffered during spring conditioning. Through the first five games, 15 Blazers have missed games due to injury. In addition to the six players listed above, kicker Daniel Andersen (one game), wide receiver Cedric Evans (two games), offensive guard Lance Helton (one game), kicker Justin Kraemer (three games), linebacker Ryan Smith (one game), defensive tackle Demetrius Bozeman (one game) cornerback Alex Webster (two games), wide receiver Chris Wellborn (two games), wide receiver Owen Dixon (one game) and offensive tackle Britt Wilson (two games) have all missed games for VSU this year. As a group, the injured players have missed a total of 39 games this season. Television: There is no televised broadcast of the game. Internet Webcast: There is no webcast of the game. Radio Network: WDDQ, Talk 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WSFB 1490 AM/97.7 FM (Quitman); WHLJ, Foxy 97.5 FM (Valdosta, Statenville); WKZZ, Z 92.5. FM (Tifton); WVOH, Classic 93.5 FM (Hazlehurst); WDMG, The Big Dog 97.9 FM (Douglas); WTHV, 810 AM (Valdosta); W241BG, 96.1 FM (Valdosta). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. Click for Complete Game Notes

Lewis Named GSC Offensive Player of the Week

2009-10-12

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State quarterback Kellen Lewis has been named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week, according to an announcement made by the league office on Monday. Lewis earned the award after leading Valdosta State to a 33-20 victory over Henderson State on Saturday. The Jacksonville, Fla. Native completed 22-of-34 passes for 312 yards while also carrying the ball 18 times for 112 yards. He accounted for 426 of Valdosta State's 530 yards of total offense in the game and had a hand in all four of the Blazers' touchdowns in the game. Lewis passed for touchdowns of 18 and 17 yards in the first half before rushing for touchdowns of six and 20 yards during the second half of the game. His second touchdown came with 1:21 remaining in the contest and sealed the victory for Valdosta State. Lewis has proven as of late that he has become comfortable in the VSU Spread Offense as he has passed for 932 yards and five touchdowns in the last five games while rushing for 241 yards and four scores. Lewis has completed 83-of-127 passes during that time and has accounted for 1,173 of Valdosta State's 1,422 yards of total offense in those contests. In earning the honor, Lewis becomes the first Blazer to ear the GSC's weekly offensive honor since Michael Terry earned the award on September 29, 2007. Lewis and the Blazers travel to Searcy, Ark. to face Harding in a Gulf South Conference tilt on Saturday, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Blazers Roll Past Henderson State 33-20

2009-10-10

VALDOSTA, Ga. - For the second straight week, Kellen Lewis passed for over 300 yards while also rushing for more than 100 to lead Valdosta State to a 33-20 Gulf South Conference victory over Henderson State Saturday at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Lewis completed 22-of-34 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns and carried the ball 18 times for 112 yards and a pair of scores. Over the course of the last three games, the senior has now passed for 936 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 241 yards and four touchdowns. Valdosta State (3-3, 3-2) got on the board first when Tommie Duhart sacked HSU quarterback Nick Hardesty in the end zone for a safety with 10:12 to go in the first quarter. The Blazers pushed their lead to 9-0 early in the second quarter when Kellen Lewis hit Owen Dixon for an 18-yard touchdown pass. VSU began its drive on its own 41 after a short Henderson State punt and moved into Reddie territory on a 29-yard Lewis-to-Jackson Dean completion. After an incomplete pass, Derrick Harris caught a two-yard pass and Lewis rushed for 12 more yards, moving the ball to the HSU 16 Michael Brown was dropped for a two-yard loss before the Blazers lined up in the "Wildcat" formation with Ronnye Nelson under center. Nelson took the snap and handed off to Lewis, who hit Dixon in the end zone for the score. Henderson State (3-4, 3-2) quickly answered as it cut its deficit to two on its next possession. Nathan Hall came on for Hardesty and completed five-of-seven passes for 44 yards and also ran for 13 yards on the drive. The freshman connected with Andy Anderson for a 13-yard scoring strike to cut the Blazer advantage to 9-7. After the two teams traded punts, Valdosta State added its second touchdown of the quarter on a four-play, 73-yard drive. Lewis hit Kody Case for a 12-yard gain on the first play before Brown rushed for 15 more yards. A pass to Cedric Jones netted no yardage, but on the next play Lewis connected with Case down the middle. The sophomore moved the ball to the Reddie 17, where he was stripped by HSU%u2019s Mike Wightman. The ball bounded away from the two players and straight into the arms of Blazer receiver Rico Mack, who raced the remaining 17 yards for the score and a 16-7 Valdosta State lead. HSU immediately answered the scoring drive as it strung together a 12-play, 71-yard drive to close to within 16-13. Hall completed five-of-eight passes on the drive for 48 yards and rushed for 18 more before Kenard Springer scored from a yard out. The snap on the extra point attempt got away from holder Chris McIntire, preserving a three point cushion for VSU. Lewis added a six-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, a run that capped off a seven-play, 45-yard drive while Justin Kraemer kicked a 40-yard field goal with 8:26 to go in the game to push the Valdosta State lead to 26-13 before the teams traded touchdowns over the final two minutes of the game. Hardesty hit Michael Buse for a six-yard touchdown with 2:06 to go and, after VSU recovered an onsides kick attempt, Lewis scored on a 20-yard run to close out the scoring. Jones caught seven passes for 54 yards on the night while Nelson tallied 47 rushing yards on 11 carries on the evening. The Blazers recorded 530 yards of total offense in the game, including 216 on the ground and 314 through the air, while holding Henderson State to 352. Carlos Anderson led the Valdosta State defensive effort as he recorded 10 tackles in the game, his second straight week with double-digit tackles, while Larry Dean recorded seven tackles. Henderson State was held to just 78 yards rushing in the game, 134 below its season average, 31 of which came from Hall. Hall also completed 17-of-29 passes for 160 yards, while Hardesty threw for another 114. Valdosta State returns to action next Saturday, October 17 when it travels to Searcy, Ark. to face Harding at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Henderson State Game Notes

2009-10-08

Today's Game: Valdosta State returns home to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium as the Blazers host Henderson State in VSU's 2009 Homecoming game. The Blazers enter the game with a 2-3 record, including a 2-2 mark in Gulf South Conference play after a 31-23 loss at Delta State last week, while HSU is 3-3 and 3-1 in league play, including a 54-0 victory over West Georgia last weekend. The game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff. VSU averages 418.4 yards of total offense on the season while surrendering 335.0 yards per game. Quarterback Kellen Lewis leads the offense as he has completed 127-of-198 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns while wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 33 passes for 305 yards and two scores. Linebacker Larry Dean leads the defense with 42 total tackles, including 6.0 for loss. Henderson State is averaging 400.8 yards per game while surrendering 373.7 per outing. Running back Stefon Ceaser leads the Reddies run-based attack with 94.7 yards per game as HSU tallies 212.7 rushing yards per outing as a squad. while Lardester Hicks-Green leads the Statesmen defense with 44 tackles, 18 of which came last week at Ouachita Baptist. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the Henderson State game will be the 316th game in school history. The Blazers have won 212 contests, lost 99 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .679. Jones Sets Receiving Record: Valdosta State's Cedric Jones became the most prolific receiver in Gulf South Conference and Valdosta State history when he caught 14 passes against Delta State on October 1. The 14 receptions game Jones a total of 258 in his career, surpassing Sean Pender's school and league record of 247 set between 1992 and 1996. Jones now ranks 13th all-time in the NCAA Division II record books and is 65 behind Division II record holder Clarence Coleman of Ferris State, who caught 323 passes during his career. Television: There is no live televised broadcast of the game. The game can be viewed via tape-delay on VSU Televison on Sunday afternoon. Internet Webcast: The game will be webcast live over the internet, free of charge, at www.vstateblazers.tv. Radio Network: WDDQ, Talk 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WSFB 1490 AM/97.7 FM (Quitman); WHLJ, Foxy 97.5 FM (Valdosta, Statenville); WKZZ, Z 92.5. FM (Tifton); WVOH, Classic 93.5 FM (Hazlehurst); WVVS, BlazeFM 90.9 FM (Valdosta); WTHV, 810 AM (Valdosta); W241BG, 96.1 FM (Valdosta). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. Click for Complete Game Notes

Delta State Holds Off Blazers 31-23

2009-10-01

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State rushed out to a 21-0 lead and withstood Valdosta State comeback bid as the Statesmen defeated the Blazers 31-23 in Gulf South Conference football action at Parker Field Thursday evening. Delta State (3-2, 2-1) jumped out to an early lead as it scored on its first two possessions of the game. After forcing a Blazer punt on the opening drive of the game, the Statemen used nine plays to march 80 yards for their first score. DSU picked up 24 yards on its first three plays of the drive as Garrett DeWitt completed a pair of passes for 16 yards and Darnell Taylor carried for nine yards. The Blazer defense stepped up over the next several plays to bring up a third-and-15 from the VSU 49 yard line. However, DeWitt found Eldred King wide open down the middle of the field to give DSU a 7-0 lead. Valdosta State (2-3, 2-2) marched into Statesmen territory on its next drive and faced a third-and-three situation, only to have a false start back the ball up five yards. A pair of incomplete passes gave Delta State the ball back. The Statemen responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a six-yard Trevar Deed touchdown run to push its lead to 14-0 before returning an interception 47 yards to push its lead to 21 points. Valdosta State answered on its next drive with an 18-yard R.J. Bastone touchdown catch. Kellen Lewis completed a nine-yard pass to Kody Case to begin the drive, the first of four passes he would complete on the drive. The senior quarterback also carried the ball twice for 23 yards before hitting Bastone on a third and 10 play for the score and a 21-7 Statesmen lead. A penalty forced VSU to kick off from its own 15 yard line on the ensuing kickoff and Delta State returned the ball to the VSU 45. On the first play from scrimmage, DeWitt broke through the line and 20 yards later pitched the ball to Deed, who raced the final 25 yards for a touchdown. The Blazers responded again on their next drive with a 25-yard touchdown by Case to cut its deficit to 14 points. Cedric Jones began the drive with three straight receptions, giving him 248 in his career to establish a new Valdosta State and Gulf South Conference career receptions record. The key play of the drive came on a third and 12 play when Lewis hit Jones for 22 yards. Two plays later, Case caught a pass over the middle to cut the Delta State lead to 28-14. Justin Kraemer added field goals of 32 and 33 yards to cut the Blazer deficit to 28-20 at the half. Defense ruled the third quarter as VSU forced a pair of Deed fumbles on the Blazer one yard line and the two teams traded a field goal each to establish a 31-23 Statesmen lead. Valdosta State threatened in the final quarter as it marched to the Delta State nine yard line. However, a Ronnye Nelson fumble on a second down play was recovered by DSU's Eljae Faoagali and Delta State rushed a series of runs to run out the clock. Lewis completed 34-fo-56 passes in the game for 316 yards and two touchdowns while also carrying the ball nine times for 113 yards. Jones caught 14 of the pass attempts, tying his career high established against Arkansas Tech September 22, 2007, for 127 yards while Josh Wiley and Demarcus Flanagan tallied 10 tackles each to lead the defense. Deed carried the ball 21 times for 84 yards while also catching nine passes for 68 yards to lead the DSU squad. Lardester Hicks-Green finished the game with 20 tackles to lead the defense. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, October 10 when it hosts Henderson State in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for the Blazers' Homecoming game. The game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff.

Delta State Game Notes

2009-09-30

Today's Game: For the first of three times in 2009, Valdosta State plays in front of a television audience as the Blazers travel to Cleveland, Miss. to face Delta State in the Gulf South Conference Thursday Game of the Week. VSU, which defeated West Alabama 35-6 last week, is 2-2 on the season, including a 2-1 mark in GSC play, while the Statesmen are also 2-2, including a 1-1 mark against league competition after a 38-14 loss at Ouachita Baptist last week. The game features the first time the Blazers have visited Cleveland and Travis Parker Field since the 2006 season, when Delta State claimed a 35-28 victory, the first of three straight wins in the series for DSU. One storyline of the game will be VSU's Cedric Jones and the senior's pursuit of the Gulf South Conference career receiving record. Jones enters the game third in career receptions in conference history, one behind DSU's Robert Davis, who played from 2003 to 2006, and three behind VSU's Sean Pender, who starred for the Blazers from 1992 through 1996. Jones has caught 22 passes in his three previous games agains the Statesmen, including nine for 151 yards and a touchdowns as a freshman in 2006, his only other appearance on Delta State's home field. VSU averages 403.2 yards of total offense on the season while surrendering 310.5 yards per game. Running back Ronnye Nelson leads the offense with 137 rushing yards and 17 receptions. Quarterback Kellen Lewis has completed 93-of-142 passes for 934 yards while linebacker Larry Dean leads the defense with 34 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss. Delta State is averaging 406.2 yards per game while surrendering 376.5 per outing. Running back Trevar Deed ranks among the top 10 in the GSC in both rushing and receiving, totaling 156.5 all-purpose yards per game while Lardester Hicks-Green leads the Statesmen defense with 44 tackles, 18 of which came last week at Ouachita Baptist. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the West Alabama game will be the 314th game in school history. The Blazers have won 211 contests, lost 98 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .681. Television: The game will be broadcast live as part of the GSC Game of the Week package on Comcast SportSouth and Cox Sports. In Valdosta, the game will be carried by Mediacom Channel 77. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Dominate West Alabama 35-6

2009-09-26

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State turned in its best offensive effort of the year as the Blazers defeated West Alabama 35-6 in Gulf South Conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday evening. The Blazers tallied 488 yards of total offense, including 413 through the air. Blazer quarterback Kellen Lewis completed 27-of-37 passes on the evening for 306 yards and a touchdown while also carrying the ball seven times for 16 yards and a pair of scores. Cedric Jones caught 10 passes from Lewis, the first Blazer to catch 10 passes in a game since Jones did so against Northwest Missouri State in the Blazers 2007 national championship victory, for 90 yards and a score. The 10 receptions gave Jones 244 for his career, moving him into second place on the VSU career list and third in the GSC, leaving him just three shy of Sean Pender's school and conference record of 247 catches. Valdosta State (2-2, 2-1) opened the scoring on its first drive of the game as it marched 69 yards on 10 plays. Lewis completed six-of-eight passes on the drive, tallying 63 yards, before Ronnye Nelson scored on a two-yard run with 12:45 to go in the first quarter. After the a pair of punts by each team, the Blazer special teams set up the second VSU touchdown of the game when Rashad Etheridge blocked a Brock Sharp punt attempt on West Alabama's third series of the game. Valdosta State took over on the UWA two yard line after the block and Lewis scored on a quarterback keeper to put the Blazers in front 14-0 with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter. Lewis added a one-yard scoring run on Valdosta State's next drive to push the VSU lead to 21 points. David Arnold began the drive with a pair of carries for 21 yards before Lewis and R.J. Bastone hooked up for a pair of receptions that covered 25 yards. A Jones reception moved the ball to the Tiger six yard line while a holding penalty gave VSU a first and goal from the UWA three. Lewis picked up two yards on a keeper up the middle and was stuffed for no gain on his next run before faking a hand-off and rolling out right to score untouched. A Roosevelt Ross fumble on the VSU 24 set up the next Blazer scoring drive, which covered 76 yards in just eight plays. After a Nelson carry netted no yards, Lewis hit Kody Case for 13 yards and Jackson Dean for 32 more to move the ball down to the UWA 31. A pair of catches by Jones netted six more yards while Isaiah Jupiter hauled in a catch at the UWA 13. Nelson proceeded to pick up six yards on a carry before closing out the drive with a seven yard touchdown run to give VSU a 28-0 halftime lead. The Blazers got their final points of the game on their first drive of the third quarter. After a punt gave Valdosta State the ball on the UWA 49, Lewis completed a 22-yard pass to Gerald Ford. After an incomplete pass, Jones hauled in a pass on the sideline and broke a tackle before making two more defenders miss him as he scored on a 27-yard reception to post VSU to a 35-0 lead. The Valdosta State starters played just one more series the rest of the game, a drive that ended with a 33 yard missed field goal, while the defense twice stopped the Tigers (3-2, 1-2) inside the Blazer 15 yard line. The only West Alabama score of the game came with 1:40 remaining when Eric Hendricks forced an Arnold fumble on the VSU 40. Tavarus Finley recovered the fumble and returned it 30 yards to the VSU 10. A Blazer penalty on the play moved the ball to the five-yard line, from which Ross scored on the next play. Arnold led the Blazer rushing game with eight carries and 52 yards while Donald Maxwell paced the VSU defense with seven tackles, including two for loss. Gary Johnston came on for an injured Deon Williams and completed eight-of-19 passes for 61 yards while Ross carried the ball 16 times for 102 yards. Hendricks tallied a team-high 11 tackles and forced two fumbles in the game. Valdosta State returns to action Thursday, October 1 when it travels to Cleveland, Miss. to face Delta State at Parker Field. The game will be televised as a part of the GSC Game of the Week package and is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff.

West Alabama Game Notes

2009-09-24

Today's Game: Valdosta State returns home looking for redemption as the Blazers host West Alabama in a Gulf South Conference tilt at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. VSU is coming off of a 24-14 loss at Ouachita Baptist and is 1-2 on the season while UWA is 3-1, including a 38-30 loss in five overtimes to Southern Arkansas in its last game. Field position will be the key to the game as West Alabama enters the contest tops in the Gulf South Conference in kick off return at 26.9 yards per return. Meanwhile, Valdosta State leads the conference in kick-off coverage as it allows just 18.7 yards per return and nets 41.7 yards per kick off on the year. The Tigers are also fourth in the league in passing offense while the Blazers rank fourth in passing defense. VSU averages 375.0 yards of total offense on the season while surrendering 337.0 yards per game. Running back Ronnye Nelson leads the offense with 197 yards of total offense and a team-high 15 receptions. Quarterback Kellen Lewis has completed 66-of-105 passes for 628 yards while linebacker Larry Dean leads the defense with 29 total tackles, including 5.0 for loss. West Alabama is averaging 450.5 yards per game while surrendering 387.0 per outing. Quarterback Deon Williams, who began his collegiate career at Valdosta State in 2006, has completed 63 of his 106 passes on the year for 993 yards and eight touchdowns. J.D. Douglas leads the Tiger defense with 44 tackles and four passes broken up. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the West Alabama game will be the 314th game in school history. The Blazers have won 211 contests, lost 98 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .681. Internet Webcast: The game will be webcast live over the internet, free of charge, at www.vstateblazers.tv. Radio Network: WDDQ, Talk 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WSFB 1490 AM/97.7 FM (Quitman); WHLJ, Foxy 97.5 FM (Valdosta, Statenville); WKZZ, Z 92.5. FM (Tifton); WVOH, Classic 93.5 FM (Hazlehurst); WVVS, BlazeFM 90.9 FM (Valdosta); WTHV, 810 AM (Valdosta); W241BG, 96.1 FM (Valdosta). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Falls 24-14 to Ouachita Baptist

2009-09-19

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Ouachita Baptist tallied 502 yards of total offense as the Tigers defeated No. 12 Valdosta State 24-14 at A.U. Williams Field Saturday evening. The Tigers totaled 129 rushing yards and 373 through the air, 261 of which were hauled in by Jeremy Young. Keldrick Johnson tallied 144 rushing yards, marking the first time an opposing running back has rushed for 100 yards against VSU (1-2, 1-1) since October 20, 2007, a span of 20 straight games. Ouachita Baptist (3-0, 2-0) opened the scoring on its first drive as Jason Fowler kicked a 35-yard field goal. After forcing a Blazer punt on VSU's first drive. Ouachita took over on its own 35 and used 10 plays to move into field goal position. The Tigers appeared to get a touchdown on the drive when Johnson broke for a 17-yard run, but a holding penalty negated the run to force the field goal. After Valdosta State blocked an OBU field goal attempt to start the second quarter, the Blazers grabbed their only lead of the game as they marched 80 yards on eight plays for a touchdown. The drive started with a Kellen Lewis-to-Kody Case 17 yard completion while two plays later Lewis hooked up with Jackson Dean for 20 more yards. An 18 yard reception by R.J. Bastone preceded a 12-yard Lewis run, moving the ball to the OBU three. Two plays later, Ronnye Nelson scored from two yards out to build a 7-3 advantage. The Tigers quickly responded as they marched 79 yards on six plays for a touchdown. The key play of the drive came when Eli Cranor hooked up with Jaime Harris for a 31-yard gain on a second and 33 play. The next play from scrimmage saw Johnson go 45 yards untouched for a score and a 10-7 OBU lead. The Ouachita Baptist lead grew to 17-7 in the third quarter as Cranor and Young hooked up for a 56-yard touchdown. The Tigers held their lead into the fourth, where Lewis and Case connected for a 10-yard touchdown pass. OBU pushed its lead back to 10 points on its next drive as Cranor hit Young on a 60-yard scoring strike off of a play fake. Lewis completed 30-of-53 passing attempts for 288 yards while Nelson led the rushing attack with 61 yards on seven carries. Gerald Ford and Case each had five receptions each while Larry Dean led the defense with 11 tackles. Cranor completed 24-of-36 passes, 13 of which were caught by Young. Clayton Gore tallied 11 tackles to lead the Tiger defense. Valdosta State returns home to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium to host West Alabama next Saturday, September 26. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.

Fly with the Blazers to Ouachita Baptist

2009-09-14

The Valdosta State University football team will fly charter to two football games this fall, September 19th vs. Ouachita Baptist and October 17th vs. Harding. On a space available basis, non-team members can travel with the team on these trips. Cost per person for ground transportation and the post-game meal is $200. Game tickets and other meal cost are separate and the responsibility of the traveler. If you are interested in travelling with the team, please contact Debbie Wisenbaker at 229-333-5462 or dbwisenb@valdosta.edu. Deadline is the Wednesday at noon before each flight. An Emergency Information Travel Form (attached), as well as a copy of the front/back of your insurance card, needs to be submitted with payment. Click for Emergency Information Travel Form

Blazers Get Defensive, Win 32-7

2009-09-12

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State limited Southern Arkansas to just 39 yards of total offense as the Blazers defeated the Muleriders 32-7 in Gulf South Conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday evening. The 39 yards of total offense marked the second fewest surrendered by the Blazers in school history, behind the 22 tallied by Mount Senario on September 2, 1993. SAU (0-2) managed just 53 passing yards and lost a total of 14 yards on the ground, the third-fewest rushing yards surrendered by VSU (1-1) in school history. Valdosta State allowed just seven first downs in the game, including three via penalty, which tied for the sixth-fewest first downs allowed in program history, and gave up its only points of the game on an interception return in the second quarter. After the two teams exchanged punts on the first two drives of the game, Valdosta State opened the scoring on its second drive as it marched 62 yards on 10 plays. Kellen Lewis completed all five passes he threw on the drive and capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown run to put the Blazers in front 7-0. Southern Arkansas, which tallied no yards on its first drive, lost nine on its next drive and gained just three on its final drive of the first quarter to end the frame with negative six yards of offense through the first quarter. VSU upped its lead to 14-0 on its first drive of the second quarter as Lewis capped off a 12-play, 80-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run. The senior quarterback was again perfect passing the ball on the drive as he completed five passes for 43 yards while rushing for 29 yards on three carries. Southern Arkansas got its only score of the game on Valdosta State's next drive as Lewis' arm was hit as he began to come forward with it on a pass attempt. The ball sailed into the arms of Trent Stevenson, who raced 29 yards untouched for a touchdown. The Blazers added a 32-yard Daniel Anderson field goal 32 seconds before the half to claim a 17-7 halftime lead.VSU outgained the Muleriders 238 to 3 in total offense during the frame. Anderson added a 49 yard field and Derrick Harris ran for a four-yard touchdown in the third quarter while a safety, on a snap over the head of SAU punter Zach Massingill and a 35-yard field goal by Anderson in the fourth closed out the scoring. Lewis completed 27-of-33 passes for 192 yards in the game while also picking up 23 yards on nine carries. Michael Brown led the rushing attack with 71 yards on 13 carries while Gerald Ford, Ronnye Nelson and Cedric Jones each caught five passes for the Blazers. Larry Dean led the VSU defense with eight tackles, including two-and-a-half for loss. Ryan McCombie completed 13-of-33 passes for 53 yards in the game for Southern Arkansas while Chris Metcalf carried the ball nine times for 11 yards. Ryan Terry led the Mulerider defense with 11 tackles. Valdosta State hits the road for the first time in 2009 when it travels to Ouachita Baptist next Saturday, September 19. The GSC game is scheduled for a 8:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff.

Southern Arkansas Game Notes

2009-09-10

Today's Game: Valdosta State looks to rebound from its opening season loss as the Blazers host Southern Arkansas in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The game marks the Gulf South Conference opener for both schools, although SAU's season opener was against North Alabama, a non-league contest. Valdosta State is coming off of a 31-24 loss to Newberry, the Blazers' first loss in a season opener since the 2004 season. Meanwhile, UNA defeated Southern Arkansas 41-9 in the Muleriders' season opener. VSU compiled 411 yards of total offense against Newberry, but surrendered 470 total yards, including 333 through the air. Running back Ronnye Nelson led the offense as he picked up 25 yards on eight rushes while also catching a team-high six passes for 46 yards. Wide receiver Cedric Jones tallied four receptions and 72 yards while Larry Dean and Ratu Rabelo tallied 10 tackles each to pace the defensive unit. Southern Arkansas returns 34 letterwinners and 14 starters, including nine on offense and five on defense, off of its 2008 squad. The Muleriders tallied just 127 yards of total offense against North Alabama in their season opener, while allowing the Lions 381 total yards. SAU passed for 87 yards and threw for another 83 in the contest. Quarterback Ryan McCombie led the offense as he rushed for 19 yards on 11 carries while passing for 66 yards. Cedric Thornton and Maurice Thornton paced the defense with nine tackles each. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the Southern Arkansas game will be the 312th game in school history. The Blazers have won 210 contests, lost 97 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .682. Internet Webcast: The game will be webcast live over the internet, free of charge, at www.vstateblazers.tv. Radio Network: WDDQ, Talk 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WSFB 1490 AM/97.7 FM (Quitman); WHLJ, Foxy 97.5 FM (Valdosta, Statenville); WKZZ, Z 92.5. FM (Tifton); WVOH, Classic 93.5 FM (Hazlehurst); WVVS, BlazeFM 90.9 FM (Valdosta); WTHV, 810 AM (Valdosta); W241BG, 96.1 FM (Valdosta). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Fall 31-24 to Newberry

2009-08-29

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Newberry scored 21 straight second half points and withstood a late Valdosta State rally to defeat the No. 12 Blazers 31-24 in non-conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday evening. Newberry (1-0) jumped out to an early 10-0 lead as it scored on two of its first three drives of the contest. After a 31-yard return by Kelton Tindal gave NC the ball on the Newberry 38, Newberry marched 62 yards on seven plays for a touchdown. Brandon Gantt threw an incomplete pass and S.J. Worrell was dropped for a two-yard loss before Gantt connected with David Smith for 18 yards and a first down. A personal foul against the Blazers moved the ball to the VSU 31, but a rush and two passes tallied just two yards, bringing up fourth-and-eight from the Blazer 29. The Newberry coaching staff chose to go for it and was rewarded when Gantt found Tindal down the middle for 29 yards and a touchdown, giving NC a 7-0 lead. Two drives later, Britt Blackmon added an 18-yard touchdown for Newberry to push the advantage to 10-0 at the end of the first quarter. Valdosta State (0-1) dominated the second quarter of the game as it racked up 17 points and 170 yards of offense in the frame. The Blazer score of the frame came on a 38-yard field goal from Daniel Anderson as Valdosta State recovered a Newberry fumble and moved 60 yards on 13 plays. NC turned the ball over via fumble on its next drive as well, leading to VSU's first touchdown of the 2009 season. Kellen Lewis opened the drive with a 15-yard completion to R.J. Bastone before the duo hooked up again on the next play, this time for a 52-yard pick-up that moved the ball to the Newberry three yard line. Ronnye Nelson finished off the drive as he ran untouched into the end zone on the next play from scrimmage, evening the contest at 10-10 with 4:39 remaining in the first half. After a NC punt on its next drive gave VSU the ball on the Newberry 40, Lewis went deep to Cedric Jones on the first play from scrimmage. Jones went in the air and pulled the ball away from NC safety Ron Parker before falling into the end zone for a touchdown and a 17-10 Blazer lead. The Blazers were unable to pick up a first down on its first drive of the second half while a 29 yard punt return by Antonio Patton set up Newberry's first score of the third quarter. Following the punt return, Gantt picked up 12 yards on the ground and hit David Pressley for five more before Tindal rushed for two yards. Gantt and Brown connected for 16 more yard before Pressley caught a 25-yard pass for the tying score with 11:45 to go in the quarter. Russ Callaway was forced to come on for an injured Lewis on the next drive and was intercepted by Brooks Burnette on a third-and-nine play, giving NC the ball on the VSU 30. Worrell proceeded to gain three yards before Gantt and Smith connected on a 27-yard scoring strike. A botched snap on the extra point attempt allowed the VSU special teams unit to stop a run on the play, posting Newberry to a 23-17 lead. Callaway was again intercepted on the next VSU drive, but the VSU defense forced a punt before Anderson missed a 32-yard field goal wide right to give Newberry the ball on its own 20 yard line. NC proceeded to march 80 yards on 10 plays for its final touchdown, a Worrell one yard run that proceeded Gantt connecting with Pressley on a two-point throw to post Newberry to a 31-17 lead. Valdosta State moved to the Newberry 23, 23 and 18 on its next three drives, but saw a pair of interceptions and a turnover on downs end all three threats. Newberry used its running game to wind down the clock before the Blazers scored the final points of the game with 32 seconds remaining. VSU took over on its own 13 yard line on the drive and Callaway completed four of seven passes, the last to Cedric Evans for an 18-yard score, cutting the Blazer deficit to just seven points. However, Newberry recovered the ensuing on-sides kick, sealing the victory. Valdosta State finished the game with 411 yards of total offense, including 92 on the ground and 319 through the air. Callaway was 14-of-27 for 171 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions while Lewis completed nine-of-19 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown, against one interception. Nelson caught six passes for 46 yards and picked up 25 more on the ground while Jones hauled in four catches for 72 yards and a score. Larry Dean and Ratu Rabelo tallied 10 tackles each to lead the Valdosta State defense, which surrendered 470 yards in the game, including 333 through the air and 137 on the ground. Pressley caught 10 passes for 103 yards as Gantt completed 25-of-39 passes, with three touchdowns and one interception. Worrell led the rushing attack with 77 yards while Ron Parker had a team-high 10 tackles and two interceptions. Valdosta State takes next weekend off before returning to action Saturday, September 12 when it opens Gulf South Conference play against Southern Arkansas at 7:00 p.m. in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Newberry Game Notes

2009-08-26

This Week's Game: Valdosta State kicks off its 2009 season as the Blazers host South Atlantic Conference foe Newberry College at 7:00 p.m. Saturday. The 2009 season marks the 28th year of Valdosta State football while the Newberry game will be the 311th game in school history. The Blazers have won 210 contests, lost 96 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .684. The Newberry contest will allow the VSU coaches to get their first good look at a host of new Blazers, as Valdosta State 40 student-athletes will don the Red and Black for the first time in the game. The Blazer depth chart will also look significantly different from 2008 as the Blazer offense will feature five new starters, the defense six and special teams one. Valdosta State, which returns 37 letterwinners from 2008, averaged 380.8 yards and 28.3 points while holding opponents to 304.6 yards and 18.6 points per game in 2008. Running back Ronnye Nelson (382 yards, one touchdown rushing, 33 receptions, 354 yards, two touchdowns receiving) and wide receiver Cedric Jones (57 receptions, 551 yards, one touchdown receiving) return as offensive leaders while Larry Dean (95 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, three fumbles forced) and Demario Jones (37 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two fumble recoveries) pace the defensive unit. Newberry returns 54 letterwinners and 14 starters, including eight on offense and six on defense, off of its 2008 squad. NC tallied 24.6 points and 348.8 yards per game last season while holding foes to 18.3 points and 329.0 yards of offense. Wide receiver Kelton Tindal (39 receptions, 745 yards, six touchdowns receiving) will lead the Newberry offense in 2009 while linebacker R.J. Reeder (44 tackles, two passes broken up, one fumble forced) paces the defensive unit. All Home Games to be Webcast: All Valdosta State home games will be webcast on the internet during the 2009 season. Five of the six home games will be carried free of charge by VSU on www.vstateblazers.tv. These games include Newberry, Southern Arkansas, West Alabama, Henderson State and Edward Waters. The North Alabama game, which will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports, will also be carried on the station's website. Click For Complete Game Notes

Dean Thanks Community

2009-08-24

To everyone who came out to Meet the Blazers on Saturday, I would like to thank the entire Valdosta community for a record-breaking turnout at Meet the Blazers. We had more than 400 children participate in all the fun. That is, by far, the most support we've ever seen at a Meet the Blazers event. It was a great way to start our season, and all of the players are pumped and ready to go against Newberry this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The team and I would like to encourage every family that made it to Meet the Blazers to come out to the game so the Blazers can hear you! The kids are welcome to join the Junior Blazer Kids Run at the beginning of the game, as well as come down to the field after the game to catch passes from our quarterbacks. Saturday was a great atmosphere for everyone, and I hope everyone who attended had a great time. Our players certainly did. I would especially like to thank the Valdosta State Red Hots and Cheer teams, who taught a large group of girls some VSU cheers that they used during the kids' run at the end of the event. Coach Tennant, Coach Fields, myself and our teams would, once again, like to thank everyone. We look forward to seeing everyone at our home games this season. Thank you, David Dean Head Coach Valdosta State Blazers

Blazer Football Schedule Wallpapers Available

2009-08-19

Blazer football schedules are now online on the football publications page. Download your favorite one so you can have the Blazer football schedule anytime you want it.

Blazers Hold Final Preseason Scrimmage

2009-08-19

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State defense dominated early while the offense controlled the latter part of the Blazers' final pre-season scrimmage of the 2009 season Wednesday afternoon at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The day began with the offense starting on its own five yard line and needing, but saw the unit fail to pick up a first down on either of its two drives. Derrick Harris began the first drive with a five-yard line, but linebacker Marcel Horne and cornerback Rashad Etheridge broke up a pair of Kellen Lewis passes on the ensuing plays to stop the drive. Meanwhile, after Russ Callaway found Isaiah Jupiter on the first play of the second drive, Alec Williams sacked Callaway for a six-yard loss on second down and David Arnold managed just four yards on third down to end the drive. The next four drives of the scrimmage featured the offense attempting to score from the defense's 10-yard line. Lewis led the Blazer offense to a touchdown on the first drive, although the offense dug itself a hole early in the drive. Lewis was sacked on first down before a pair of false start penalties brought up a second and 29. Lewis promptly found R.J. Bastone for a 15-yard pick-up and, on third down, connected with Jackson Dean from 14 yards out for the score. Austen Roberts came on for the second drive and moved the offense to the four-yard line before a pair of incomplete passes ended the drive while Lewis' final two drives of the series also ended without a score. The next ten plays of the scrimmage featured the Blazer offense facing a third and long situation, with the offense needing to gain at least 10 yards on each of the plays. The first seven plays saw the offense gain just seven yards, on a Lewis to Harris completion on the third play, before Lewis moved the chains for the first time in the series with a 24-yard run on the eighth play. Lewis and Gerald Ford hooked up for 10 yards on a third-and-11 play on the next series before also connecting for a 10 yard pick-up and a first down on the final play. The defense tallied three passes broken up and three sacks during the first half of the scrimmage, which covered 27 plays. After some special teams work, the offense and defense again squared off, beginning with a pair of two-minute drill drives beginning at the offense's 25-yard line. Lewis was perfect on the first drive as he completed all five of his passes for 62 yards while Ronnye Nelson also rushed for three yards before the coaches stopped the drive, on a second-and-seven play, for a successful 31-yard field goal by Daniel Anderson. Callaway came on for the second drive and completed three of his first four passes to pick up 14 yards. On the next play he found Kody Case down the middle for 36 yards, but an illegal receiver down field penalty erased the play and Callaway's next four passes fell incomplete to end the series. The next eight plays featured a second-and-short scenario that saw the offense gain just two first downs before the offense again faced lengthy drive, beginning at its own 40. Lewis was intercepted on the first drive of the series and saw a pass batted down on third-and-nine of the second drive before moving the ball into the red zone on the third drive. He completed all four passes he threw on the drive, including three to Owen Dixon for 41 yards. Wilbert Carter caught the final pass on the defense's eight-yard line, but was promptly stripped of the ball, a fumble that was recovered by the defense. The next eight plays again featured the Blazer offense needing to convert a short yardage situation, with the offense being successful on half of those plays before two additional drives with the offense needing to score from the defense's 10. Lewis found Chris Wellborn for a score on the first play of the series and then saw Curt Diel get a foot in-bounds on a jumping grab on the sideline on the final drive for a second score. The scrimmage ended with a pair of two-minute drills from the offense's 30-yard line. Lewis began the series with a touchdown while completing all three passes he threw on the series. He hooked up with Case for six yards on the first play and then hit Bastone along the sideline for a first down on the offense's 40. On the next play, he hit a streaking Jupiter down the sideline for a 60-yard touchdown pass. Callaway closed out the scrimmage with the final two-minute drive. He was sacked on first down and saw his pass on second drop incomplete before Williams, who coupled a pass broken up with his sack early in the scrimmage, intercepted a screen pass to end the scrimmage. Lewis, who took the majority of snaps on the day after missing Monday night's scrimmage due to class, completed 24-of-38 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns, against one interception, on the day. Meanwhile, Callaway was five-of-12 passing for 41 yards. The Blazers turn their attention the next two days to preparing for the season opener against Newberry. They will also host the annual "Meet the Blazers" day on Saturday at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Registration for the event opens at 8:00 a.m. followed by a Youth Mini-Camp, opened to ages five through 13, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The festivities will end with a photograph and autograph session beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the P.E. Complex on the VSU campus.

New Season Ticket Sales Record Established

2009-08-19

VALDOSTA, Ga. - For the second straight season, a new season ticket sales record has been established for Valdosta State football. With a late push Wednesday, the VSU ticket office issued its 1,801st season ticket of the 2009 season. Of the 1,801 tickets, 862 are from individual ticket sales, breaking the old mark of 861 set last season. Prior to 2008, the record stood at 711. Fans still wishing to purchase season tickets can still do so by calling the Blazer Ticket Office at 229-333-SEAT. Season tickets start at just $40 for youth and are available by mail, phone or walk-in. Single-game tickets start at $4 for seniors and youth and just $10 for adults for general admission or $15 for reserved seating. Single-game tickets are available online, by phone or walk-in. For another opportunity to buy single-game tickets, stop by Magpie's Café located in the Publix Shopping Center on Gornto, Road. Don't miss out on what stands to be a great season for the Blazers. Get your tickets now!

Meet the Blazers Saturday

2009-08-17

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Come out to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday morning for a good time with the Valdosta State football team along with the cheerleaders and dance team. The Blazers will put on a clinic full of football drills for kids. Blazer fans will have the opportunity to interact face-to-face with their favorite VSU football players. After fun times on the field, hot dogs will be served and an autograph session will take place. Team photos of the Blazers will also be handed out for each Blazer to sign. In addition, the cheer and dance teams will hold a clinic of their own. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the field on Saturday and the event lasts from 9-11:30 a.m. To get through registration more quickly, children can download the waiver form ahead of time and have it in hand at the event. Don't miss out on your last opportunity to see the Blazers up close before the season begins.

Scrimmage Shortened by Lightning

2009-08-15

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State managed just eight drives before lightning cut the Blazer scrimmage short Saturday afternoon at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers sat through a 45 minute lightning delay before taking the field and, after warming up for five minutes, was forced to wait another 30 minutes for lightning to move out of the Valdosta area before finally taking the field for its first scrimmage of the 2009 preseason. The scrimmage, which was slated to run two hours, was cut short 45 minutes later when inclement weather moved back into the area. The Blazer offense scored on three of its eight drives, each of which started from the offense's 25 yard line. Each of the three quarterbacks vying for the starting job, led the offensive unit to a score as the offense scored two touchdowns and a field goal on the day. Russ Callaway led the VSU offense on its first drive, completing three-of-five passes for 16 yards before the drive stalled out at the 50 yard line. Kellen Lewis came for the second drive and completed four-of-seven attempts, with all three incompletes coming on his final three passes of the series. David Arnold gave the fans their first chance to cheer on the drive when he took a hand-off and appeared to get stopped at the line of scrimmage. However, the sophomore transfer spun out of the tackle and drug a defender 14 yards before being tackled. The drive ended with a 35-yard field for the first score of the day. The next three drives saw the defense dominate as the offense managed just 43 total yards on 10 plays. After a three and out from the offense, Lewis re-entered and provided the only highlight of the three drives as he rolled out and picked up 31 yards before being run out of bounds at the defense's 30 yard line. However, the senior was unable to cleanly handle the ensuing snap from center and Tommie Duhart fell on the ball to recover the fumble for the defense. Jimmy Coy led the offense to its first touchdown of the day on his second series as he directed the offense on a nine-play, 75 yard drive. Coy completed two of his three passes on the drive and also carried the ball twice for 12 yards, including a five-yard touchdown run to cap off the drive. The big play of the series came when Coy found Nick Richards down the middle for a 31-yard gain while Eric Sledge recorded four carries for 23 yards to set up Coy's touchdown run. After a three and out in Lewis' final series of the day, Callaway closed out the scrimmage with a 26-yard scoring strike to P.J. Katz. After incomplete passes on the first two plays of the drive, Callaway found Chris Wellborn for a 21-yard gain. Derrick Harris proceeded to pick up 14 more yards on the ground followed by a 15-yard pass interference call. Two incomplete passes left Callaway facing a third-and-10, but the junior found Katz over the middle in the end zone for the score. "The weather was frustrating," said head coach David Dean after the scrimmage. "Our guys handled it well, being all pumped up and then having to sit around. They kept their focus and overall I thought we had a good scrimmage. "I thought our guys did a good job adjusting and making quick decisions. We're not where we need to be, but we have two more weeks to get there and what I saw today makes me feel like we are heading in the right direction." Lewis led the quarterbacks as he completed eight-of-11 passes for 49 yards. He also carried the ball two times for 23 yards while Callaway completed five-of-13 passes for 67 yards and a score. Coy finished the day three-of-six passing for 39 yards and tallied two carries for 12 yards. Wellborn led the receivers with three catches for 42 yards while Katz tallied a pair of receptions for 29 yards and a score. Cedric Jones also finished with two catches, for 15 yards, both of which came on the first, and his only, series of the scrimmage. Arnold finished the day with 17 yards on two carries. "I thought Eric Sledge and David Arnold ran very well out there today," Dean added. "I was also impressed with our pass rush. Our front four put a lot of pressure on the quarterback." Due to the shortened scrimmage, Dean announced after the practice that he would delay naming a starting quarterback until after Monday night's practice. "While we got to see all three quarterbacks today, we wanted one more good look at them and we just weren't able to get that with as little as we were out there," he concluded. "We practice late on Monday and decided we would scrimmage a little bit more then so we are going to wait until Tuesday to name our starter."

Blazers Get Reprieve From Heat

2009-08-13

VALDOSTA, Ga. - After battling seven days with temperatures approaching triple digits, Valdosta State got a reprieve Thursday as the Blazers held their second Two-a-Day practice of the 2009 preseason. The Blazers took the field Thursday morning with the temperatures hovering in the high 70s and clouds blocking out the sun that had punished the squad over the course of the first week of practices. The cool weather held through Thursday afternoon's session, as the temperature reached just 83 degrees when the team took the field at 3:00 p.m. "The cooler weather today was an answer to prayers," said head coach David Dean after the day's sessions. "Its been pretty brutal the last couple of days, which really wears on the players. However, today, we had a little more energy. You could tell the cooler weather helped fuel the enthusiasm some and our guys had a little more pep in their step." Thursday's morning session featured full pads and ended with a lively 11-on-11 session. Kellen Lewis, competing for the VSU starting quarterback position, and Cedric Jones provided the highlight of the day on the first drive when Jones got behind the Red Swarm coverage and caught a 40-yard pass for a score. With Jimmy Coy attending a mandatory VSU Orientation session, Lewis and junior Russ Callaway split the time at quarterback during the session, with both leading the Blazer offense to scores. "We are starting to see the guys that we are going to count on step up," Dean continued. "The guys are starting to make the reads, both offensively and defensively, and everyone is doing a great job at displaying the techniques we have taught them over the last week. Each practice our guys have gotten better, which is what a coaching staff wants at this time of the year." While Dean was happy with the cool weather, he did not discount the benefits of the warm weather of the past several days. "We have had a couple problems with dehydration and cramps, but we haven't lost many guys, which is a testament to how hard our guys worked over the summer," he concluded. "We had a large group that worked out together through the heat all summer and we are handling the hot weather well as a team. Russ Hoff and the Athletic Training staff have done an outstanding job of taking care of our guys and getting them back on the field when we have had a dehydration or cramping issue. In the long run, fighting through days like that will help us." Valdosta State holds a single practice on Friday before its final Two-a-Day session on Saturday. The Blazers will practice on Reames Field from 8:00 a.m. till 10:15 a.m. Saturday morning before scrimmaging at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at 2:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon. 2009 Valdosta State Football Camp Schedule Friday, August 14: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 15: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 2:15-4:45 p.m. (Scrimmage/Stadium) Sunday, August 16: 5:15-7:45 p.m. Monday, August 17: 8:00-10:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18: 3:30-5:45 p.m.* Saturday, August 22: 9:00-Noon (Meet the Blazers/Stadium) *Regular season practice schedule commences

Blazers Wrap Up First Week

2009-08-10

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State closed out its first week of practice Monday as the Blazers held their final split squad practice of the 2009 preseason. Monday's practices featured the fifth day of practices for the VSU squad, with four of those practices dates featuring split squad sessions. "We were a little sluggish today, but that is kind of to be expected at this point in practice," said head coach David Dean after the day's morning practice. "This has been the hottest and toughest camp we have had in my three years as head coach and the guys are feeling that a little right now. However, these are the days when we find out who we can count on, who is going to tough it out and be there when we need them." While the first five days have featured just one complete squad practice, Dean indicated that he has been impressed with the play of three groups thus far in the preseason. "I think as a group our running backs and defensive line has looked very good," he added. "We are going to have a pretty decent pass rush this season if the guys continue to progress they way they have been thus far. I also have been very happy with the tremendous progress our linebacking corps has made. We have a young group there and they have really opened some eyes on the coaching staff in the first week." With Valdosta State's first two-a-day practice scheduled for Tuesday, Dean also announced the addition of two new safeties to the team. Over the weekend, free safety Josh Wiley, who played for Louisville last season after beginning his career at Pearl River Community College, and strong safety Tay Ogletree, who began his career at Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to Hines Community College last season, joined the team over the weekend and are in their second day of practice with the squad. "Two-a-days start tomorrow and that is when we start to put everything together," Dean concluded. "The whole team comes together and we will finally start our 11-on-11 drills. The upcoming days are when the game gets real and we start to see who can put all of the teaching into action. We start to learn who can make the reads and who can get the ball where it needs to be." 2009 Valdosta State Football Camp Schedule Tuesday, August 11: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 12: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 13: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m. Friday, August 14: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 15: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 2:15-4:45 p.m. (Scrimmage/Stadium) Sunday, August 16: 5:15-7:45 p.m. Monday, August 17: 8:00-10:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18: 3:30-5:45 p.m.** Saturday, August 22: 9:00-Noon (Meet the Blazers/Stadium) *Split squad scrimmages. The majority of VSU's returning starters will practice in Group A. **Regular season practice schedule commences

Preseason Camp Update: Day 2

2009-08-07

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football coaching staff got its second good look at its 2009 squad as the Blazers endured their second day of split squad practices on Friday. After a pair of split squad sessions Thursday afternoon, the Blazer A group took to the field Friday morning while the B group followed in the afternoon. The two squads continued to work on fundamentals as they prepared for their first full team practice Sunday. "Right now we are working on the basics, on learning our assignments and getting our steps down pat," said head coach David Dean after the morning practice. "We are putting in a lot of the fundamentals right now, the things we will build on once we start teaching the guys our system. We can throw a lot at them on these days because it is stuff they have been learning their whole lives, but soon we will have to slow down so they learn how to play VSU football." While the first two practices have been heavily based in instruction, Dean indicated that he has been pleased with the progress he has seen thus far. "I think we have shown really good effort thus far," he continued. "Our young guys are picking things up really quickly, which allows us to do a more reps and less teaching. The biggest thing for the new guys is learning how fast our practices run. They have to learn the speed at which we demand they practice. As they pick that up, our practices run more smoothly and we get more done." The first two days of practice have also allowed Dean to gain a new perspective on the practices, as for the first time in his career, he is not coaching a position. After handling the Blazer wide receivers his first season as head coach and the running backs in 2008, Dean has relinquished all position coaching to his assistants this season and has already seen the benefits of the move. "In the past, I have been able to be around our defense a little, but have always been busy working with a position," he concluded. "By handing the position duties off, its allowing me to see more of our players and to get to know them better. I get to be around more of the team this way and it gives me a better feel for our abilities as a whole, instead of just the offense." The Blazers continue the split squad practices on Saturday before a full-team practice on Sunday. Monday will feature the final split-team practice as well as the Blazers' first day in full pads. 2009 Valdosta State Football Camp Schedule Saturday, August 8: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.* Sunday, August 9: 3:00-5:30 p.m. Monday, August 10: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.* Tuesday, August 11: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 12: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 13: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m. Friday, August 14: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 15: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 2:15-4:45 p.m. (Scrimmage/Stadium) Sunday, August 16: 5:15-7:45 p.m. Monday, August 17: 8:00-10:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18: 3:30-5:45 p.m.** *Split squad scrimmages. The majority of VSU's returning starters will practice in Group A. **Regular season practice schedule commences

Blazers Report to Camp

2009-08-04

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Under the heat of the afternoon sun, preparations for the 2009 football season began as the Valdosta State Blazers reported to camp Tuesday afternoon. More than 130 athletes began checking into dorm rooms at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday as the VSU squad prepared for its first meetings as a team Tuesday evening. Wednesday will see the players undergo their yearly physicals as well as the distribution of equipment while the team will take to the field for the first time Thursday in the first of four split squad practices. The first three days of practice will all feature split squad practices before the team will gather on the field for the first time as a single unit on Sunday afternoon. After a final split squad session on Monday, practice begins in earnest next Tuesday when two-a-days begin, with practices at 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. "We're excited that the day has finally come," said Blazer head coach David Dean during Tuesday's check-in activities. "Today is a day everyone, coaches and players alike, has been looking forward to all summer. We begin to learn today who we are as a team." Tuesday's report date began with the Blazers learning they had been selected to finish third in the Gulf South Conference, according to a vote by the league coaches. Valdosta State finished with 87 points in the preseason poll, just one behind North Alabama for second and nine behind Delta State, who finished first with 96 points. Four Blazers also earned preseason recognition from the GSC coaches as wide receiver Cedric Jones, linebacker Larry Dean, defensive tackle Demario Jones and deep snapper Joey Farmer all received recognition on the Preseason All-Gulf South Conference team. 2009 Valdosta State Football Camp Schedule Thursday, August 6: Group A: 1:00-3:15 p.m.; Group B: 3:30-5:45 p.m.* Friday, August 7: Group A: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group B: 3:00-5:15 p.m.* Saturday, August 8: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.* Sunday, August 9: 3:00-5:30 p.m. Monday, August 10: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.* Tuesday, August 11: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 12: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 13: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m. Friday, August 14: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 15: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 2:15-4:45 p.m. (Scrimmage/Stadium) Sunday, August 16: 5:15-7:45 p.m. Monday, August 17: 8:00-10:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18: 3:30-5:45 p.m.** *Split squad scrimmages. The majority of VSU's returning starters will practice in Group A. **Regular season practice schedule commences

2009 Football Media Guide Online

2009-07-30

The 2009 Valdosta State football media guide is now available for viewing and download. The book is available on the Football publications page.

Football Adds Three to Squad

2009-06-22

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State head football coach David Dean announced the addition of three players to the Blazer squad Monday. Two of the new players will compete for the starting quarterback position with the Blazers as former Indiana quarterback Kellen Lewis and El Camino College's Jimmy Coy have signed scholarships to join VSU when camp opens in August. Lewis, a rising senior, is one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the history of the Indiana program. The Jacksonville, Fla. native passed for 6,395 yards in his three seasons with the Hoosiers, the third-most yards in school history, while also tossing a school-record 49 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns while earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors on four occasions during his career. A second-team All-Big Ten honoree as a sophomore, Lewis holds 16 major passing records at Indiana. Coy led El Camino to a 10-2 record and a semifinal appearance in the Southern California State Junior College Playoffs in 2008. The rising junior completed 188-of-295 passes on the season and threw 14 touchdowns against just three interceptions. He completed 63.7 percent of his passes on the year and owned a 155.80 passer rating while also rushing for 59 yards and three scores on the year. Lewis and Coy add depth to a quarterback position that has been decimated by departures and injuries since the end of the 2008 season. The duo will compete for the starting job with rising junior Russ Callaway, who had assumed the starting job during Spring Practice before tearing his ACL two practices before the Blazers' Annual Spring Game. Additional candidates for the starting job will include rising junior Ronnye Nelson, who came to VSU as a quarterback before playing running back the last two seasons, red-shirt freshman Austen Roberts and true freshmen Stephen Warren and Brett Whitmire. The final addition to the roster adds is defensive tackle Tommie Duhart. Duhart saw action in 19 games over the course of the last two seasons at Pittsburg, including three starts. He registered 27 tackles, including 5.0 for loss, two forced fumbles, a pass broken up and two blocked kicks during his two seasons with the Panthers. He joined Pitt from Coffeyville Community College, where he was an All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference performer and was rated as the No. 26 JUCO prospect in the nation. "We are excited to have these young men join our program," said Dean in making the announcement. "Jimmy and Lewis will both compete for our open starting position. Both of them fit in perfectly with the system that we run and bring a lot of athleticism to our squad. "Tommie is a big, athletic presence on the defensive line," Dean concluded. "He has the athleticism to do a lot of things out on the field and is very strong. Tommie has already enrolled in school and has been working out with members of our team. We have been very impressed with his work ethic and look forward to having him join our defensive unit."

Meet the Blazers August 22

2009-06-09

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Mark your calendars now for the chance to meet the Valdosta State Blazer football team on August 22 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Children from ages 5-13 will be able to participate in football drills with the Blazers and get the opportunity for autographs from the team. Don't miss out on a great time for the entire family.

Season Ticket Sales Approaching Record Numbers

2009-06-06

VALDOSTA, Ga. - New season tickets for Valdosta State football have only been on sale since July 1, but Blazer fans have responded in great numbers. The 2009 ticket campaign is already second in VSU athletics history and gaining on the record set in 2008. There are still great seats left for all six home games this season. With season tickets, that's six opportunities to share in the excitement of Blazer football, so get used to the Blazers at home. If you want season tickets for Blazer football, order soon. Call (229) 333-SEAT or log on to vstateblazers.com to fill out an order form so you don't miss out on the season opener against Newberry on August 29. Individual game tickets will go on sale in August, but, until then, season tickets are going fast. Don't miss out.

Former Blazers Join New Teams

2009-05-16

VALDOSTA, Ga. - A pair of former Valdosta State Blazers will sport new jerseys next season, one in the NFL and one in the Canadian Football League. Markus Manson, who played running back for VSU last season after transferring from Florida, has signed a free agent contract with Carolina Panthers and will enter off-season camp with the Charlotte team this spring. Manson rushed for a team-high 447 yards and four touchdowns last season while catching 10 passes for 53 yards. Meanwhile, former VSU offensive lineman Gerald Davis was recently traded from the CFL's Hamilton to Edmonton. Davis, who was a four-year starter for VSU, played in six games for the Tiger-Cats last season.

Blazers Repeat as GSC All-Sports Champs

2009-05-12

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Valdosta State repeated as the Gulf South Conference All-Sports Champions. West Florida took the women's award while the Blazers claimed the men's spot. Both teams were the first to repeat since Jacksonville State in 1992-93. Valdosta State is the first men's team to repeat since North Alabama in 1994-96. The Blazers are only the sixth men's team to repeat since the inception of the award. This marks VSU's sixth time to win the award. The red and black finished with 60 points while Harding came in second with 50. No other team broke the 50-point barrier. Men's tennis won the Gulf South Conference Championship to help the Blazers earn the award while basketball and baseball both finished second in the GSC. Football was third while golf finished fourth. The Lady Blazers finished fifth in the running for the All-Sports award.

White Squad Claims 14-0 Victory

2009-04-04

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The White squad used a pair of Ryan Smith interceptions to shut out the Black team 14-0 in the Valdosta State Spring Game Saturday afternoon at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The White team wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard as it scored on the first drive of the game. After a holding penalty on the first play backed the ball up 10 yards, Ronnye Nelson led the squad on a 15-play drive that culminated with a David Arnold five-yard touchdown run. The two defenses dominated the remainder of the first half before Smith set up the second score of the day on the first possession of the second half. On the second play of the drive, the freshman linebacker intercepted an Austen Roberts pass and returned it 13 yards to the Black's 17 yard line. Five plays later, Derrick Harris scored from a yard out to give the White squad a 14-0 lead. Smith intercepted his second pass of the game on Roberts' next pass although the White squad was unable to convert on the drive. Donald Maxwell gave the Black team its best chance at scoring in the fourth quarter when he intercepted a Nick Richards pass. The Black offense drove to the White's 18 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.

2009 Football Schedule Announced

2009-04-02

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Six home games highlight the 2009 Valdosta State football schedule, according to an announcement made by Blazer head coach David Dean Thursday. The Blazers open the season with a pair of home games, including the 2009 kick-off against Newberry on August 29. "We are excited to once again have Newberry on our schedule," said Dean in making the announcement. "They are a great team that is well coached. We played an exciting game up at their place last season and I would expect fans to see the same type of contest this year." VSU's off week falls on September 5 before the Blazers open Gulf South Conference play against Southern Arkansas the following weekend. Valdosta State's remaining home Saturday schedule includes West Alabama September 26, Henderson State visiting for VSU's Homecoming on October 10 and Edward Water on November 7. The Blazers will host one Thursday night game as North Alabama pays a visit to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on October 22. The game will be the NCAA Division II/CBS College Sports Game of the Week and will be shown live nationwide by CBS College Sports. "North Alabama is always a big game and the national broadcast just makes it that much bigger," Dean continued. "The game will allow football fans nationwide to see just how good Division II football really is and we are excited to be a part of the telecast." Valdosta State's road games begin September 19 when the Blazers visit Ouachita Baptist while VSU will travel to Cleveland, Miss. to face Delta State in the GSC TV Game of the Week on Thursday, October 1. Valdosta State also plays on the road at Harding October 17 and at West Georgia October 31, although the game may be moved to Thursday, October 29 as the GSC TV Game of the Week. "Our road schedule is very tough," Dean concluded. "Delta State is always one of the top programs in the nation, much less the GSC. We will also get our first look at West Georgia's new stadium and I am sure, with the rivalry between the two schools, it will be a very good game." Valdosta State returns 42 letterwinners, including 13 starters, off of a team that went 9-3 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2008.

Callaway Out With Injured Knee

2009-03-31

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State quarterback Russ Callaway has suffered a knee injury that is threatening his 2009 season, according to an announcement made by head coach David Dean on Tuesday. Callaway, who was the only quarterback on the VSU spring roster with game experience, was participating in Valdosta State's scrimmage Saturday morning when he suffered what is believed to be a torn ACL. On the next to last play of the scrimmage, the rising junior took a snap and planted his right foot before stopping the play. He limped to the sideline under his own power and was examined by the Valdosta State Athletic Training staff. Tuesday morning, Callaway was referred to Dr. Kurt Jacobson, team physician for the Blazers, who confirmed suspicions of the torn ACL and scheduled a MRI for Thursday in order to determine the extent of the injury. Depending upon the extent of the injury, Callaway could miss from six to 12 months. Callaway was set to begin his fourth season with the Blazers. He red-shirted during the 2006 season before seeing limited action in 2007, when he played in nine games and completed three-of-four passes for 13 yards. Callaway appeared in all 12 games during the 2008 schedule, although only four of the appearances came at the quarterback position. He completed six-of-eight passes on the year and also rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown. "We are very disappointed for Russ," said Dean in making the announcement. "He has always worked very hard and has emerged as a leader of our team. We have no doubt that the work ethic and drive Russ has shown on the field will translate to any rehab he has to go through and that he will be back on the field as soon as possible." With Callaway's injury, just three quarterbacks remain on the Valdosta State roster, including rising junior Ronnye Nelson. Nelson was recruited to VSU as a quarterback in 2006 and red-shirted that season. He has spent the last two years as a running back on the Blazer roster, but has spent much of the spring practice schedule working out with the quarterbacks. Nelson is joined by rising sophomore Austen Roberts and rising red-shirt freshman Nick Richards, as well as a pair of incoming freshman. Roberts red-shirted in 2007 and played for the VSU junior varsity squad in 2008.

Final Scrimmage Sees Mixed Results

2009-03-28

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State defense continued to dominate the Blazers' spring practice sessions during the final scrimmage of the VSU Spring Practice Saturday at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The VSU offense got the practice started on the right track as Russ Callaway hit Michael Brown on a shovel pass for a five-yard touchdown. Austen Roberts later added a five-yard pass to Isaiah Jupiter for a score and Ronnye Nelson added a five-yard touchdown run, but the offense also saw three of its nine drives from the defense's five yard line end in fumble recoveries by the defense while two more came to an end via sacks on third down. The next 13 drives of the practice saw the offense forced to drive the length of the field as the offense took over on its own 30 yard line. The highlight of the session came on the second drive of the series as Nelson rolled out on a bootleg and completed a 70-yard pass to Jupiter for a touchdown. The defense picked up three more turnovers during the drive, including a fumble and two interceptions, one of which was returned 30 yards for a touchdown. The offense capped off the series with its second touchdown as Callaway directed a 9-play drive that culminated in a 13-yard touchdown pass to R.J. Bastone. Callaway completed all six passes he attempted and picked up eight yards on two carries on the drive. The offensive struggles continued as the next four drives featured the offense attempting to move out of the shadows of its own goal line, with each of the drives beginning from the offense's four yard line. The first two drives failed to pick up a first down and netted just 11 yards before Callaway completed three of five passes for 14 yards on the third drive. The final drive tallied 13 yards before the defense forced a punt. The final 10 drives of the scrimmage focused on the offense once again trying to score from inside the defense's territory as each drive took over on the defense's 25 yard line. The defense won the first two drives as it forced an incomplete pass on the first and recovered a fumble on the second before the offense found the end zone on the third drive. Running back David Arnold carried the ball three times on the drive, including a bruising 21 yard run on second down that moved the ball to the three. He barreled in from three yards out on the next play for the touchdown. The offense's momentum was short-lived as the defense stripped Evan Gilles and recovered the fumble on the next play, but three drives later Gabe Mould broke through the line for a 25 yard touchdown run. The offense added a final rushing touchdown before an interception ended the scrimmage on the final drive. On the day, the offense ran 105 plays for 368 yards and eight touchdowns. The defense tallied six sacks and nine turnovers, including three interceptions and six fumble recoveries. "We made way too many turnovers on offense today and that is disappointing," said head coach David Dean after the scrimmage. "We have to hold on to the ball and we just didn't do that today. "We were able to score in the red zone, which is something we have been emphasizing all spring so that is encouraging. We have a week to fine tune some things on offense and so we will continue to work hard. "The defense is way ahead of the offense and that showed today," he concluded. "With spring break last week and then missing Friday's practice due to rain, I figured we would be a little rusty today, but our offense has to do better." The Blazers hold three more practices this week before concluding their spring practice schedule the annual Spring Game next Saturday at Noon in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Blazer Blood Drive Set for Monday

2009-02-13

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football squad will hold its annual Blazer Blood Drive Monday, February 16 from Noon until 8:00 p.m. on the Mezzanine of the P.E. Complex. The Blazers, who raised 384 donated pints of blood for the American Red Cross last year, are looking to set a new State of Georgia record by eclipsing the current mark of 421. Anyone wishing to donate to the blood drive is free to stop by the P.E. Complex any time between Noon and 8:00 p.m. Appointments are not necessary to donate. "The players and I encourage all Blazer fans to come out and donate to this worthy cause," said head coach David Dean on Friday. "There is no better feeling than knowing that you are helping save someone's life. Our goal is break the state record of 421 pints of blood and I am confident, with the support of our loyal fans, we can set a new mark."

Valdosta State Signs 43

2009-02-04

2009 Signees Patrick Allen (6-2, 245, OL, Jefferson, Ga./Jefferson): A four year letterwinner and three year starter at center for the Dragons of Jefferson High ... Graded out a 91.0 percent during the 2008 season while leading JHS to an 11-1 record and a spot in the state playoffs ... Led the team in pancake blocks ... Also started at middle linebacker and recorded 85 tackles, including 10 for loss ... Also recorded two interceptions ... Graded out at 86.8 percent as a junior in 2007 ... Registered 19.5 pancake blocks while helping the Dragons to an 8-4 mark ... Earned AA All-State honors as an offensive lineman in 2008 while earning All-Region in 2007 ... Member of Jefferson High's wrestling team that won state championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008 ... Finished as the state runner-up in the 215-pound weight class in 2008 ... Played for head coach Bill Navas. Daniel Anderson (5-11, 170, K/P, Mooresville, Ga./Pike County): Connected on seven of 10 field goals for the Pirates during the 2008 season ... Helped Pike County to a 9-2 record and a spot in the state playoffs ... Was perfect on extra point attempts while averaging 40.0 yards per punt ... Hit six of eight field goals in 2007 while helping Pike County to a 3-7 mark ... Recorded a 49 yard field goal, the longest in school history ... Averaged 38.0 yards per punt while not missing an extra point ... earned first team All-State as a kicker in 2008 and as a punter in 2007 and 2008 ... Played for head coach John McMiller. Colby Andrews (6-3, 235, DE, Roberta, Ga./Tattnall Square Academy): Led the Trojans to a 12-1 record and the state playoffs in 2008 ... Recorded 94 tackles, including seven tackles for loss ... Had five sacks and forced two fumbles ... Directed TSA to a 12-0 record and the state championship in 2007 ... Tallied 86 tackles, including nine for loss, and seven sacks ... Forced three fumbles ... Earned All-State honors ... Registered 275 career tackles, including 16 for loss ... Finished career with 18 sacks and five forced ... Also played baseball for TSA ... Played for head coach Barney Hester. Tullis Beasley (5-11, 260, OL, Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta): Played for a Wildcat squad that went 5-5 in 2008 ... Also ran track and finished state runner-up in weightlifting ... Played for head coach Rick Tomberlin. Jarrell Benson (6-3, 185, FS, Hiram, Ga./Hiram): Recorded 68 tackles while leading the Hornets to a 5-5 mark in 2008 ... Tallied one interception and one fumble recovery ... Forced two fumbles while breaking up seven passes ... Earned 7-AAAA All-Region honors ... Directed Hiram to a 4-6 mark in 2007 ... Tallied 43 tackles and one interception ... Forced one fumble while breaking up four passes ... Also played basketball and ran track ... Played for head coach Andy Dorsey. Demetrius Bozeman (5-11, 260, DT, Hawkinsville, Ga./Hawkinsville): Led the Red Devils to a 3-7 record in 2008 ... Tallied 56 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and four sacks ... Was named All-State ... Played for head coach Cam Black. Donatello Brown (6-1, 190, RB/CB, Kennesaw, Ga./North Cobb): Starred for a Warriors team that went 5-5 in 2008 ... Tallied 45 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery ... Carried the ball 124 times for 845 yards, a 6.8 yards per carry average ... Tallied 10 touchdowns on the season ... Led North Cobb to a 10-1 record and a spot in the state playoffs in 2007 ... Also competed in track and field ... Played for head coach Shane Queen. Willie Callhoun (6-5, 220, WR, Homerville, Ga./Clinch County): Played both wide receiver and defensive end for the Panthers ... Caught 17 passes for 340 yards and four touchdowns ... Recorded 31 tackles, including 14 for loss ... Also had four sacks on the year while helping Clinch County to a 9-3 record and a spot in the state tournament ... Led the Panthers to an 11-3 mark as a junior in 2007 ... Earned first team All-Region in 2008 ... Also played basketball and ran track ... Played for head coach Jim Dickerson. Hunter Chumley (6-2, 275, DT, Canton, Ga./Cherokee): Tallied 53 tackles for the Warriors in 2008 ... Registered 12 tackles for loss and two sacks ... Forced two fumbles while recovering one ... Tallied 32 tackles and one sack for a squad that went 8-4 in 2007 ... Finished career with 94 career tackles and four sacks ... Was All-Region in 2008 while earning All-County honors in 2007 and 2008 ... Won region championship in wrestling ... Played for head coach Brian Dameron . Kedrick Clark (6-3, 260, OL, Taylorsville, Miss./Jones County JC): Started all nine games for a Bobcat team that 7-2 in 2008 ... Appeared in 11 games in 2007 while helping JCJC to a 9-2 record and a spot in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior College Athletic Assocation championship game in 2007 ... Played prep career at Collins High in Collins, Miss. ... Played for JCJC head coach Eddie Pierce. Jared Davis (5-8, 160, WR, Tifton, Ga./Tift County): Played wide receivers, returned punts and kickoffs for Tift County ... Caught 36 passes for 498 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 ... Tallied 896 all-purpose yards ... Led the Blue Devils to an 8-4 record and the second round of the state playoffs ... Earned first team All-Region honors ... Helped Tift County to a 6-5 record and the state playoffs in 2007 ... Caught 44 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns ... Was named first team All-Region ... Played for head coach Jay Walls ... Also competed in golf for the Blue Devils. Manny Evans (5-9, 170, DB, Darien, Ga./McIntosh County): Led the Buccaneers to a 9-2 record and the state playoffs in 2009 ... Recorded 62 tackles, including five tackles for loss ... Had four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns ... Broke up seven passes ... Earned All-Region honors ... Tallied 37 tackles and three interceptions in 2007 while leading McIntosh to a 6-5 mark ... Scored one touchdown while breaking up five passes ... Blocked one punt ... Also played basketball and ran track ... Played for head coach Robby Robinson. Chase Graham (5-10, 170, QB, Dallas, Ga./South Paulding): Passed for 600 yards and nine touchdowns for a team that went 4-6 in 2008 ... Also rushed for 200 yards and five touchdowns ... Threw just one interception ... Also played on the 2007 squad that went 2-6 ... Played for Spartan head coach Tim Blanton. Darius Howell (6-2, 180, WR, Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes): Played for a Viking squad that went 12-1 in 2008 ... Also played for the 2007 squad that won the AAAAA state championship in 2007 ... Played for head coach Randy McPherson. Kevin Jackson (6-4, 295, OL, Savannah, Ga./Savannah Christian): Played for a Raiders team that went 10-2 in advanced to the second round of the state tournament in 2008 ... Earned All-State honors as a senior ... Directed Savannah Christian to a 10-2 record and the state playoffs in 2007 as well ... Was named All-Region after earning honorable mention All-Region as a sophomore ... Played for head coach Donald Chumley. David Jenkins (5-10, 215, LB, Jackson, Ga./Jackson): Jackson High's all-time leader in career tackles with 401 during his career ... Recorded 123 tackles, including 13 for loss and four sacks, during the 2008 season while leading the Red Devils to a 10-1 record and the state playoffs ... Was named the 4-AAA Defensive Player of the Year while also earning All-Region honors ... Tallied 120 tackles as a junior in 2007 ... Recorded nine tackles for loss and three sacks ... Won the state championship in the 94 kg weight class in weightlifting ... Also competed in track ... Played for head coach Mike Parris. Edmund Kugbila (6-5, 325, OL, Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett): Led the Black Knights to a 3-7 mark in 2008 ... Graded out at 91 percent while recording 29 pancake blocks ... Helped Central Gwinnett to a 6-4 mark in 2007 ... Also competed in track and field ... Played for head coach Ed Stokes. James Lee (6-3, 230, DE, Albany, Ga./Monroe): Led the Tornados to a 9-3 record and a spot in the state playoffs in 2008 ... Tallied 48 tackles, including 10 sacks ... Also played basketball for Monroe ... Played for head coach Charles Truitt. Rico Mack (5-9, 160, WR, Marietta, Ga./North Cobb): Starred for a Warriors team that went 5-5 in 2008 ... Caught 35 passes for 740 yards and six touchdowns ... Tallied 285 yards and three touchdowns on the ground ... Caught 38 passes for 765 yards and eight touchdowns while helping North Cobb to a 10-1 record and the state playoffs in 2007 ... Carried the ball for 327 yards and three touchdowns ... Was All-County both years ... Also played basketball, soccer and baseball while running track ... Played for head coach Shane Queen. Robert Newton (6-2, 275, OL, Niceville, Fla./Niceville): Started all 11 games for an Eagles squad that was 9-2 and made the state playoffs in 2008 ... Did not allow a sack on an offense that averaged more than 400 yards per game ... Played in six games in 2007 while helping Niceville to an 8-3 mark and a spot in the state playoffs ... Was named All-Region and the Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2008 ... Was a district qualifier in weightlifting ... Played for head coach John Hicks. Justin Palmer (6-2, 250, OL, Cairo, Ga./Cairo): Led the Syrupmakers to a perfect 14-0 record and the AAA state championship in 2008 ... Played for head coach Tom Fallaw. Michael Pate (6-0, 245, DE, Lawrenceville, Ga./Peachtree Ridge): Starred for a Lion squad that went 12-3 and advanced to the state playoffs in 2008 ... Recorded 55 tackles, including one sack ... Earned All-County and All-Region honors ... Registered 50 tackles, including three sacks, for a squad that went 8-4 in 2007 ... Forced two fumbles while also recovering two ... Won the 205-225 weight class state powerlifting title ... Played for head coach Bill Ballard. Deondrick Pina (6-0, 180, ATHLETE, Ellaville, Ga./Schley County): Starred for a Wildcat team that went 8-4 and advanced to the second round of the state tournament in 2008 ... Played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back during the season ... Passed for 598 yards while catches passes for 602 ... Earned All-Region honors as a senior ... Led Schley County to a 9-3 mark and the second round of the state tournament in 2007 ... Rushed for 993 yards, passed for 813 and intercepted seven passes ... Earned honorable mention All-State honors three times ... Was second team All-State in basketball and finished fifth at the state track meet in the 200M ... Played for head coach Jim McFather. Matt Pierce (5-11, 185, DB, Atlanta, Ga./St. Pius): Played for a Golden Lion squad that went 10-2 and advanced to the state playoffs in 2008 ... Registered 39 tackles and two interceptions on the year ... Returned one pick for a touchdown ... Recovered one fumble and broke up three passes ... Played for head coach Paul Standard. David Poole (6-3, 280, DT, Martinez, Ga./Lakeside): Led the Panthers to a 7-3 mark in 2008 ... Registered 35 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss ... Recorded six sacks while forcing two fumbles and recovering two more ... Blocked one field goal attempt ... Tallied 29 tackles while guiding Lakeside to a 3-6 record in 2007 ... Tallied two sacks and one interception ... Earned All-County honors in 2008 ... Also participated in track and field and wrestling ... Played for head coach Jody Grooms. Christopher Pope (5-11, 205, SS/OLB, Jackson, Ga./Jackson): Played four years for Jackson's varsity squad ... Led the Red Devils to a 10-1 record and a spot in the state playoffs in 2008 ... Recorded 41 tackles, including one for loss, in 2007 ... Broke up two passes and recovered one fumble while helping Jackson to a 3-7 record ... Tallied 21 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and one for sack, as a sophomore in 2006 ... Intercepted one pass and broke up three passes ... Earned All-Region honors in 2008 ... Also played basketball ... Played for head coach Mike Parris. John Roberts (6-2, 250, OL, Douglas, Ga./Coffee County): Played for a Trojan squad that went 7-3 in 2008 ... Played for head coach Ken Eldridge. Terrell Roberts (6-3, 225, DE, Kennesaw, Ga./North Cobb): Starred for a Warriors team that went 5-5 in 2008 ... Tallied 86 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss ... Had seven sacks on the season ... Was named the team's defensive player of the year ... Led the squad to a 10-1 record and the state playoffs in 2007 ... Registered 70 tackles, including six for loss ... Recorded four tackles ... Played for basketball squad that made state tournament twice while also advancing to the state track meet in the 200M ... Played for head coach Shane Queen. Tyler Rose (6-1, 170, WR, Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny): Directed the Crusaders to a 7-3 record in 2008 ... Played for head coach Mark Thorson. Allen Scruggs (5-10, 220, OL, Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta): Played for a Wildcat squad that went 5-5 in 2008 ... Earned All-Region honors ... Led the Wildcats to a 9-3 record while earning All-Region in 2007 ... Finished third in the state in wrestling ... Played for head coach Rick Tomberlin. Kayvon Sherrill (6-4, 245, DE, Kennesaw, Ga./North Cobb): Starred for a Warriors team that went 5-5 in 2008 ... Tallied 52 tackles and six sacks in just six games ... Was named All-County and All-Region for the 2007 squad that went 10-1 and advanced to the state playoffs ... Played for head coach Shane Queen. Jake Smith (6-3, 185, LB, McDonough, Ga./Union Grove): Led Union Grove to an 8-3 record and the state playoffs in 2008 ... Registered 88 tackles, including two sacks ... Forced two fumbles while also recovering two ... Was second team All-Region ... Missed the 2007 season due to injury ... Also starred on the Wolverines' basketball team ... Played for head coach Steve Collins. Joseph Stone (5-11, 190, ATHLETE, Helena, Ga./Telfair County): Caught 45 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns for the Trojans ... Carried the ball 61 times for 425 yards and eight scores ... Punted 16 times for an average of 36.3 yards per punt ... Tallied 78 tackles, including 4.5 sacks ... Registered four interceptions ... Was first team All-Region as a receiver while earning second team honors as a defensive back and a punter ... Led Telfair County to a 4-6 record ... Recorded 37 catches for 493 yards and six touchdowns as a junior in 2007 ... Carried the ball 46 times for 362 yards and three touchdowns ... Tallied 64 tackles, including three sacks ... Intercepted two passes while helping the Trojans to a 3-7 mark ... Earned first team All-Region honors in baseball in 2008 after receiving second team honors in 2007 ... Played for head coach Jeff Bowen. Jake Thomas (6-1, 265, OL, Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinett): Directed a team that went 10-3 and advanced to the state tournament quarterfinals in 2008 ... Earned first team All-Region honors as well as second team All-County ... Led the Bulldogs to a 13-2 record and a state runner-up position in 2007 ... Earned second team All-Region honors ... Will graduate with honors ... Played for head coach Bob Sphire. Marco Turner (6-1, 185, FS, Manchester, Ga./Manchester) Stephen Warren (6-2, 205, QB, Abilene, Texas/Abilene): Led the Eagles to a 10-1 record and the state playoffs in 2008 ... Completed 154-of-231 passes for 2,245 yards ... Threw 24 touchdowns against just six interceptions ... Carried the ball 22 times for 138 yards and three touchdowns ... Was the District 3-5A Offensive Most Valuable Player while earning honorable mention All-State ... Passed for 879 yards while completing 79-of-109 yards as a junior in 2007 ... Passed for seven touchdowns against just one interception ... On his career, completed 243-of-351 passes for 3,246 yards and 33 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions ... Also earned All-District honors in baseball ... Played for head coach Steve Warren. Brett Whitmire (6-2, 208, QB, Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny): Directed the Crusaders to a 7-3 record in 2008 ... Completed 112-of-182 passes for 1,601 yards ... Threw 20 touchdowns while rushing for three more ... Earned All-District honors while being named Honorable Mention All-State ... Was the First Coast Player of the Year and the Private School Player of the Year ... Appeared in the Florida Shrine Bowl North-South All-Star game ... Was successful on 146-of-280 passing attempts in 2007 ... Passed for 1,951 yards and 18 touchdowns ... Also rushed for six touchdowns on the season ... Was named All-District and All-Area ... Played for Bishop Kenny's 2008 state championship baseball squad ... Played for head coach Mark Thorson. MID-YEAR TRANSFERS Donavan Baldwin (6-1, 195, FS, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Georgia): Played two season for the Bulldogs, appearing in 20 games ... Registered six career tackles ... Played prep career at American Heritage for Byron Walker ... Was first team All-State ... Registered seven interceptions as a senior, returning four for touchdowns ... Tallied 46 tackles ... Blocked one kick while returning six kickoffs for touchdowns ... Caught 10 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns ... Also competed in track and field. Jeremy Brown (6-1, 310, OL, Adel, Ga./Reedley CC): Led Reedley to a 7-4 record last season ... Guided the Tigers to the Valley Conference championship ... Helped RC to an 8-3 mark in 2007 and the State Central Bowl championship ... Played for Cook County during prep career. Jamarian Brown (6-1, 325, DT, Adel, Ga./Reedley CC): Led Reedley to a 7-4 record last season ... Guided the Tigers to the Valley Conference championship ... Helped RC to an 8-3 mark in 2007 and the State Central Bowl championship ... Played for Cook County during prep career. Chauncey DeBose (6-2, 275, DT, Gainesville, Fla./Eastern Kentucky): Assisted the Colonels to a 23-12 record the last three years ... Played in 31 games ... Tallied 47 career tackles, including 7.5 for loss ... Recorded 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery ... Broke up one pass and tallied nine quarterback hurries ... Played prep career at Mundy's Mill. Josh Stephens (6-0, 280, DT, Paulding, Miss./Jones County JC): Saw action in all 10 games for the Bobcats ... Helped the squad to an 8-2 record ... Recorded 44 tackles, including one tackle for loss and two sacks ... Forced one fumble ... Led JCJC to a 10-2 record and the MACJC championship game in 2007 ... Tallied 32 tackles and one tackle for loss ... Played for head coach Eddie Pierce. Jasmon Watkins (6-3, 215, SS, Louisville, Ky./Fond du Lac CC): Led the Thunder to a 2-7 record in 2008 ... Tallied 108 tackles and four interceptions ... Recorded one sack while breaking up 12 passes ... Registered 83 tackles and two interceptions in 2007 ... Broke up 10 passes ... Earned first team All-Conference honors in 2008 after recording second team honors in 2007.

Chris Hart to Sit Out 2009 Season

2009-01-08

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State head coach David Dean announced Thursday that rising sophomore quarterback Chris Hart has decided to temporarily leave the school and will not play during the 2009 season. Hart shared the quarterback duties with senior Tucker Pruitt during the 2009 season as he played in all 12 games, including four starts. He completed 143-of-251 pass attempts, a 57.0 completion percentage, for 1841 yards and 19 touchdowns. Hart threw just five interceptions on the year and owned a 138.58 quarterback rating. He also rushed for 243 yards and two touchdowns on the year. "Chris has decided that it would be best for him to take a year off and we support his decision," said Dean in making the announcement. "We look forward to his return to Valdosta State and wish him and his family the best during this time." Hart has indicated that he will return to the Valdosta State campus and the football program prior to the 2010 season.

Dean Named Finalist for Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year

2008-12-09

Valdosta, Ga. - Today Liberty Mutual Insurance and Archie Manning, chair of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, named Valdosta State Head Football Coach, David Dean, a finalist for the 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award. Dean is one of five finalists from the NCAA Division II ranks who best exemplifies excellence in coaching "on and off the field" as determined by a combination of hundreds of thousands of fan votes at www.CoachoftheYear.com and an objective scoring model endorsed by the College Football Hall of Fame. If Dean wins, he will be recognized in the permanent College Football Hall of Fame display in South Bend, Ind., and will receive $50,000 from Liberty Mutual to support his favorite civic and charitable activities and a $20,000 scholarship donation for Valdosta State's alumni association. Joining Dean among the five finalists for Division II are: Chuck Broyles, Pittsburg State; Danny Hale, Bloomsburg; Chuck Martin, Grand Valley State; and Bill O'Boyle, Chadron State. Between Dec.12 and Dec. 22 college football fans are once again invited back to www.CoachoftheYear.com to cast their vote to determine the winner. On the site, fans have the opportunity to review bios and fan testimonials supporting each finalist before they make their selection and enjoy episodes of "Coach's Corner" which offer Archie Manning and Kirk Herbstreit's perspectives on the latest topics in college football. To ensure candidates are evaluated fairly and measured against the specific values of responsibility and integrity, a Selection Committee composed of College Football Hall of Fame players and coaches and the national media will also cast votes for the winners. Fan votes account for 20 percent of each coach's final score while the College Football Hall of Famers and national college football media account for 55 percent and 25 percent, respectively. The 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award winners will be announced on ESPN during halftime of the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31. About Liberty Mutual Group "Helping people live safer, more secure lives" since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group (LibertyMutualGroup.com) is a diversified global insurer and sixth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2007 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 94th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations, based on 2007 revenue. The company has over 45,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world. The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U.S., Liberty Mutual (LibertyMutual.com) sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. The company is an industry leader in affinity partnerships, offering car and home insurance to employees and members of more than 10,000 companies, credit unions, professional associations and alumni groups. About the National Football Foundation & the College Football Hall of Fame Founded in 1947 with leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 121 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, Play It Smart, the NFF-FWAA Football Forum, the NFF Gridiron Club of New York City, and scholarships of over $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF presents the MacArthur Trophy, the Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and releases the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Standings. Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org or www.collegefootball.org.

Reynolds Named First-Team All-America

2008-12-09

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State senior safety Sherard Reynolds has been named to the Daktronics, Inc. NCAA Division II All-America team as voted on by the nation's Sports Information Directors, according to an announcement made by the organization on Tuesday. Reynolds, who was named to the squad's first team selections, was second on the Blazer squad with 71 tackles during the 2008 season while leading the team with four interceptions. The Moultrie, Ga. native returned the four interceptions 132 total yards, including a 94 yard return for a touchdown against Fort Valley State that set a VSU school record for longest interception return. Reynolds also recovered three fumbles on the year and returned 13 punts for 123 yards. "Sherard is a guy that is very deserving of this honor," said VSU Head Coach David Dean upon learning of the selection. "It seems like every time we have had a big play on defense the last three years he was in on it. He is always around ball. Reynolds was also named first-team All-America by Daktronics in 2007 after earning second-team distinctions as a sophomore in 2006. He becomes just the second Blazer to earn All-America honors three times in his career, joining former tight end C.J. Lofton who won the award in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Reynolds ended his Valdosta State career with 243 career tackles, tied for the 10th most in school history despite playing just three seasons on the defensive side of the ball. He also picked off 14 career passes, the second-highest total in the school record books. He played wide receiver as a freshman and caught 38 passes. His 650 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns were both team-highs during the 2005 season. "Earning this honor three times says a lot about Sherard's athletic ability," Dean concluded. "If we hadn't been so thin in the secondary his sophomore season, he probably would have been our best wide receiver the last three years, just like he was as a freshman. He was good enough that he probably could have been a three time All-America at wide receiver."

Richard Collier to be Featured on ESPN

2008-12-05

This Sunday a feature segment of former Valdosta State player and Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier will air on ESPN on Outside the Lines (9 a.m.) and Sunday NFL Countdown (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Collier Quotes: On whether his actions in any way contributed to him being shot:"I didn't deserve it. I'm not gonna pity myself. I'll deal with it but I feel like I've done nothing to contribute to this." On emotions in days after finding out his leg had been amputated: "That's the most I've cried my whole life. Every day. Anything would just trigger tears. Watching football on TV, anything. That was my lowest point." On doctors saying he will remain paralyzed: "I say it took a miracle to survive 14 shots, you know. It took a miracle for me to go to an NFL team, it's a miracle for me to be alive right now, so I don't listen to all that. I have faith in God, he'll pull me through." "I feel like if I say that word (paralyzed), I've kind of given up. I have faith in God that I'll walk again. So I'm very optimistic about that. I've gotten stronger and stronger everyday and my mind just won't let me, I can't give up like that. I have like a "never say die" type attitude, and I just can't." What he reflects on while spending time at a favorite spot, a nearby pond: "I like to watch people walk, It's kind of strange, but it's really big for me. Like, MAN, it was taken away from me, a lot of little things that I just never paid attention to, I do now." On his physical health and exercises he works on: "It's a lot of stuff to just get me to transition to be in a wheelchair and be able to move around without my lower half, so it's a lot of arm exercises, all kinds of things with my arms, gotta push off and hold it, stuff like that." "I feel like I get stronger and stronger all the time, so I don't feel like it's overbearing or boring. I know it's necessary, so I come in and work hard, just like I would if I was still playing for the Jags." "It's much more difficult moving my whole body with just my arms, that's real hard. I still have problems with it, so l have to like scoot and everything and push up, to move from the chair to here or the mat. It's real hard, because I'm not a light guy. Even though I lost some weight, I'm still pretty heavy so I hate that. But I like lifting arms, I like doing bench-pressing, curls, it kind of makes me feel like I'm back in the weight room with the guys." "I'm getting stronger though. I get stronger everyday, mentally & physically, spiritually also. I'm just working hard, I always have and always will." Quotes courtesy of ESPN

Blazers Fall 37-10 to North Alabama

2008-11-22

FLORENCE, Ala. - North Alabama held Valdosta State without an offensive touchdown as the Lions claimed a 37-10 victory over the Blazers in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday afternoon at Braly Stadium. North Alabama (11-1) got on the board first as it marched 75 yards on 13 plays. The key play of the drive came on a third-and-eight play from the UNA 42 when Lion quarterback A.J. Milwee was flushed from the pocket. He eluded a tackler and gained 20 yards before being brought down. The senior completed five-of-six passes on the drive for 36 yards before handing off to Mike McLendon, who scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 Lion lead. After forcing a Valdosta State punt, UNA upped their advantage to 14-0 as McLendon picked up his second rushing touchdown of the day. The Lions took over on their own 34 before picking up nine yards on the ground. Milwee proceeded to hook up with Bobby Williams for a six yard gain before McLendon picked up six yards on the ground. A 10-yard completion to gain to Williams moved the ball to the VSU 11 while McLendon closed out the drive with a pair of runs, including a two-yarder for the score with 12:40 to go in the first half of play. A safety on errant snap upped the North Alabama advantage to 16-0 right before the half while Valdosta State's Devin Sabina kicked a 27-yard field goal at the horn to close the Blazers (9-3) to within 16-3 at the half. Milwee scored on a five-yard touchdown run to cap off a six-play, 41-yard drive in the third quarter to put the Lions up 23-3 before a 69-yard fumble return by Larry Wilson pushed the UNA lead to 27 points. Bobby Williams added a three-yard touchdown reception with 12:08 remaining in the game while a Dudley Spence fumble return cut the deficit to 37-10. Jermel Daniels forced the McLendon fumble and recovered the ball before lateralling the ball to Spence, who raced 55 yards for the score. Valdosta State managed just 232 yards of total offense in the contest as it was held without an offensive touchdown for the first time since October 24, 1998, a span of 128 games. Chris Hart completed 11-of-23 passes for 106 yards while Callaway was 11-of-15 for 61 yards. Cedric Jones caught six passes for 54 yards, bringing his career total to 225, just 22 shy of the VSU and Gulf South Conference record of 247 held by Sean Pender. Larry Dean and Sherard Reynolds recording nine tackles apiece to lead the Blazer defense. Milwee completed 16-of-27 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown while McLendon carried the ball 17 times for 41 yards. Williams caught eight passes for 72 yards while five Lions finished with six tackles apiece.

North Alabama Game Notes

2008-11-19

Today's Game: Valdosta State and North Alabama face off for the second time this season and the fourth time in two years as the Blazers visit the Lions for the second round of the 2008 NCAA Playoffs. VSU, the Super Region Two No. 3 seed, is 9-2 on the season, while the Lions, the No. 2 seed, have gone 10-1. The Blazers are averaging 394.3 yards of total offense and 30.0 points per game while giving up 16.9 points and 302.4 yards of offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 1735 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season while Cedric Jones has caught 51 passes. Larry Dean has tallied 86 tackles to lead the defense. North Alabama averages 43.5 points and 447.8 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 14.4 points and 320.4 yards a game. Senior quarterback A.J. Milwee has thrown for 2728 yards and 23 touchdowns while Michael Johnson leads the defense with 69 tackles. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the North Alabama game will be the 310th game in school history. The Blazers have won 210 contests, lost 95 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .686. Television / Webcast: The game will be webcast by the NCAA and CBS College Sports. The game can be viewed on the internet at www.ncaa.com. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: North Alabama leads 16-13-1 all-time in a series that dates back to October 30, 1982. The two teams have played during the regular season in every year since the beginning of the series while also facing off in the 1994, 2005 and 2007 playoffs. Valdosta State claimed a pair of victories last season, snapping a two-game Lion winning streak in the series. No team has played VSU more times than UNA as today's meeting is the 31st game between the two schools. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Top Carson-Newman 24-20

2008-11-15

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State used a strong second-half from its defense to defeat Carson-Newman 24-20 in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Division II Playoffs at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday afternoon. After surrendering 287 yards and 14 points to the Eagles (7-4) in the first half of the game, the Blazers (9-2) allowed just six points and 47 yards of total offense in the second half. The lone C-N score of the second half came after Valdosta State fumbled an Eagle punt. Carson-Newman recovered the fumble on the VSU one yard line and scored three plays later on a Buck Wakefield dive. Carson-Newman opened the scoring on the first drive of the game as it marched 79 yards on nine plays. Quarterback Alex Good picked up 21 yards with a carry on the first play of the drive before Wakefield ran for two more on the ground. Douglas Belk proceeded to gain six more yards on a catch before a pair of carries netted five more yards. Good then found Mo Whitten for 18 yards to the VSU 27 and ran for four more yards. After a four-yard Otis Miller reception, Buck broke through the right-side of the line and raced 19 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 C-N lead. The Eagles upped their advantage to 14-0 with 3:54 remaining in the second quarter when Wakefield scored on a one-yard run that capped off an 11-play, 77 yard drive, only to have VSU respond with its first touchdown on the next drive. After a pair of passes netted a loss of three yards, Chris Hart found a streaking T.J. Williams for a 71-yard touchdown reception that made the score 14-7 Carson-Newman. C-N threatened to push its lead back to 14 points with less than a minute to go in the half, but Wakefield fumbled on the VSU 4 and VSU's Sherard Reynolds recovered to keep the Blazer deficit at seven points entering the half. VSU gained its first advantage of the game with 2:39 remaining in the third quarter when Tucker Pruitt scored on a one-yard run. The Blazers took over the ball on the C-N 39 when Japree Miles stripped Reggie Hubbard of the ball and Everett Kitchens recovered for VSU. Pruitt's first two passes of the drive fell incomplete, but on third down he found Cedric Jones for a 38-yard pick-up to the C-N 1. The senior quarterback scored on the next down and added a two-point conversion on the ground off of a faked extra point attempt to give the Blazers a 15-14 edge. After Wakefield's third touchdown of the game gave Carson-Newman a 20-15 advantage with 14:13 remaining in the game, the Eagles were unsuccessful on a two-point conversion try. Valdosta State proceeded to march 67 yards in just one minute of action to regain the lead. Ronnye Nelson and Pruitt hooked up for a 30-yard pass on the first play of the drive before Pruitt added two more yards on the ground to move the ball to the Eagle 35. Nelson proceeded to take a hand-off and broke through the right-side of the line before cutting back across the field twice to score on a 35-yard run. VSU was also unsuccessful on a two-point conversion, giving the Blazers a 21-20 advantage with 13:13 remaining in the contest. Devin Sabina closed out the scoring, but not the drama in the game, with a 36-yard field goal attempt with 5:12 to go. After regaining possession of the ball with 3:42 to go, the Blazer attempted to run out the clock, but were forced to punt with 49 seconds remaining. Jack Fulford was unable to handle the snap on the punt attempt and was tackled on the VSU 40. On the first play from scrimmage, Good looked for Hubbard in the end zone, only to have a pair of Blazers tip the ball away. A holding penalty backed the ball up 10 yards before a second pass to Hubbard was broken up by Reynolds on the VSU 1 before two more Carson-Newman penalties pushed the ball back another 10 yards. The Blazers closed the game by sacking Good on back-to-back plays. Pruitt completed 9-of-17 passes for 124 yards in the game while Hart was 9-of-13 for 160 yards and a touchdown. Nelson carried the ball 10 times for 83 yards while also catching four passes for 59 yards. Jones caught 5 passes for 62 yards to lead the receivers as VSU tallied 400 yards of total offense in the contest. The Blazer defense was led by Larry Dean, who tallied 13 tackles, and Reynolds, who finished with 11. Valdosta State forced seven Eagle fumbles in the game, four of which were recovered by VSU. The victory marked the fifth straight play-off game in which Valdosta State has trailed in the second half before staging a come-back victor. The other four second-half come-from-behind victories all came during VSU's 2007 national championship run. Good carried the ball 18 times for 62 yards while also completing 11-of-19 passes for 118 yards. Wakefield also finished with 62 yards on 18 carries while Miller caught four passes for 47 yards. Mario Russell registered 11 tackle and a pass broken up to lead the C-N defense. With the victory, Valdosta State advances to the second round of the NCAA Division II Play-offs and will play North Alabama next Saturday, November 22 in Florence, Ala.

Carson-Newman Game Notes

2008-11-13

Today's Game: Valdosta State opens the 2008 NCAA Playoffs as the Blazers host Carson Newman in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. VSU, the Super Region Two No. 3 seed, is 8-2 on the season, while the Eagles, the No. 6 seed in this year's playoffs, have gone 7-3. The Blazers are averaging 393.7 yards of total offense and 30.6 points per game while giving up 16.6 points and 299.2 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 1575 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season while Cedric Jones is leading the receiving corps with 46 catches and 435 yards and Larry Dean has tallied 73 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense. Carson-Newman averages 42.7 points and 485.8 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 24.4 points and 354.2 yards a game. The Eagles veer offense is led by Alex Good, who has rushed for 856 yards and 12 touchdowns while passing for 1231 yards and 13 scores. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the Carson-Newman game will be the 309th game in school history. The Blazers have won 209 contests, lost 95 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .685. Television / Webcast: The game will be webcast by the NCAA and CBS College Sports. The game can be viewed on the internet through CBS College Sports by clicking here. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Today's game will mark the sixth time Valdosta State and Carson-Newman have met, with the Eagles holding a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series. The last meeting came in the 2004 playoffs with Valdosta State claiming a 38-12 victory en route to the school's first national championship. This week's game also features the 22nd game Valdosta State has played in the NCAA playoffs. The Blazers have gone 14-7 in the previous 21 games, including four victories during last season's national title run. Click for Complete Game Notes

Six Blazers Named to All-GSC Team

2008-11-13

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Six Valdosta State Blazers were named to the All-Gulf South Conference football team, according to an announcement made by the league offices Thursday. Two of the Blazers earned first-team honors, led by senior safety Sherard Reynolds, who earned the recognition for the third straight season, Reynolds, who is just one of 45 GSC players to earn first-team honors three times in their career, tallied 51 tackles during the 2008 regular season while picking off a team-high four passes. He returned one of the passes a school record 94 yards for a touchdown and also recovered two fumbles on the season. Sophomore defensive tackle Demario Jones also earned first-team honors after tallying 28 tackles, including seven tackles for loss. He recovered two fumbles on the season and had one sack while registering three quarterback hurries. The remaining four Blazers earned second-team honors, led by sophomore linebacker Larry Dean, who tallied a VSU-high 73 tackles during the regular season. He was joined by senior wide receiver Albert Dukes, who is second on the Blazers with 36 receptions while leading Valdosta State with eight touchdown catches. The final two Blazers came from the special teams unit as sophomore deep snapper Joey Farmer, who was perfect on all 95 special teams snaps this season, as well as freshman punter Jack Fulford, who was third in the GSC with a 41.5 yards per punt average during the regular season. Blazer quarterback Chris Hart became just the fourth Valdosta State player to earn GSC Freshman-of-the-Year honors as he shared the award with Southern Arkansas running back Mark Johnson. Hart completed 123-of-215 passes during the season for 1,575 yards. He threw 18 touchdown passes against just five interceptions, with two of those interceptions coming on hail may passes at the end of the first half of two VSU games.

Blazers to Host Carson-Newman in Playoffs

2008-11-09

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State will face Carson-Newman in the first round of the NCAA Division II football playoffs according to an announcement made by the NCAA on Sunday. The Blazers enter the 2008 playoffs as the No. 3 seed in Super Region Two while the Eagles will be the region's No. 6 seed. The two teams will face off Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m. in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta. The winner of the VSU-C-N game will face second-seeded North Alabama in Braly Stadium on Saturday, November 22. The remaining Super Region Two bracket includes No. 4 Tusculum playing No. 5 Albany State on November 15, with the winner of that game facing No. 1 Delta State on November 22. Valdosta State season ticket holders who wish to purchase their regular season seats have from 9:00 a.m. Monday, November 10 until Wednesday, November 12 at 5:00 p.m. to do so. After the November 12 deadline, all un-sold reserved seats will be available to the general public for purchase. Season ticket holders may still purchase their reserved seats at this time, but there is no guarantee that the seats will be available. Ticket prices for the 2008 first round will be: $12 for reserved seats for season ticket holders; $15 for reserved seats for non-season ticket holders; $10 for adult general admission; and $4 for senior citizen and youth general admission. The 2008 playoffs mark the 10th season, and the eighth out of the last nine years, that Valdosta State has advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs. The Blazers have gone 14-7 in their nine previous playoff appearances, including national championship victories in 2004 and 2007. Next Saturday's game marks the fifth time that VSU has faced Carson-Newman in the playoffs, with each team having won two of the previous four contests.

Blazers Top Southern Arkansas 38-16

2008-11-03

MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Valdosta State scored 31 unanswered points as the Blazers defeated Southern Arkansas 38-16 in Gulf South Conference football action at Wilkins Stadium Monday evening Southern Arkansas (1-8, 1-6) opened the scoring on first drive of the game as it scored on a Chris Metcalf one-yard touchdown run. The key play of the drive came on a third-and-four play when Michael Chatman caught a short pass and broke a tackle before gaining 56 yards to the VSU 12. Three runs moved the ball to the Blazer one, setting up Metcalf's dive for a 7-0 SAU lead with 11:29 to go in the first quarter. The Muleriders upped their lead to 10-0 with 3:01 to go in the first quarter after forcing a Valdosta State punt. Clarence Wright returned the punt 21 yards to the VSU and Southern Arkansas closed to within the Blazer four before a delay of game penalty on a third-and-goal backed the ball up five yards. After an incomplete pass, Noel Cuevas came on and kicked a 26-yard field goal to push the SAU advantage to 10 points. Valdosta State (8-2, 6-2) answered on its next possession as it used a Chris Hart-to-T.J. Williams touchdown pass to cut its deficit to three points. The Blazers gained took over on its own 44 yard line and gained two yards on a pair of carries before Tucker Pruitt found Williams for a 13-yard gain. Pruitt added a six-yard pass to Chris Fultcher before Hart came on and connected with Williams for a 35-yard scoring strike to cut the Southern Arkansas edge to 10-7. VSU evened the game on its next possession as Devin Sabina kicked a 27-yard field goal, the first field goal of his career while Hart's second touchdown pass of the game gave Valdosta State its first lead. A fumble gave the Blazers the ball on the Southern Arkansas 42. Hart and Williams hooked up for a 14-yard gain on first down before Hart added 18 more on a carry. An offsides call moved the ball to the SAU five before a pair of incomplete passes and a loss for one yard on a completion brought up a fourth-and-six. After a Southern Arkansas timeout, Hart broke free from a tackle and the backfield and hit P.J. Curbeam, who got one foot down before being knocked out of bounds to give the Blazers a 17-10 halftime advantage. The Blazers quickly upped their lead to 24-10 on the first drive of the second half. Pruitt completed a six-yard pass to R.J. Bastone before finding Albert Dukes on a completion. Dukes broke a tackle and broke through the Mulerider defense for a 63-yard touchdown reception. Valdosta State added seven more points to its lead with 4:20 remaining in the third quarter as Carlos Anderson stripped Wright of a Fulford punt and returned the ball 20 yards to the SAU 11. Two running plays netted no yards before Hart connected with Albert Dukes on a 11-yard touchdown pass to up the Blazer advantage to 31-10. Southern Arkansas broke its scoring drought with 14:54 to go in the game as Metcalf scored on a seven-yard run, with the extra point try being unsuccessful, before the Blazers responded with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Hart to Isaiah Jupiter to push their lead to 38-16. Hart completed nine-of-13 passes on the game for 134 yards and four touchdowns while Pruitt completed 19-of-28 passes for 187 yards. Eleven Blazers caught a pass in the game, led by Williams, who had six catches for 98 yards and a score, and Dukes, who finished with four receptions, 86 yards and two touchdowns. Lavarus Dollar led the Blazers' defensive unit with eight tackles while Eric Williams tallied seven in the contest. Mark Johnson gained 50 yards rushing in the contest to lead the Muleriders while Ryan McCombie completed 12-of-31 passes for 119 yards. Wright tallied eight tackles to lead the SAU defense. With the win, Valdosta State awaits word on its 2008 NCAA Play-offs future. The official announcement will be made at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9. Blazer fans wishing to gather to watch the announcement are invited to the Continuing Education Building on Patterson Avenue. The Selection Show can be viewed on ESPNews.

Southern Arkansas Game Notes

2008-11-02

Today's Game: Valdosta State and Southern Arkansas conjure up memories of Hank Williams Jr. as the Blazers and Muleriders meet in a special Monday night game in a make-up of a contest cancelled by Hurricane Ike. VSU is 7-2, including a 5-2 mark in GSC play, while SAU have gone 1-7 overall and 1-5 in league play. The Blazers are averaging 400.9 yards of total offense and 29.8 points per game while giving up 16.7 points and 300.4 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 1441 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season while Markus Manson leads the rushing attack with 420 yards and four touchdowns. Cedric Jones is leading the receiving corps with 43 catches and 429 yards and Larry Dean has tallied 71 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense. Southern Arkansas averages 20.1 points and 335.9 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 35.2 points and 363.0 yards a game. The Muleriders option offense is led by Mark Johnson, who has rushed for 524 yards and five touchdowns, Clarence Wright has 56 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the Southern Arkansas game will be the 308th game in school history. The Blazers have won 208 contests, lost 95 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .684. Television / Webcast: There will be no television or internet broadcast of the game. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 9-3 in a series that dates back to October 26, 1996. The Blazers won the first game 42-7 before the Southern Arkansas responded with wins each of the next three contests. VSU has now won eight straight, including the last four in Wilkins Stadium. Last year, the Blazers used two second half interception returns for touchdowns to defeat the Muleriders 33-21. SAU closed to within 27-21 with 9:23 to go in the game on a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns before Jamaal Clark intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a score. VSU's previous score came when Shawn Harris returned a pick 86 yards for a touchdown. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Top West Georgia 41-14

2008-10-30

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State tallied 446 total yards, including 265 on the ground, as the Blazers defeated West Georgia 41-14 in Gulf South Conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Thursday evening. Michael Brown led the Blazers with 129 yards rushing on 13 carries while also scoring one of the four VSU rushing touchdowns on the evening. Markus Manson added 57 yards and a touchdown on the ground while quarterback Tucker Pruitt tallied the final two rushing touchdowns. Valdosta State (7-2, 5-2) spent little time in getting on the scoreboard as it forced West Georgia to punt on the first possession of the game. Roger King returned the punt 37 yards to give the Blazers the ball on the West Georgia 39. Pruitt proceeded to complete three passes for 25 yards, but a holding penalty forced a fourth-and-one play from the UWG 30. Manson proceeded to take the handoff and bust through the left-side of the line before racing untouched to the end zone for a 7-0 VSU lead. After a second West Georgia punt, Valdosta State again scored on a fourth down play. A pair of passes netted seven yards before Pruitt picked up nine more on the ground. Manson proceeded to run for eight yards while Brown, touching the ball for the first time on the night, broke around the left-end of the line of scrimmage and raced 31 yards to the UWG 9. Two more carries by Manson gained a yard while Pruitt connected with Chris Fultcher for a six yard pass, bringing up fourth-and-goal from the Wolf two. Pruitt proceeded to find Demarcus Flanagan on a short touchdown pass to make the score 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Blazers upped their advantage to 21 points on their third possession of the game as they capped off a seven-play, 85-yard drive with a six-yard scoring run from Pruitt. The big play of the drive came on a screen pass to Kody Case that moved the ball from the VSU 19 to the UWG 45. A pair of Ronnye Nelson carries netted 23 more yards before Pruitt hooked up with Jackson Dean for 16 more yards. West Georgia (0-9, 0-7) was again forced to punt on their next possession, but held the Blazers to a three-and-out to set up its first score of the game. On the ensuing VSU punt, Will Jones burst through the middle of the line and blocked the Jack Fulford punt. Greg Summerset scooped up the and easily scored on a 15-yard run to cut the Wolf deficit to 21-7 at the half. Valdosta State pushed its lead back to 21 points on the first possession of the second half as it took to the ground to move the ball. Brown picked up 49 yards on the first play of the frame before Manson carried the ball twice for 12 yards. Two more carries by Brown gained 14 more yards and closed the Blazers to within the UWG 5. Pruitt gained four more yards with a carry and, after a Manson run gave VSU a third-and-goal just two inches from the goal line, ran a quarterback sneak for the touchdown. On the ensuing West Georgia possession, VSU gained a measure of revenge for its earlier blocked punt as Albert Dukes blocked a Jared Guberman punt. Derrick Harris picked up the block and scored from 20 yards out. A missed extra point gave VSU a 34-14 advantage. The West Georgia offense put together its most successful drive of the night two possessions later as it marched 74 yards on 11 plays to score on a Sean Gray-to-Randy Sides 17-yard touchdown pass while Brown closed out the scoring with a three-yard run in the fourth quarter. Besides the two rushing touchdowns, Pruitt completed 14-of-18 passes for 155 yards and a score. Cedric Jones caught a team-high four passes for 51 yards while Everett Kitchens, Cody Vining and Flanagan each registered a team-best seven tackles. West Georgia finished the game with 201 yards of total offense, only 44 of which came on the ground. Dustin Lindsey tallied 38 of those rushing yards while Gray completed 17-of-32 passes for 130 yards passing. Sides, Summerset and Calvin Dennis each tallied four receptions in the game while Juan Pickett finished with a game-high 11 tackles. Valdosta State returns to action Monday, November 3 when it travels to Magnolia, Ark. to face Southern Arkansas at 7:00 p.m. EST. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, September 13, but was postponed due to Hurricane Ike moving through the Magnolia area. Wes t Georgia returns home and hosts Delta State at 7:00 p.m.

West Georgia Game Notes

2008-10-29

Today's Game: Valdosta State holds its Senior Night as the Blazers welcome West Georgia into Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. VSU is 6-2, including a 4-2 mark in GSC play, while the Wolves have gone 0-8 overall and 0-6 in league play. The Blazers are averaging 395.2 yards of total offense and 28.4 points per game while giving up 17.0 points and 312.9 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 1417 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season while Markus Manson leads the rushing attack with 363 yards and three touchdowns. Cedric Jones is leading the receiving corps with 39 catches and 378 yards and Larry Dean has tallied 69 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense. West Georgia averages 12.5 points and 290.4 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 42.4 points and 543.8 yards a game. Sean Gray has passed for 1615 yards and 10 touchdowns while Wilson Kimble has caught 41 passes for 668 yards and five touchdowns. Ray Mitchell tops the Lion defense with 59 tackles, including 4.5 for for loss. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the West Georgia game will be the 307th game in school history. The Blazers have won 207 contests, lost 95 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .683. Television / Webcast: The game will be televised as the GSC Game of the Week by CSS. In the South Georgia area, fans can view the broadcast on Mediacom (check listings for channel). Additionally, the contest will be carried over the internet at www.vstateblazers.tv. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads 17-8 all-time in a series that dates back to November 13, 1983. The two teams have met every year since that first meeting, with 11 of those contests coming in Valdosta. The Blazers have successfully defended their home turf in eight of those 11 contests, including a 35-10 victory a year ago. West Georgia's last victory in the series came in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium as it claimed a 29-15 win on November 5, 2005. Christmas in the Desert: Prior to Thursday Night's football game versus West Georgia, the Valdosta State AFROTC Unit will be hosting "Christmas in the Desert." The group will be collecting requested items for U.S. military personnell currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Requested items include: Batteries (AA and AAA), body powder, bug spray, cotton balls, contact solution, DVD movies, dental floss, granola bars, magazines, lip balm, pens, stationary, pillows, Q-tips, shaving cream, tissue, toilet paper, toothpaste and tooth brushes, sunscreen, trail mix, Tylenol, Advil, Excedrin and video games. VSU fans wishing to donate to the "Christmas in the Desert" event will find collection points at the Southeast (main gate) and Southwest gates to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Click for Complete Game Notes

North Alabama Up-ends Blazers 41-23

2008-10-25

FLORENCE, Ala. - North Alabama used a pair of first quarter turnovers to build a 21-0 lead after the first 15 minutes of play as the Lions defeated VSU 41-23 in Gulf South Conference football action at Braly Stadium Saturday evening. North Alabama (8-1, 5-1) recovered a Tucker Pruitt fumble on the VSU 25 on the first drive of the game to set up its first score of the game. After the fumble, Mike McLendon picked up nine yards on first down before David McCants was dropped for a two-yard loss. A.J. Milwee connected with Rocky Coleman on a 17-yard gain to move the Lions to the three, while two plays later Vaughn broke through the right-side of the line for a one-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Lion lead with 12:15 to go in the quarter. Less than 90 seconds later David Raymond picked off a Pruitt pass and raced 50 yards to push the North Alabama advantage to 14-0. A McLendon 51-yard touchdown run with 10:00 to go in the second quarter upped the UNA lead to 21-0 before Valdosta State (6-2, 4-2) got on the board. The Blazers took over on their own 35 yard line, but were backed up 10 yards by a hold on first down. Chris Hart proceeded to find Cedric Jones for a seven-yard gain before Ronnye Nelson picked up five more on a rush. Hart and T.J. Williams hooked up for a 15-yard gain while Nelson and Markus Manson picked up 19 more yards on the ground. A Williams reception moved the ball to the UNA 13, but Manson was dropped for a three-yard loss. On the next play, Manson took a handoff from Nelson and raced 16 yards to the end zone for a 21-7 VSU deficit. McLendon scored his third touchdown of the half with 20 seconds to go in the second quarter when he scored from one yard out to cap off a 13-play, 78-yard drive. After forcing a UNA punt on the first drive of the second half, Zac Williams kicked a 27-yard field goal to cut the Lion lead to 28-10 only to have North Alabama respond with a 42-yard Tom Schneider field goal to push the advantage back to 21 points. A Lion fumble on punt helped VSU once again cut into its deficit as Eric Williams recovered Charles McClain's drop of a Jack Fulford punt to give the Blazers the ball on the Lion 34. Valdosta State closed to the UNA 15, before a false start and an incomplete pass brought up fourth-and-nine from the 20. Hart proceeded to hook up with R.J. Bastone in the end zone to close VSU to within 31-17. Brandenn Pickett returned the ensuing kickoff 49 yards to the VSU 26 and eight plays later Milwee connected with Ed Gant for a 10-yard touchdown pass while a Schneider 21-yard field pushed the advantage to 41-13. Valdosta State scored on a four-yard run by Hart with 9:09 remaining in the game, following which a two-point conversion try was unsuccessful to close out the scoring. Hart completed 21-of-38 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown while Nelson carried the ball seven times for 48 yards. Albert Dukes led the receivers with six receptions while Demario Jones and Everett Kitchens tallied eight tackles each to lead the defense. Milwee completed 20-of-29 passes for the Lions, including seven passes to Rocky Coleman, while McLendon picked up 83 yards on the ground. Santana Suggs, Michael Johnson and Larry Wilson finished with seven tackles each to lead the UNA defensive effort. Valdosta State returns to action Thursday, October 30 when it hosts West Georgia in the Gulf South Conference Game-of-the-Week. The VSU seniors will be honored before the game, which is slated for an 8:00 p.m. kickoff at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

North Alabama Game Notes

2008-10-23

Today's Game: A pair of Top 10 teams face off as No. 9 Valdosta State travels to Florence, Ala. to face off against No. 8 North Alabama. VSU is 6-1, including a 4-1 mark in GSC play, while the Lions have gone 7-1 overall and 4-1 in league play. The Blazers are averaging 401.9 yards of total offense and 29.1 points per game while giving up 13.6 points and 311.3 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 1211 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season while Markus Manson leads the rushing attack with 323 yards and two touchdowns. Cedric Jones is leading the receiving corps with 35 catches and 352 yards and Larry Dean has tallied 64 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense. North Alabama averages 44.0 points and 465.2 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 14.0 points and 326.2 yards a game. A.J. Milwee, who sports a 28-4 career record as a starter, has passed for 2039 yards and 18 touchdowns while Nicholas Walker leads the Lion defense with 53 tackles, including 2.5 for for loss. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the North Alabama game will be the 306th game in school history. The Blazers have won 207 contests, lost 94 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .685. Television / Webcast: There will be no internet or television broadcast of the game. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: North Alabama leads 15-13-1 all-time in a series that dates back to October 30, 1982. The two teams have played during the regular season in every year since the beginning of the series while also facing off in the 1994, 2005 and 2007Valdosta State claimed a pair of victories last season, snapping a two-game Lion winning streak in the series. No team has played Valdosta State more times than UNA as today's meeting, which features the 30th in the series, is three more than the VSU-West Alabama series. VSU has never won more than three straight games in the series while North Alabama's longest winning streak is four games. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Hold Off Harding 21-13

2008-10-18

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State defense tallied three turnovers and used a key goal line stand in the fourth quarter to lead the Blazers to a 21-13 victory Gulf South Conference victory over Harding in action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday afternoon. VSU (6-1, 4-1) built a 21-6 lead through the first three quarters of play and pinned the Bison (2-6, 1-4) deep in their own territory when Jack Fulford boomed a 60-yard punt that was downed on the HU 19 yard line with 14:29 to go in the contest. However, David Knighton promptly completed three passes to give Harding a first-and goal from the VSU nine yard line before the Blazer defense made what would be the game-deciding stand. A first down pass moved the ball to the VSU three before Jeremy Holt carried the ball for two and a half more yards, closing Harding to inside the one yard line. However, Teddy Luke was promptly stopped for no gain and, after a HU timeout, Knighton fumbled the snap on fourth down before being dropped for a two-yard loss to preserve the 15-point Blazer lead. The fourth down stop loomed even larger two drives later as Knighton connected with Kurt Adams on a nine-yard touchdown pass that close HU to within the eight point final. Valdosta State opened the scoring on its second drive of the game after a seven yard punt return by Sherard Reynolds and a 15-yard personal foul against the Bison gave the Blazers on the VSU 47. After an incomplete pass, Tucker Pruitt connected with Cedric Jones for seven yards and with Albert Dukes for another 12 while a second personal foul penalty moved the ball to the HU 19. A pair of runs netted no yardage for the Blazers, but on third down, Chris Hart connected with Dukes for a 19-yard touchdown that gave VSU a 7-0 advantage with 6:21 to go in the first quarter. Harding moved the ball into VSU territory on its next possession before being forced to punt. However, the punt went off the side of Micah Canterbury's foot and travelled just four yards to give VSU the ball on its own 36. Pruitt and Jones proceeded to hook up for seven yards and Markus Manson picked up six yards on the ground before a pass interference call gave the Blazers 15 more yards. After a false start, Pruitt hit Dukes for 4 yards and Jones for 14 more while a Manson 10-yard run closed VSU to the HU 13. A rush for no gain brought up a second down play, during which Pruitt hit T.J. Williams over the middle for a score and a 14-0 Blazer lead. Harding cut its deficit to 14-3 with just eight seconds to go in the first half as Ryan Ferrell capped off a 10-play, 29-yard drive with a 37-yard field goal. Ferrell added a 26-yard field goal with 7:52 remaining in the third quarter to close the Bison to within 14-6, only to have Valdosta State respond with an eight-play, 57-yard drive for a touchdown on its next drive. Isaiah Jupiter returned the kickoff 34 yards to the VSU 43 before Pruitt rushed for three yards and Jones eight more. Hart picked up four more yards on the ground before Manson carried the ball three straight times for 33 yards. Michael Brown added three more yards on the ground before Pruitt rolled out and hit Evan Gilles for a six-yard touchdown with 3:55 remaining in the third quarter, posting the Blazers to a 21-6 edge. The Harding defense, which entered the contest allowing 543.9 yards of total offense per game, held Valdosta State to just 264 yards in the contest. The Blazers picked up 73 on the ground, including a game-best 86 from Manson, and 191 through the air. Pruitt completed 18-of-24 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the game while Hart was three-of-six for 48 yards and a score. Jones led the receiving corps with five receptions and 50 yards. Fulford punted seven times in the game for 330 yards, an average of 47.1 yards per punt, to continually pin Harding deep in its own territory. Larry Dean led the Blazers with a career-best 17 tackles, including the stop of Knighton on the pivotal fourth down play, while Brian Buford also tallied double-digit stops with a personal-best 10. Eric Williams and T.J. Williams tallied interceptions in the game while Sherard Reynolds forced a fumble that was recovered by Broderick Blue. Knighton completed 33-of-53 passes for 315 yards and a touchdown while also carrying the ball 13 times for 33 yards. Zac Ross and Julian Firman tallied seven receptions each to lead the Bison receiving corps. Jason Thomasson finished with 14 tackles to lead the HU defense while Kyle Young tallied 11 stops, including one for loss, on the game. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, October 25 when it travels to Florence, Ala. for a Gulf South Conference tilt against North Alabama. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. EDT kick-off.

Harding Game Notes

2008-10-16

Today's Game: Valdosta State returns home to Valdosta and the Blazers' annual homecoming game as VSU hosts Harding in Gulf South Conference action. VSU is 5-1, including a 3-1 mark in GSC play, while the Bison have gone 2-5 overall and 1-3 in league play. The Blazers are averaging 424.8 yards of total offense and 30.5 points per game while giving up 13.7 points and 298.5 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 1163 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season while leading the rushing attack with 249. Cedric Jones is leading the receiving corps with 30 catches and 302 yards while Larry Dean has tallied 47 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense. Harding averages 30.6 points and 450.4 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 40.9 points and 543.9 yards a game. David Knighton has passed for 2642 yards and 18 touchdowns while Sevohn Greer leads the Bison defense with 71 tackles, including 11.0 tackles for loss. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the Harding game will be the 305th game in school history. The Blazers have won 206 contests, lost 94 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .684. Pre-Game Ceremonies to Include Flyover: As part of Valdosta State's pre-game ceremonies, four T-38's from the 560th Fighter Training Squadron, based at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, will preform a flyover following the national anthem. The lead jet in the formation will be flown by Major Mike Brown, Valdosta State University Class of 1997. Television / Webcast: The game will be broadcast live over the internet at www.vstateblazers.tv. VSU TV will also broadcast the game, with the replay coming Sunday afternoon in the Valdosta Mediacom market. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads 3-1 all-time in a series that dates back to October 14, 2000. The two teams have not met since September 17, 2005 when Harding claimed a 16-13 victory in Searcy, Ark. VSU claimed victory in the first three meetings of the series, winning the games by an average of 44.3 to 25.0. The series is evenly split with two games having been hosted by each of the two schools. The Blazers claimed a 32-19 victory in the last contest played in Valdosta. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Top Henderson State 27-23

2008-10-11

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Valdosta State scored 20 fourth quarter points to come from behind and defeat Henderson State 27-23 in Gulf South Conference football action at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium Saturday afternoon. Henderson State (3-4, 2-3) opened the scoring on its initial drive as they kicked a 25-yard field goal, only to have Valdosta State (5-1, 3-1) respond with an eight-play, 61-yard touchdown drive. Chris Hart completed three-of-four passes on the drive for 29 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown completion to T.J. Williams after being forced from the pocket to give VSU a 7-3 advantage with 7:20 to go in the first quarter. The Reddies answered on their next drive as they marched 72 yards on 14 plays to score on a Greg Godfrey touchdown reception. Roch Charpentier completed eight-of-nine passes on the drive and Bernard Palmer picked up 24 as Justin Putnam%u2019s extra point attempt gave HSU a 10-7 advantage. Godfrey tallied his second touchdown of the game with 1:25 to go in the first half as he caught a screen pass and cut into the middle of the VSU defense. The scoring play ended a 13 play drive that ate 4:31 off of the clock, but the extra point was no good as Henderson State settled for a 16-7 halftime lead. A Valdosta State fumble led to a 23-7 Reddie lead in the third quarter as Taylor Alloway stripped Ronnye Nelson, allowing Nick Finley to recover the ball on the VSU 16. Bernard Palmer carried the ball three times to move the ball to the Blazer two before Charpentier hit Garret Manning for a two-yard touchdown pass with 5:07 to go in the frame. The momentum shifted on the next HSU drive as Valdosta State cut its deficit to 23-13 with 13:50 to go the contest. The Blazer defense forced a four-and-out on the drive and Roger King fielded the ensuing punt on the VSU 35 before running into a mass of players at midfield. He broke out of the pack and raced the remaining 50 yards to the end zone for the touchdown. A two-point conversion pass from Tucker Pruitt to Cedric Jones was completed on the point after attempt, but Jones was unable to stay in-bounds on the play. After another Henderson State punt, Valdosta State marched 67 yards on 11 plays to close to within 23-20 with 8:00 to play. Pruitt hit Williams for a seven-yard gain on first down on the play before Nelson picked up two more yards on a screen pass. After a Pruitt rush gave VSU a first down, the Williams was dropped for a one-yard loss on a pass, but Albert Dukes caught a pair of passes for 14 yards to move the ball to the HSU 43. Pruitt proceeded to pick up 24 yards on a pair of runs before Markus Manson gained seven more on the ground. An incomplete pass followed, but Pruitt completed a slant pass to Dukes, who broke a tackle and used a block from Jones to score from 12 yards out. The Blazers again forced a Reddie punt and took over on their own 15-yard line before picking up a first down on fourth-and-five from the VSU 20 when Markus Manson took a direct snap and ran for seven yards. After three incomplete passes, Pruitt threw a pass to Dukes that was deflected. However, R.J. Bastone came down deflection and raced to the HSU 33. After a Manson pick-up of five yards on the ground and an incomplete pass, Pruitt hit Bastone on a quick pass. The junior wide receiver broke a tackle and raced 28 yards to the end zone to give VSU a 27-23 lead with 1:06 to go in the contest. Henderson State returned the ensuing kickoff to its own 39 and Charpentier and Manning hooked up for a 16-yard gain before two more complete passes moved the ball to the Blazer 31 with 34 seconds remaining. A false start moved the ball back to the VSU 36 before a 10-yard sack forced a third-and 25, but Charpentier proceeded to find Manning for a 22-yard gain. However, time ran out before the Reddies could run another play, sealing the victory for the Blazers. Pruitt completed 17-of-25 passes for 153 yards and two scores while Jones caught a season-high nine passes for 65 yards. Manson carried the ball for 44 yards as Valdosta State compiled 375 yards of total offense in the game. Carlos Anderson led the Blazer defense with 12 tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss, while Sherard Reynolds tallied eight stops in the game. The VSU defense registered four sacks in the game and had 12 tackles for loss. Charpentier completed 33-of46 passes in the contest for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Nine of his completions went Godfrey, who tallied 64 yards to go along with his two touchdowns. Palmer carried the ball 22 times for 80 yards as the Reddie offense compiled 359 yards of total offense. Henderson State also owned a 35:05 to 24:55 advantage in time of possession and converted on 11-of-18 third down attempts. Darnei Bates led the Reddie defense with 12 tackles while Demarcus Robinson finished with eight. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, October 18 when it hosts Harding at 1:00 p.m. in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The

Henderson State Game Notes

2008-10-09

Today's Game: Valdosta State looks to rebound from its first loss of the 2008 season as the Blazers visit Henderson State in Gulf South Conference action. VSU is 4-1, including a 2-1 mark in GSC play, while HSU has gone 3-3 overall and 2-2 in league play. The Blazers are averaging 434.8 yards of total offense and 31.2 points per game while giving up 11.8 points and 286.4 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 1078 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season while leading the rushing attack with 235. Cedric Jones is leading the receiving corps with 21 catches and 237 yards while Larry Dean has tallied 40 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense. Henderson State averages 34.5 points and 433.8 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 26.8 points and 410.0 yards a game. Roch Charpentier has passed for 1816 yards and 14 touchdowns while Demarcus Robinson leads the Reddie defense with 38 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the Henderson State game will be the 304th game in school history. The Blazers have won 205 contests, lost 94 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .683. Television / Webcast: There will be no televised or internet broadcast of the game. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads 8-0 all-time in a series that dates back to November 13, 1993. The series is evenly split, with four games having been played in Arkadelphia and four games in Valdosta. The two teams met in back-to-back seasons to start the series, with VSU winning 42-20 and 49-7 in 1993 and 1994, respectively, before taking a four year break. The series resumed in 1998 and the Blazers and Reddies met in each of the next four seasons before once again taking a hiatus in 2002 and 2003. After a 27-18 VSU victory in 2004, Valdosta State claimed a 52-12 victory in the last meeting, which came on October 8, 2005. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Upset 27-24 by Delta State

2008-10-02

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Tom Santos kicked a 36-yard field on the Delta State's possession of the second overtime period before Damian Davis recovered a Chris Hart fumble on the Valdosta State possession of the frame as No. 14 Delta State upset No. 1 Valdosta State 27-24 in double overtime in Gulf South Conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Thursday evening. Both teams turned the ball over during the first overtime frame, as Hart threw an interception on VSU's first play from scrimmage while Trevar Deed was stripped of the ball by Blazer Larry Dean on the Valdosta State three-yard line, allowing Sherard Reynolds to fall on the ball. After starting their second possession of overtime with a penalty for a substitution infraction, the Statesmen (4-1, 3-0) saw Garrett DeWitt complete a pair of passes to Greg Betterson for 11 yards before Chad Schroeder dropped a pass at the VSU 14. Santos came on and kicked his second field goal of the game to put DSU up by three. The Blazers (4-1, 2-1) proceeded to close to within the Delta State seven-yard line as Hart completed a pass to Cedric Jones while picking up 14 yards on the ground, before Markus Manson was dropped for a three-yard loss. On the next play, Hart was unable to cleanly handle the snap and Davis broke through the line to fall on the ball, ending the contest. Valdosta State opened the scoring with a 27-yard Zac Williams field goal in the first quarter before Santos knotted the game with a 22-yard kick of his own. The Blazers struck back as Dean picked off a DeWitt pass and returned it 27 yards for a score with 9:57 to go in the first half. However, Valdosta State was called for a sideline infraction after the play, causing the extra point attempt to be backed up 15 yards. Williams was unable to convert on the play to post VSU to a 9-3 advantage. Delta State quickly answered as DeWitt hit Tramaine Jenkins for a 44-yard touchdown pass with 8:26 to go in the half before Schroeder put DSU up 17-9 with a six-yard scoring run with 1:06 remaining. After a short kick gave Valdosta State the ball on the Statesmen 35-yard line, Ronnye Nelson picked up two yards on the ground and 10 more on a pass completion before hart gained 14 yards on the ground. A holding penalty backed the Blazers up to the DSU 49 before Hart hit a diving Albert Dukes in the end zone for a touchdown with just three seconds remaining in the half, cutting the DSU advantage to 17-16 at the intermission. Neither team scored during the fourth quarter before Delta State once again pushed its advantage to eight points. After a Jack Fulford 58-yard punt put the ball on the DSU 6, the Statesmen used 18 plays to march 94 yards over the course of 8:26 of play before scoring on a one-yard Ben Stallings pass from Dedrick Wilson, giving Delta State a 24-16 advantage with 13:46 remaining in the contest. The Blazers were once again forced to punt on their next possession, but Schroeder fumbled a pitch on a running attempt and Demarcus Flanagan fell on the ball to give VSU the ball on the DSU 40. Hart picked up a yard on the ground on the next play before hitting Jones with a 33-yard pass to the Delta State six. On the next play, he floated a pass to Dukes, who caught the ball just before going out of bounds. Tucker Pruitt came on and threw a two-point conversion to Dukes to knot the score at 24-24, setting up the overtime period. The two teams combined for 11 turnovers in the game as Valdosta State threw one interception and lost four-of-five fumbles while Delta State threw three interceptions and lost three-of-six fumbles on the night. Likewise, both teams finished with over a hundred yards worth of penalties as the Statesmen were penalized 14 times for 115 yards while VSU was flagged 12 times for 112 yards. Hart carried the ball 20 times for 98 yards while completing 18-of-4 passes for two touchdowns and 201 yards. Jones and Nelson caught five passes each on the night while finishing with 61 and 44 yards respectively. Dean and Reynolds tallied 12 tackles and an interception each to lead the VSU defense while Everett Kitchens and Brian Buford finished with eight stops each. DeWitt completed 25-of-45 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown while Deed carried the ball 12 times for 52 yards. He also caught a game-high 11 passes for 71 yards while Schroeder finished with six receptions and 105 yards. Dominic Spinks led the DSU defense with nine tackles, including a sack, while intercepting a pass, forcing a fumble and recovering two fumbles. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, October 11 when it travels to Arkadelphia, Ark. to face Henderson State at 5:00 p.m. EDT at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium.

Delta State Game Notes

2008-09-30

Today's Game: Valdosta State plays its second game of the year against a ranked opponent as the top-ranked Blazers welcome 14th-ranked Delta State into Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Gulf South Conference action. The Blazers are 4-0, including a 2-0 mark in GSC play, while DSU has gone 3-1 overall and 2-0 in league play. The Blazers are averaging 451.8 yards of total offense and 33.0 points per game while giving up 8.0 points and 249.0 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 877 yards and nine touchdowns on the season while Markus Manson leads the running game with 190 yards and two touchdowns. Larry Dean has tallied 28 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense while Carlos Anderson has 25 tackles. Delta State averages 38.8 points and 490.5 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 37.2 points and 414.2 yards a game. Garrett DeWitt has passed for 1186 yards and 12 touchdowns while Lardester Green-Hicks leads the Statesmen defense with 27 tackles, including 2.0 sacks. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the Delta State game will be the 303rd game in school history. The Blazers have won 205 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .685. Television / Webcast: The contest will be televised as the Gulf South Conference Game of the Week package. The broadcast will be carried by CSS and Cox Sports throughout the Southeast. The game can also be seen over the internet at www.vstateblazers.tv, the Valdosta State Athletic Department's new webcast venue. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Delta State leads the all-time series 14-12-1 in a series that dates back to October 9, 1982. VSU has a pair of five-game winning streaks in the series while DSU's longest win streak is six games. The Statesmen have won the last two contests, a streak that ended five Blazer wins between 2001 and 2005. Last season, Delta State trailed 31-7 before rallying for a 35-31 victory. Red Out Bazemore-Hyder Stadium: All Valdosta State fans attending the game Thursday night are encouraged to wear red as Valdosta State attempts to "red-out" Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Top West Alabama 33-14

2008-09-27

Livingston, Ala. - Valdosta State used a strong defensive effort and a good offensive second half to defeat West Alabama 33-14 in Gulf South Conference football action at Tiger Stadium Saturday evening. The Blazer defense surrendered just 271 yards of total offense in the contest while offense tallied 223 yards and three touchdowns in the second half of the contest. Valdosta State (4-0, 2-0) opened the scoring in the first quarter when Markus Manson capped off an 11-play, 55-yard drive with a two-yard scoring run. Chris Hart completed all four of his pass attempts on the drive and rushed for 17 yards, including a five yard gain that moved the ball to the two. Manson proceeded to take a hand-off and pushed the pile back into the endzone for the 7-0 VSU lead. The Blazers upped their lead to 10-0 with 14:50 to go in the first half as Zac Williams kicked a 42-yard field before a safety, caused when Tiger quarterback Derek Thomas fumbled a snap, pushed the Valdosta State lead to 12-0. West Alabama (2-3, 1-2) cut its deficit to five with 2:07 remaining in the first half after a short punt allowed the Tigers to take over on the VSU 40. UWA marched to the Blazer two before Cole Mason was stopped on a carry after taking a direct snap on first down before again taking the snap on the next play. The junior fullback faked the run and threw a pass to Jason Hawkins for a touchdown and a 12-7 VSU lead. The two teams played without a score for the next 13 minutes before Valdosta State pushed its advantage to 20-7 with 4:12 to go in the third quarter. After exchanging punts with UWA, the Blazers took over on their own 35. Hart proceeded to complete a pass to Albert Dukes for five yards before hitting Cedric Jones on a pair of passes that picked up 20 yards. A seven yard completion to T.J. Williams followed before the junior took a screen pass and zig-zagged down the field for a score. A Tucker Pruitt two-point conversion rush pushed the Blazer lead to 13 points. Sherard Reynolds' third interception of the season set up Valdosta State's next score as he returned a pick 22 yards to the UWA 18. Hart proceeded to complete a pass to Dukes for three yards before hitting R.J. Bastone for a 15-yard touchdown and a 27-7 VSU lead. The Tigers added a touchdown on a nine-yard Derek Thomas to Terry Levy touchdown pass with 2:11 remaining in the contest while a Russ Callaway 17 yard touchdown run with 37 seconds to go closed out the scoring. Hart completed 23-of-40 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns, against one interception, while leading the Blazer rushing attack with 79 yards on nine carries. Jones caught seven passes for 58 yards while Williams finished with five catches for 83 yards. Reynolds tallied six tackles and the interception while Carlos Anderson had six tackles, including a sack, to lead the VSU defense. Kiece Crite finished with five tackles while Roger King also registered an interception in the contest. Thomas was 15-of-31 passing for 144 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers. Cole Mason led the UWA rushing attempt with 36 yards on 11 carries while Gerald Worsham caught seven passes for 60 yards. Valdosta State returns to action Thursday, October 2 when it hosts Delta State in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at 8:00 p.m. The game will be the Gulf South Conference Game of the Week and will be televised on CSS and Cox Sports.

West Alabama Game Notes

2008-09-23

This Week's Game: Valdosta State hits the road for the first time in Gulf South Conference play in 2008 as it travels to Livingston, Ala. to face off against West Alabama. The Blazers are 3-0, including a 1-0 mark in GSC play while UWA has gone 2-2 overall and 1-1 in league play The Blazers are averaging 474.7 yards of total offense and 33.0 points per game while giving up 6.0 points and 255.0 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 652 yards and seven touchdowns on the season while Markus Manson leads the running game with 179 yards and a score. Larry Dean has tallied 25 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, to lead the defense while Carlos Anderson has 18 tackles. West Alabama averages 29.2 points and 372.5 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 22.2 points and 323.5 yards a game. Dameon Baylor has rushed for 299 yards and two touchdowns on the season and Garry Packs lead the Tiger defense with 42 tackles, including 4.0 for loss. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the West Alabama game will be the 302nd game in school history. The Blazers have won 204 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .684. Television / Webcast: There will be no television or webcast broadcast of the game. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. A Brief Look at the Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 25-1 in a series that dates back to November 13, 1982. The Blazers won the first three contests while the Tigers' lone victory came on October 19, 1984 when it claimed a 10-5 victory in Livingston. VSU has outscored UWA 325-122 over the last eight contests. Last Meeting: Valdosta State recorded its second shutout of the 2007 season as it blanked the Tigers 37-0 in Livingston. VSU used a balanced attack that saw the Blazers rush for 223 yards while passing for 238. Next Up: Valdosta State plays its first televised game of the 2008 season as the Blazers host Delta State in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Thursday, October 2 at 8:00 p.m. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Top Ouachita Baptist 29-6

2008-09-20

Valdosta, Ga. - Valdosta State compiled 536 yards of total offense, including 401 in the decisive second half of play, in defeating Ouachita Baptist 29-6 in Gulf South Conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday evening. Much of the damage inflicted by the Blazers (3-0, 1-0) in the second half came through the air as Chris Hart passed for 330 yards, including touchdown passes of 76, 38 and 66 yards. The red-shirt freshman used his legs for VSU's final touchdown of the day as he scored on a 29-yard run. Trailing 3-2 entering the second half, Valdosta State was forced to punt on its first possession of the third quarter before having a 33-yard field goal attempt blocked. However, Blazer defense forced punts on each of Ouachita Baptist's first two possessions, before the VSU offense began to find its rhythm. Hart opened the third Valdosta State possession with a nine-yard completion to Cedric Jones before hooking up with T.J. Williams on a 76-yard scoring strike to give the Blazers a 9-3 advantage. On the next Blazer possession, Hart again opened the drive with a nine-yard completion to Jones before an incomplete pass and a loss of a yard on a third-down run brought up a fourth-and-two on the Ouachita Baptist 45. The Blazers ran the punt team out onto the field, but snapped the ball to Russ Callaway, who picked up seven yards for a first down. Two plays later, Hart hit a wide open R.J. Bastone for a 38 touchdown pass and a 16-3 VSU edge. The Tigers (2-1, 1-1) responded with an 11-play, 48 yard drive that culminated with a 30 yard Zack Wright field goal before Valdosta State added another touchdown for a 23-6 advantage. On the Blazer scoring drive, Hart picked up five yards on the ground before being sacked for an eight yard loss. On the next play, Hart hooked up with Ronnye Nelson on a screen pass and the sophomore weaved his way through the defense for a 66-yard touchdown reception. After an OBU punt, Valdosta State closed out the scoring with Hart's touchdown run. A 16-yard completion to Jones opened the drive before Mike Brown picked up a yard on the ground. Hart and Williams proceeded to hook up for a 19-yard pick-up and Jones caught a 12-yard pass to the Tiger 20 before Hart was sacked for a nine-yard loss. On the next play, the Bradenton, Fla. native dropped back to pass before taking off. He weaved his way through the Ouachita Baptist defense before stretching out over the goal line for a score with 8:48 to go. The Blazers struggled early in the contest as they took the field for the first time in 21 days. The Tigers held VSU to 43 yards rushing and 92 passing during the first 30 minutes of play as Valdosta State's only points of the half came on a blocked punt that went out the back of the end zone for a safety. Meanwhile, OBU tallied 58 yards rushing in the half while passing for 115 yards. However, the Valdosta State defense held the Tigers to a 36-yard Wright field goal in the first quarter to trail by one at the half. Hart completed 22-of-35 passes in the game for 373 yards while picking up 33 yards on six carries. Markus Manson led the rushing game with 54 yards on seven carries while Jones and Williams caught seven passes each. Williams tallied 167 receiving yards in the game, the most by a Blazer since Sherard Reynolds had 194 against Southern Arkansas on October 29, 2005. Jack Fulford enjoyed a strong night of punting on the evening as he kicked five punts for a 227 yards, a 45.4 yards per punt average. Three of his punts backed the Tigers up inside their own 20-yard line, including two inside the OBU 10. Japree Miles led the Valdosta State defense with nine tackles and a pass broken up while Larry Dean had eighth stops. VSU tallied two interceptions in the game as Sherard Reynolds and Dudley Spence had one each. Lance Parker completed 28-of-49 passes for 227 yards for the Tigers while John Johnson tallied seven carries for 32 yards. Julius Pruitt caught 10 of Parker's passes for 67 yards as Ouachita Baptist finished with 324 yards of total offense. However, OBU was held without a touchdown after entering the contest averaging 49.5 points a game. Jerry McNeil led the Tiger defense with eight tackles while Robert McKee had six, including two sacks. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, September 27 when it travels to Livingston, Ala. to play West Alabama in Gulf South Conference action. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. Eastern start.

Ouachita Baptist Game Notes

2008-09-17

Today's Game: Valdosta State begins Gulf South Conference play as it hosts Ouachita Baptist in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers are 2-0 and coming off of a two week lay-off after last week's game was postponed by Hurricane Ike while OBU has gone 2-0, including a 41-17 defeat of West Georgia last week. The Blazers are averaging 444.0 yards of total offense and 35.0 points per game while giving up 6.0 points and 220.5 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 279 yards and four touchdowns on the season while Markus Manson leads the running game with 125 yards and a score. Larry Dean has tallied 17 tackles, including 3.0 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, to lead the defense while Sherard Reynolds and Carlos Anderson have 12 tackles each. Ouachita Baptist averages 49.5 points and 518.0 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 12.0 points and 329.0 yards a game. K.J. Johnson is averaging 131.5 yards a game and has four touchdowns on the year while Terrence Garret leads the defense with 13 tackles. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the Ouachita Baptist game will be the 301st game in school history. The Blazers have won 203 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .683. Television / Webcast: There will be no television. The game will be webcast live as a part of the new VStateBlazers.tv package, which will webcast selected VSU athletic events during the year. The webcast can be viewed at www.vstateblazers.tv. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. A Brief Look at the Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 8-0 in a series that dates back to November 4, 2000. The Blazers won the first game 49-21 and also claimed a 37-3 win last season in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Valdosta State has never won by fewer than 21 points and has won by an average of nearly 31 points per game over the first eight games. Last year, the Blazers rushed for 301 yards, its highest rushing total since the 2001 season, in its win. Michael Terry tallied scoring runs of 56 and 69 yards in the contest while the Blazer offense outgained the Tigers 519 to 258. Roger King also returned a punt 61 yards for a score. Click for Complete Game Notes

Southern Arkansas Game Postponed

2008-09-12

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Due to the uncertain weather conditions surrounding Hurricane Ike, the Valdosta State football game against Southern Arkansas, which was scheduled to be played Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. in Magnolia, Ark., has been postponed. No make-up date for the event has been scheduled as of yet, although the two institutions are exploring possible dates for later in the season. STATEMENT FROM VALDOSTA STATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR HERB REINHARD "Due to the concern for safety and the very uncertain weather conditions associated with Hurricane Ike, the Valdosta State University football game with Southern Arkansas University, which was scheduled for Saturday night in Magnolia, Arkansas, has been postponed. The two institutions will work with the Gulf South Conference to try to identify a date late in the season when the game can be rescheduled."

Southern Arkansas Game Notes

2008-09-10

Today's Game: Valdosta State begins Gulf South Conference play as it travels to Magnolia, Ark. to face the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas. The Blazers are 2-0 and coming off of a bye week while SAU has gone 0-2 on the young season, including a 34-21 defeat at Truman State last week. The Blazers are averaging 444.0 yards of total offense and 35.0 points per game while giving up 6.0 points and 220.5 yards of total offense. Chris Hart has thrown for 279 yards and four touchdowns on the season while Markus Manson leads the running game with 125 yards and a score. Larry Dean has tallied 17 tackles, including 3.0 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, to lead the defense while Sherard Reynolds and Carlos Anderson have 12 tackles each. Southern Arkansas averages 17.5 points and 348.5 yards of total offense while its defense is giving up 45.5 points and 444.5 yards a game. Ryan McCombie has thrown for 313 yards and two touchdowns while three Muleriders lead the squad with 11 tackles each. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of VSU football while the Southern Arkansas game will be the 301st game in school history. The Blazers have won 203 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .683. Television / Webcast: There will be no television or internet broadcast of the game. Radio: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 9-3 in a series that dates back to October 26, 1996. The Blazers won the first game 42-7 before the Southern Arkansas responded with wins each of the next three contests. VSU has now won eight straight, including the last four in Wilkins Stadium. Last year, the Blazers used two second half interception returns for touchdowns to defeat the Muleriders 33-21. SAU closed to within 27-21 with 9:23 to go in the game on a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns before Jamaal Clark intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a score. VSU's previous score came when Shawn Harris returned a pick 86 yards for a touchdown. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Top Newberry 14-9

2008-08-30

NEWBERRY, S.C. - Valdosta State withstood a Newberry comeback bid in the closing minutes of the game to claim a 14-9 victory at Setzler Field Saturday afternoon. The Blazer victory ended a 15-game home winning streak for Newberry. After failing to gain any yards on its first two possessions of the game, Valdosta State (2-0) opened the scoring on its third drive as marched 80 yards on eight plays. A pair of big pass plays aided the Blazers on the drive as Chris Hart found Kody Case for a 32-yard pick-up before R.J. Bastone made a diving catch for a 41-yard gain. Facing a third-and-11 from the Newberry 16, Hart hit Albert Dukes in the right corner of the end zone to give the Blazers a 7-0 advantage. Newberry (0-1) cut its deficit to five points midway through the second quarter as it forced VSU to punt from its own end zone. Blazer punter Jack Fulford was unable to handle the snap on the punt and was tackled in the end zone for a safety to cut the Valdosta State lead to 7-2. The two team played scoreless for the next two quarters of play before Valdosta State pushed its lead to 14-2 on a Michael Brown touchdown run. The Blazers took over on their own 20 yard line and picked up 19 yards on the ground before Hart hit Dukes for a six-yard pick up. Two more carries gained the Blazers five yards while Ronnye Nelson hauled in a pass for 15 yards. On the next play, Brown took a hand off from Hart and turned the corner to race 35 yards untouched for the score. Newberry again took advantage of a Blazer punting error to cut its deficit to 14-9 with 1:30 remaining in the contest. Kelton Tindal blocked a Fulford punt, allowing NC to gain possession on the VSU 18. After an incomplete pass and a rush that gained three yards, Eric McCollom found Tindal in the end zone to slice the Blazer lead to five points. Valdosta State recovered the ensuing on-sides kick and Markus Manson picked up 18 yards on the ground. The Blazers ended the game with 331 yards of total offense in the contest, including 121 on the ground and 202 through the air. Hart completed 10-of-16 passes for 169 yards while Manson led the rushing attack with 49 yards. Sherard Reynolds led the Valdosta State defense with nine tackles while Larry Dean tallied seven, including two sacks in the contest. Newberry tallied 225 yards of total offense, but were held to just 70 yards rushing in the contest. Brandon Gantt completed 15-of-19 passes for 102 yards while Tharry Salley picked up 38 yards on the ground. Valdosta State takes next weekend off before returning to action Saturday, September 13 against Southern Arkansas in Magnolia, Ark.

Davis Nall a NCAA Blogger

2008-08-28

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- Valdosta State senior offensive tackle Davis Nall has been tabbed by the NCAA to take part in its Student-Athlete Blogs during the 2008 season. Nall is one of nine NCAA football players, and just one of two from NCAA Division II, to participate in the annual blog. Blazer fans wishing to read Nall's weekly blogs, which will be posted on Thursday mornings, can log onto the NCAA Blog Central by clicking here.

Newberry Game Notes

2008-08-27

Today's Game: Valdosta State looks to extend its non-conference winning streak to 10 games as the Blazers visit Newberry College in Newberry, S.C. VSU is 1-0 on the season after defeating Fort Valley State 56-3 last weekend while Newberry opens its 2008 season after going 9-2 last year. The Blazers tallied 555 yards of total offense in their season opener while limiting the Wildcats to just 216. Utilizing a balanced attack, VSU gained 283 yards rushing and 272 passing. Tucker Pruitt and Chris Hart threw three touchdowns each in the game while Sherard Reynolds returned an interception a school-record 94 yards for a touchdown. Larry Dean led the defense with eight tackles in the contest. Newberry returns 49 letterwinners and 12 starters off of its 2007 squad. Newberry tallied 401.1 yards and 35.0 points a game while surrendering 16.4 points and 281.9 yards a game a year ago. Tharry Small returns to lead the offense after rushing for 588 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of Valdosta State football while the Newberry game will be the 300th game in school history. The Blazers have won 202 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .682. Television / Webcast: The game will not be broadcast on television or over the internet. Radio Network: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Saturday's contest marks the first meeting ever between Valdosta State and Newberry. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Rout Fort Valley State 56-3

2008-08-23

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Top-ranked Valdosta State compiled 555 yards of total offense as it defeated Fort Valley State 56-3 in non-conference football action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday evening. Not even Tropical Storm Fay could slow down the Blazers (1-0) on the night as they scored a pair of touchdowns in the first three minutes of play, utilizing just four offensive plays in the process. After Sherard Reynolds returned the opening kick off 44 yards to the Wildcat 47 yard line, Ronnye Nelson took a shovel pass from Tucker Pruitt and raced untouched to the endzone on the first play from scrimmage for the first score. After a punt by FVSU, Pruitt threw an incomplete pass and then fell on a Nelson fumble, the first of five by VSU on the evening, before completing a 52-yard pass to freshman Kody Case for a 14-0 Valdosta State advantage with 12:03 to go in the first quarter. Fort Valley State was once again forced to punt, but regained the ball in Blazer territory when Steven A. Jackson fell on a Pruitt fumble on the VSU 28. However, two plays later Reynolds picked off a Garrett Williams pass and raced 94 yards for a touchdown to extend the Valdosta State advantage to 21-0. The 94-yard return set a new Valdosta State record for longest interception return in school history. The Wildcats got on the board with 7:18 remaining in the second quarter when Jake Grubbs kicked a 37-yard field goal, but Valdosta State responded with a touchdown on its next drive to push its advantage to 25 points. After a nine-yard Pruitt-to-Cedric Jones completion, VSU picked up 42 yards on the ground, including 37 on three carries by Markus Manson, to move into Wildcat territory. Facing a third-and-ten on the FVSU 34, Albert Dukes drew a pass interference call to keep the Blazer drive alive and two plays later made a diving catch on a Chris Hart pass in the end zone for a 28-3 VSU lead. The Valdosta State lead grew to 35-3 just 14 seconds before the half when Pruitt connected with Case for a second touchdown pass while Hart added two more scoring tosses in the third quarter. The freshman's first came on a nine-yard strike to R.J. Bastone just 3:15 into the half while Jones pulled down a 40-yard pass from Hart two minutes later to give the Blazers a 49-3 advantage. Manson closed out the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown run with 2:18 to go in the game, capping off a seven-carry, 76-yard rushing performance. VSU tallied 283 yards on the ground on the evening while also throwing for 272 yards and six touchdowns. In addition to Manson's team-high 76 yards, Derrick Harris picked up 57 yards on seven carries while Michael Brown registered eight carries for 57 yards. Pruitt completed six-of-10 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns while Hart also threw three touchdowns while completing five-of-nine passes for 110 yards. Bastone caught three passes for 72 yards to lead the Blazer receiving corps while Dukes had three receptions for 22 yards. Case tallied 68 yards and the two touchdowns on a pair of receptions while Jones also had two receptions, for 49 yards. Skylar Thornton led the Fort Valley State offensive attack as he picked up 71 yards on 17 carries while also catching four passes for 18 yards. Williams completed nine-of-26 passes for 47 yards in the game. Larry Dean led the Valdosta State defense with eight tackles, including a tackle for loss, as the Blazer defense extended its streak of holding Fort Valley State without a touchdown to 14 quarters, a streak that extends back to the second quarter of the 2005 contest between the two teams. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, August 30 when it travels to Newberry, S.C. to face Newberry College at 1:30 p.m. at Setlzer Field.

CBS/NCAA Cancel Broadcast of FVSU Game

2008-08-23

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Rain and winds from Tropical Storm Fay has caused the cancellation of the broadcast of Saturday evening Valdosta State versus Fort Valley State season-opening football game. Fay has wreaked havoc on the North Florida and South Georgia are a over the last three days, cancelling flights into airports surrounding the Valdosta area. Much of the television crew that was to work the broadcast was unable to get into the Valdosta area, leading CBS and the NCAA to agree to cancel the broadcast. Despite the cancelation of the broadcast, Saturday night's game will still be played as regularly scheduled, beginning at 8:00 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Fort Valley State Game Notes

2008-08-20

Today's Game: Valdosta State opens its 2008 season as the Blazers host Fort Valley State in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers are coming off a 13-1 2007 campaign that saw VSU claim its second national title in school history while the Wildcats were 8-3 a year ago. The Blazers averaged 413.6 yards and 38.6 points a game last season while giving up 326.4 yards and 17.6 a game. However, VSU returns just 11 starters and 40 letterwinners off its national title team from last season. Wide receiver Cedric Jones is expected to lead the Blazers on offense after an All-America season last year while two-time All-America honoree Sherard Reynolds will lead the defensive and special teams units. Fort Valley State returns 35 letterwinners and 15 starters off of its 2007 squad. The Wildcats tallied 307.5 yards and 19.7 points a game while surrendering 21.4 points and 288.1 yards a game. FVSU just missed the 2007 Division II playoffs after finishing eighth in the Southeast Region rankings. The 2008 season marks the 27th year of Valdosta State football while the FVSU game will be the 299th game in school history. The Blazers have won 201 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .681. Television / Webcast: The game will be broadcast live as a part of the NCAA/CBS College Sports Network Game of the Week package. The broadcast can be seen live on CBS College Sports (Channel 152 on Dish Network and 437 on DirecTV), SportSouth (Channel 613 on Dish Network and 649 on DirecTV) or on the internet at www.ncaasports.com/dii. Radio Network: WDDQ, 92.1 FM (Valdosta, Adel); WKZZ, 92.5. FM (Tifton); WSFB, 97.7 FM (Quitman); WDMG, 860 AM (Douglas); WMTM, 1300 AM (Moultrie). Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Wes James (analysis) and Tom Odom (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 15-3, including wins in each of the last seven contests. The series began on September 14, 1985 when FVSU claimed a 17-3 victory in Valdosta. The Blazers won the next eight meetings and, after a pair of FVSU victories in 1998 and 1999, have continued their winning ways since 2000. Last season, Valdosta State secured a 69-0 victory in Fort Valley, its second largest margin of victory in school history and first shutout in 40 games. Click for Complete Game Notes

Offense Struggles Again in Second Scrimmage

2008-08-13

VALDOSTA, Ga. - After a fast start, the Valdosta State offense again struggled as the Blazers held their second and final scrimmage of the 2008 preseason Wednesday morning at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The VSU offense scored on four of its first six possessions, each of which began on the defense's 10 yard-line. However, two of the scores took all four plays to get the ball in the end zone while the remaining two ended after the offense was unable to get the ball in the end zone after its fourth play. Russ Callaway and Tucker Pruitt each directed two of the scoring drives. The next six possessions saw the offense have to drive the length of the field as the ball was placed on its own 30 yard line. After seeing its first drive stall after picking up just 14 yards, the Blazer offense moved into the defense's territory on the second drive, only to have its possession end with a fumble. The offense did manage a pair of field goals on its six possessions, including a 48-yard boot by senior Zac Williams and a 24-yard kick by red-shirt freshman Devin Sabina. The final four drives of the scrimmage saw the offense again begin on the defense's end of the field as it began each drive on the 25. The first two ended with turnovers on downs before Chris Hart directed a drive that ended with a one-yard scoring dive by Ronnye Nelson. "This was the second straight scrimmage that I was disappointed with our offense," said head coach David Dean after the day's events. "I have been very disappointed with our red zone offense. We have to put the ball in the end zone and we just aren't doing that right now. We have to be more productive in those situations." All three quarterbacks vying for VSU's starting position put in significant time during the scrimmage as Pruitt completed 8-of-11 passes for 44 yards and a touchdown while Callaway was 7-of-10 for 37 yards. Hart tallied 52 yards passing in the scrimmage while completing 9-of-18 passes. However, the numbers for each of the quarterbacks could have been better as the wide receiving corps registered eight dropped passes on the day, including five on Hart's nine incomplete passes. "We dropped way too many passes today," Dean added. "Our receivers have to step up and do a better job of catching the ball. Our quarterbacks are getting the ball to them, but they aren't making the play. We need that so that we can finish our drives off." The Blazers have just six practices remaining before their first game of the 2008 season, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 at 8:00 p.m. against Fort Valley State. Valdosta State will host its annual "Meet the Blazers" day this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The event will kick off with kid's camp for children no older than eighth grade before capping off with a autograph session.

Meet the Blazers Day is Saturday

2008-08-12

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team will hold its annual "Meet the Blazers" Day Saturday, August 16 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The day will begin with a Youth Minicamp at 9:00 a.m., during which Blazer players and coaches will teach campers. The camp is open to all children entering the eighth grade or younger. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. for registration for the event. Following the mini-camp, the team will hold an autograph session for all Blazer fans. The session will take place on the Bazemore-Hyder Stadium concourse underneath the home stands. Additionally, the VSU cheerleaders and Red Hots Dance Team will work with campers and preview their camps with those children wishing to work with the Blazer spirit groups. Those parents wishing to pre-register their children for the mini-camp are encouraged to print out the registration form here. Pre-registration forms can be brought to the registration tables on the day of the event to receive the campers' t-shirt. VALDOSTA STATE NEARS TICKET SALES RECORD With just 11 days to go before its first game of the 2008 regular season, Valdosta State is closing in on its all-time high for season ticket sales as it is now just 13 tickets away from tying the mark of 711 set in the 2001 season. The record number does not include the nearly 1000 tickets that are included in VSU's Corporate Sponsorship packages. Just 17 seats remain in the Section D of the Bazemore-Hyder home stands so fans wishing to purchase tickets are encouraged to call 229-333-5890 or to contact VSU Director of Ticketing Chuck Carson at chcarson@valdosta.edu.

Offense Struggles During First Scrimmage

2008-08-09

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State offense struggled during the Blazers' first scrimmage of the 2008 preseason Saturday morning at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazer offense managed just six touchdowns and two field goals on 21 possessions on the day, with four of the touchdowns coming on possessions that started on the defense's side of the field. "I was disappointed with our offense today," said head coach David Dean after the scrimmage. "We didn't line up correctly on several plays and didn't play with the tempo that we have to play with to be successful." After punting on its first drive, the VSU offense threatened on its second drive of the scrimmage when quarterback Chris Hart connected with P.J. Curbeam for a 58 yard pick up. However, the drive stalled and a field goal was missed before a third drive also ended in a punt. Quarterback Russ Callaway got the offense on the board on the fourth possession as he kept the ball on a running play and broke through the line for a 42-yard touchdown run. However, the next six possessions all ended in punts, ending the first half of the scrimmage. "We had a couple of good plays, but it seemed like all of them came on busted plays," Dean added. "Our wide outs have to do a better job of making plays for us to be successful. The only one that did that today was P.J. Curbeam." The second half of the scrimmage proved to be more successful for the Blazer offense as it missed a field goal on its first drive from the defense's 35 before scoring a touchdown on a Callaway touchdown pass and connecting on a field goal. After an interception, the offense added a second field goal and a touchdown before scoring on two of its three possessions from the defense's five. Hart led the offense the offense to its last touchdown of the day, on the first of two two-minute possessions, as he connected on a 45-yard pass on a third and long pass. "I thought our defense played really well," Dean concluded. "They were flying around the field and tackled really well. They especially looked good on their blitz packages." Tucker Pruitt completed 12-of-23 passes on the day for 129 yards and a touchdown while also carrying the ball twice for a yard while Hart was 10-of-20 for 175 yards and a score through the air while picking up 22 yards on eight rushes. Callaway completed 10-of-15 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown while carrying the ball three times for 34 yards. Curbeam caught six passes for 100 yards and a score while R.J. Bastone finished with four receptions and Eric Sledge and Isaiah Jupiter had three catches each. STATISTICAL LEADERS Rushing - Callaway 3-34; Hart 8-22; Manson 5-14. Passing - Hart 10-20-175; Pruitt 12-23-129; Callaway 10-15-88 Passing - Curbeam 6-100; Bastone 4-39; Sledge 3-26; Jupiter 3-23.

Blazers Picked to Win GSC

2008-08-05

VALDOSTA, Ga. - For the first time since 2005 Valdosta State has been selected the favorites in the Gulf South Conference, according to a vote of the GSC head football coaches as announced by the league office Tuesday. The Blazers earned six first-place votes as well as three second and one third to tally 95 total points in the poll. VSU's total just barely nipped North Alabama, who had four first-place votes and six seconds to finish with 94 points. Delta State earned the final first-place vote while gathering two second-place and seven third-place nods to garner 84 points for third while Henderson State finished fourth with 68 total points. Harding rounded out the top five with 61 points while Arkansas Tech was sixth with 58. West Alabama accumulated 36 points to claim seventh while West Georgia (32), Southern Arkansas (30), Ouachita Baptist (24) and Arkansas-Monticello (23) rounded out the poll. Four Blazers also earned preseason All-Gulf South Conference honors from the coaches, including two from both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Junior wide receiver Cedric Jones was one of only four non-seniors to make the list and was joined on the offensive unit by senior offensive tackle Davis Nall. Two-time All-America selection Sherard Reynolds, a senior safety, earned the nod on the defensive unit, where he was joined by senior defensive tackle Jermel Daniels. PREVIEWING 2008 %u2013 THE QUARTERBACKS One of Valdosta State's question marks entering the 2008 season will be who will replace Willie Copeland at the starting quarterback position. A trio of signal callers is currently vying for the position, although no one has become the clear favorite through the first four days of preseason practice. "Tucker Pruitt and Chris Hart are at the top of the list right now, but Russ Callaway is right behind them," said offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner after Tuesday's practice. "Chris has shown a good understanding of the offense so far in camp, which was a concern considering he missed so much of spring practice due to class. He is very athletic and has the tools to be a very good quarterback in our system. "Tucker has spent four years in our program and has great knowledge of how things are supposed to be run," Faulkner continued. "He has the most experience after being the back-up last season. Meanwhile Russ Callaway has continued to get better every day since spring practice began. All three are competing for the job right now and there isn't a clear number one." Pruitt completed 18-of-29 passes last season for 227 yards and a touchdown while picking up 183 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, Callaway completed three-of-four passes in 2007.

Blazers Finish Third Day of Practice

2008-08-04

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team battled heat, fatigue and each other as the Blazers finished the third day of preseason practice Monday at the Reames Field. Monday's temperatures reached into the mid-90's during Monday's afternoon session, which featured most of the returning players after the newcomers had practiced during the morning hours. "Our first three days have been good overall," said head coach David Dean after the day's practice had ended. "Today was a little rough because of the heat and the fact that all of the running the first three days have begun to catch up with the guys. We've been running a lot and they have had a couple weight work outs so you could see that they legs were feeling it today." Dean indicated that he has been pleased with practice so far as his team begins for Thursday's first two-a-day session. "Overall, we have had good effort," he continued. "Yesterday, we had the whole squad out here together and it was one of the most spirited preseason practices I have ever been around. Wide outs were diving for the ball and the whole team was showing a great enthusiasm, which is encouraging for the coaches. Valdosta State holds its final split squad practice Tuesday and will hold a second full-squad practice on Wednesday before commencing its two-a-day schedule. PREVIEWING 2008 - RUNNING BACKS After losing two of its top three runners from 2007, the Valdosta State running game will look to a new group of faces to carry the load in 2008. Headlining the faces will be a pair of experienced players in sophomore Ronnye Nelson and senior transfer Markus Manson. "Ronnye and Markus have looked really good over the course of the first three days," commented Dean, who will coach the unit in 2008. "I have been very pleased with how quickly Markus has picked up the system. He runs very hard and has a lot of talent. Meanwhile, Ronnye has really began to step up and take a leadership role. He still has a lot of quarterback in him and that is coming through with how he is taking charge and leading the group." Pushing Nelson and Manson for playing time will be a quartet of newcomers. "Franklin Jones and Michael Brown have benefitted from redshirting last year," Dean added. "They have had a year to learn the system and both have been impressive in camp. Derrick Harris and Tripp McGuire are two new guys that have really looked good their first couple of days. Both have the ability to be very good for us."

Football Reports for Preseason Camp

2008-08-01

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team took its first steps towards preparing for the 2008 season as the Blazers reported for preseason camp Friday. After checking into the dorms and holding their first team meeting on Thursday, the Blazers underwent physicals and held more team meetings Friday as they prepared for their first practice on Saturday. "We are very excited to get all of our young men back on campus," said head coach David Dean Friday. "The last day and a half have been busy with everyone just getting settled in and getting to know each other. The real work begins tomorrow when we hit the practice field." More than 125 players reported for VSU's preseason camp, which will culminate with Valdosta State's annual "Meet the Blazers Day" at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Saturday, August 16. "We have a lot of new faces this season," Dean continued. "It is going to be exciting to see the new guys and our returning players come together as a team. That is what we will focus on in the coming weeks, forming that bond as a team. Obviously, we have several positions that need to be filled and we are going to be looking at a lot of guys to fill them." The Blazers will hold single-session practices over the next five days before beginning two-a-days on Thursday, August 7. VSU's first scrimmage will be held Saturday, August 9 beginning at 2:45 p.m. followed by a second scrimmage on Wednesday, August 13 at 9:15 a.m. Valdosta State, which returns 40 letterwinners, including 11 starters, off of a team that went 13-1 and won the school's second NCAA Division II national championship in 2007. The Blazers play the first NCAA football game of the season in 2008 when they host Fort Valley State in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, a game that will be shown live nationally on CBS College Sports Network. VSU Preseason Camp Schedule Saturday, August 2 - 8:30 a.m. till 10:40 a.m. (new players) and 2:00 p.m. till 4:10 p.m. (returning players) Sunday, August 3 - 2:00 p.m. till 4:20 p.m. Monday, August 4 - 8:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. (new players) and 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. (returning players) Tuesday, August 5 - 8:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. (returning players) and 2:00 p.m. till 4:15 p.m. (new players) Wednesday, August 6 - 3:15 p.m. till 5:50 p.m. (full squad sessions commence) Thursday, August 7 - 8:15 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. till 4:40 p.m. Friday, August 8 - 3:00 p.m. till 5:15 p.m. Saturday, August 9 - 8:15 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. (scrimmage) Sunday, August 10 - 3:45 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 11 - 8:15 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. till 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, August 12 - 9:15 a.m. till 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, August 13 - 9:15 a.m. (scrimmage) Thursday, August 14 - 9:15 a.m. till 11:15 a.m. Friday, August 15 - 9:15 a.m. till 11:45 a.m. Saturday, August 16 - Meet the Blazers, 9:00 a.m., Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Sunday, August 17 - Commence Regular Season Practice Schedule

ESPN Headed to Valdosta For TitleTown

2008-07-03

Join the Blazers at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Wednesday, July 9 when ESPN's flagship show, SportsCenter, visits Valdosta as the city is featured as a part of ESPN's search for TitleTown, USA. Valdosta is one of 20 finalists for the label of TitleTown and the ESPN cameras will tape on July 9 for a July 16 broadcast. Everyone in the Valdosta community is invited to tailgate around Bazemore-Hyder Stadium and Drexel Park starting at 3:30 p.m. on July 9. Community members are encouraged to participate in the tailgate and to be inside the stadium by 5:00 p.m. for a pep rally. Valdosta State will use the American Legion parking lot across Williams Street from Bazemore-Hyder Stadium as its tailgate headquarters while in the stadium, Section E will be reserved for Valdosta State fans. Valdosta State asks all fans to please wear RED for the broadcast. Section C of the stadium will feature seating for Lowndes fans while Section D will be for Valdosta High fans. Seating in VSU's section is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once seating in the Valdosta State section is full, the rest of the stadium's seating is available on a first-come, first serve base as well. Additional parking will be available at the Valdosta Board of Education lot along Ann Street as well as in front of the University Center. The ESPN cameras and lights will start at 5:00 p.m. with ESPN NFL reporter Wendy Nix reporting on Valdosta and its nomination to TitleTown, USA. NFL linebacker Randall Godfrey, a Lowndes High School alum and former University of Georgia football player who is currently a free agent, will be interviewed by Nix while VSU's 2007 National Championship trophy and Lowndes' 2007 State Championship trophy will be displayed on the SportsCenter anchor desk. In case of rain, the Valdosta State P.E. Complex will be used as the rain-site. Valdosta will be featured on the July 16th 6:00 p.m. broadcast of SportsCenter. As a lead-up to the Valdosta broadcast on the July 16th SportsCenter, ESPN Classic will run the Valdosta State vs. Pittsburg State 2004 National Championship game from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. while airing the 2007 Valdosta State vs. Northwest Missouri State National Championship contest from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Blazer Game vs. Fort Valley State to be Nationally Televised

2008-06-25

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State's season opening football game against Fort Valley State will be nationally broadcast on CBS College Sports Network according to an announcement made by the network and the NCAA Wednesday morning. The game, which will feature an 8 p.m. Eastern kickoff on Saturday, August 23, will be one of six Division II nationally televised contests by CBS College Sports Network. The 2008 season features the first time that Valdosta State has been featured the cable network, which broadcast three Division II games in 2006 and four in 2007. "We are extremely honored to be one of the 12 schools that will be featured as a part of the NCAA Division II-CBS College Sports Network broadcasts this season," said head coach David Dean after the announcement. "I believe it speaks to the credibility and success of our program that they have selected us and are excited that people across the nation will be able to see Blazer football in 2008." Not only will the Valdosta State-Fort Valley State game be the season opener for both schools, but it will also kick off the 2008 NCAA football season as the nation%u2019s first NCAA-sanctioned football game on any level. "Any one that is a college football fan is ready to watch football by the middle of August," Dean added. "We will be the only game on that weekend so we should have a lot of people watching us that wouldn%u2019t normally have that chance. I believe they will see an exciting game." CBS College Sports Network, formally known as CSTV, is available in more than 20 million homes across the United States via cable and satellite providers. It can be viewed on Channel 152 on Dish Network, 610 on DirecTV as well as through Mediacom%u2019s SportsPak package in the Valdosta area. The national broadcast will be one of three times that Valdosta State will be featured on television during the 2008 season. The October 2 game versus Delta State and the October 30 contest against West Georgia will be broadcast as a part of the Gulf South Conference Game of the Week package, which is available across the Southeastern United States on Charter/Comcast Sports and Cox Sports South. The Fort Valley State game will be the second straight Blazer game broadcast nationally as VSU's 25-20 victory over Northwest Missouri State in the national championship game last year was broadcast by ESPN.

Season Tickets Now on Sale

2008-06-16

The Valdosta State Athletic Department has begun its annual ticket sales for the upcoming 2008 football season. Come catch the Blazers as they look to defend their 2007 National Championship. The 2008 home season includes five games at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, beginning when VSU hosts Fort Valley State August 23 at 8:00 p.m., the first collegiate football game on any level of 2008. Remaining home games include visits from Ouachita Baptist on September 20 (Family Weekend) as well as Thursday night match-ups against Delta State (October 2) and West Georgia (October 30). Homecoming will be held October 18 when the Blazers host Harding at 1:00 p.m. For more ticket information, visit the VSU Ticket Office page on Blazerzone at www.vstateblazers.com/ticket-office/. Please note, per University policty, VSU Athletics is no longer able to process credit card orders over the telephone. Season Ticket Renewals: Blazer fans wishing to renew their tickets from 2007 have now until July 15 to guarantee the same seat location for 2008. After July 15, season tickets can still be renewed, but it is not guaranteed to be in the same location as 2007. New Season Tickets: Non-renewal season tickets will go on sale on July 16. All available seats can be purchased at that time, whether through renewal orby new ticket holders. Season tickets will be mailed on August 11. Any season tickets purchased after August 11 will have to be picked up in the VSU Ticket Office in the P.E. Complex or at Will Call at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on August 23.

Three Blazers Sign NFL Free Agent Contracts

2008-04-29

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Three players off the 2007 Valdosta State National Championship squad have signed free agent contracts with National Football League teams. Quarterback Willie Copeland, who threw for 3,160 yards and 28 touchdowns while guiding the Blazers to a 13-1 record last season, signed with the Miami Dolphins. During his two seasons with VSU, Copeland started 23 of 24 games and passed for 5,823 yards and 55 touchdowns. The Rex, Ga. native completed 561-of-861 career passes, a 65.2 passing percentage, and owned a 138.02 career quarterback rating. Offensive tackle Gerald Davis, who started all four seasons for Valdosta State, signed with the New Orleans Saints. Davis started 36 of the 46 games he saw action in with the Blazers, including all 14 during the 2007 national championship run. He also played in the 2004 national title game won by the Blazers as a freshman after playing in 12 games, including two starts, that season. Cornerback Maurice Leggett was the final Blazer to sign a free agent contract as he inked a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Leggett played in 45 games during his VSU career, including both national championship contests. He registered 136 career tackles and tallied nine interceptions. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native tied a VSU school record with 15 passes broken up as a junior and finished his career with 23. An All-Gulf South Conference first-team member as a senior, Leggett blocked five kicks during his career. The trio mark the first time that a Valdosta State player has signed with an NFL squad since Richard Collier joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Spring of 2006. A total of 19 Blazers have either been drafted or signed free agent contracts with the NFL since the school began football in 1982.

Football Team to Host Blood Drive On Thursday

2008-03-31

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- The Valdosta State Football team will hold its annual Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross this Thursday, April 3. The event will be held on the Mezzanine in the P.E. Complex and will run from Noon until 8:00 p.m. Those interested in donating to the blood drive are encouraged to stop by the P.E. Complex during this time. Over the last couple of years, the Blazer Blood Drive has ranked as one of the largest in the Southeast, raising in excess of 350 pints in each of the last three years. This year, the football squad has set a goal of 500 pints of usable blood for their blood drive.

White Squad Claims 17-10 Win in Spring Game

2008-03-29

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Chris Hart's five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter propelled the White team to a 17-10 victory in the annual Valdosta State Spring Football game Saturday afternoon at Billy Grant Field. Hart's run capped off a nine-play, 69-yard drive that covered 4:19 of the 12 minute fourth quarter. Russ Callaway completed a pair of passes for 31 yards on the drive, including a 27-yard pick-up by Jackson Dean that moved the ball to the Black Squad's five yard line, setting up the rush by Hart. The Black Squad jumped on the board early as it marched 75 yards on 12 plays to score on the first drive of the game. Tucker Pruitt was a perfect six-for-six on the drive and hooked up with tight end Chris Fultcher for three passes. Michael Terry also picked up 10 yards on three carries. The Black Squad scored when Pruitt found Fultcher from 16 yards out on a play in which Fultcher out-jumped the defender for the ball. The White team evened the contest at 7-7 on its second drive of the game. Franklin Jones picked up six yards on the first before Hart gained 33 yards on a carry. Callaway proceeded to find R.J. Bastone for a six-yard gain before Hart hooked up with P.J. Curbeam for a 35-yard scoring strike. The contest remained tied into the third quarter before each team added a field goal. The Black team struck first as it recovered a fumble on the White Squad's 28 yard line. Two Terry carries and a Blake Field-to-Terry complete moved the ball to the 16 before the drive stalled. Zac Williams came on and kicked a 33-yard field goal to give the Black Squad a 10-7 advantage. The White team responded with a 19-yard field goal on its next drive as it marched 73 yards on eight plays. The key play of the drive came on a third-and-six pass play in which Callaway found Curbeam down the left-side of the field for a 58-yard gain. Hart proceeded to hook up with Dean for 15 more yards to move the ball to the Black 7, but three rushes tallied just five yards, bringing on Devin Sabina for the field goal attempt. Pruitt completed 15-of-17 passes in the game for 133 yards and a touchdown as the Black team completed 21-of-35 passes for 181 yards. The Black team also picked up 63 yards on 22 carries, including 26 yards by Terry. Fultcher caught four passes for 33 yards while Roper had a game-high five catches. Callaway and Hart combined to complete 11-of-14 passes for 169 yards while Hart led the White rushing attack with 66 yards on 11 carries. Overall, the White team gained 104 yards rushing while Curbeam caught two passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. The Spring Game concludes VSU's Spring Practice schedule. The Blazers will host its annual Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross next Thursday, April 3 in the P.E. Complex beginning at Noon before holding its year end Banquet on Thursday, April 17 at the Rainwater Conference Center. VSU begins its 2008 schedule Saturday, August 23 when it hosts Fort Valley State at 7:00 p.m. in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Football Holds Spring Game Draft

2008-03-27

VALDOSTA, Ga. - All-American wide receiver Cedric Jones was taken by the White team as the No. 1 overall pick Thursday in Valdosta State's draft for the annual Blazer Spring Game, which will be held Saturday, March 29 at 1:00 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Each team announced its top 10 picks during Thursday draft, which was attended by a number of interested players as well as offensive line coach David Elsenrath, who provided analysis of each draft pick. Two-time All-American safety Sherard Reynolds was selected second in the draft as the Black team%u2019s No. 1 selection followed by linebacker Larry Dean for the white squad. The Black team, which will be led by guest coach Chris Wilmot, chose to boost its secondary early in the draft as, after selecting Reynolds first, it selected cornerback Roger King and safety Everett Kitchens with its next two choices. The Black squad also selected quarterback Tucker Pruitt, offensive tackle Qutin Rainey, defensive tackle Demario Jones, running back Mike Brown, tight end Chris Fulcher, offensive guard Decaris Leeks and wide receiver Cedric Evans. The White squad, which will feature guest coach Marty McGhin, countered with running backs Rashawn Robinson, Franklin Jones and Gabe Mould, defensive tackle Bryant Thorpe, center Adam Hollingsworth, linebacker Japree Miles, quarterback Chris Hart and wide receiver Eric Sledge. Running back Michael Terry, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards in 2007, earned the title of Mr. Irrelevant as the last player taken in the draft. Full rosters for each squad will be available on the internet Friday.

Valdosta State Announces 2008 Football Schedule

2008-03-21

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Regional contests against Fort Valley State and at Newberry as well as an eight-game slate in the Gulf South Conference make up the 2008 Valdosta State football schedule, according to an announcement made by the University on Friday. The Blazers will open defense of their 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship on Saturday, August 23 when it hosts the FVSU Wildcats out of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the first NCAA contest of the new season. Due to scheduling conflicts, the two schools had to receive special permission from the NCAA to play the contest on the early date, which is one week prior to the scheduled start for the 2008 season. "We're excited to be able to keep the rivalry with Fort Valley State," said VSU head coach David Dean in making the announcement. "The game is a good one for both schools and we wanted to be able to complete the current contract on the series. We would like to thank the NCAA for granting our request to start a week early." Due to scheduling conflicts, the 2008 contest between FVSU and the Blazers will be the last in the series for the near future. VSU will travel to Newberry, S.C. to face the Indians of Newberry College, of the South Atlantic Conference, on August 30. "Our game with Newberry should be a very good game," Dean continued. "They are traditionally a very good team and it won't be easy to go up to their place and play. We like having the opportunity to play a SAC team as we feel it is good for the region. Newberry played in the 2006 NCAA Division II Playoffs and just barely missed making the playoffs last season so the game should have Regional implications." Valdosta State opens Gulf South Conference play on September 13 when it travels to Magnolia, Ark. to match-up against Southern Arkansas. VSU's Parent's Weekend will be the next week when the Blazers host Ouachita Baptist. Additional home games include a Thursday, October 2 match-up against Delta State as well as Saturday, October 18 versus Harding and Thursday, October 30 against West Georgia. Both the Delta State and West Georgia games are slated to be broadcast as a part of the GSC Game of the Week television package. VSU's remaining schedule includes road games at West Alabama Saturday, September 27, at Henderson State Saturday, October 11 and at North Alabama on Saturday, October 25. "We will face a very tough GSC schedule this year," Dean added. "In addition to Delta State and North Alabama, we also face Harding and Henderson State. Both teams have improved greatly the last two years and now are two of the better teams in the conference." The 2008 Blazers will return 12 starters and 43 letterwinners off of a team that went 13-1 and won the University%u2019s second national championship in 2007.

Football Celebrity Shootout Approaching

2008-03-11

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY BLAZER FOOTBALL CELEBRITY SHOOTOUT AND AUCTION Sunday, April 20 - Auction and Barbeque Monday, April 21 - Celebrity Golf Shootout Participation Options Individual - $250 - 1 player entry fee & invitation to the pairings party/auction Team Sponsorship - $1000 - Company logo near green or tee, 4 man team & 4 invitations to pairings party/auction Corporate Sponsorship - $1000 and up %u2013 contact us for different levels Hole Sponsorship - $200 - Sign near a green or tee & one invitation to pairings party/auction (Portions of donations, not including green fees of $50.00 are tax deductible) Limited to First 36 Teams Georgia does not financially fund collegiate athletics. All proceeds benefit the Valdosta State University Football Program and its student athletes. For More Information, contact David Elsenrath at 229-333-5844 or click here to download a registration form.

Football Set to Open Spring Practice

2008-02-21

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Less than three months after winning the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship, the Valdosta State football team is set to begin work towards defending its title in 2008 as the Blazers open Spring Practice Friday, February 22 at 7:30 a.m. Rain or shine, the Blazers will take the field Friday morning, working out in shorts and jersey tops for the scheduled one hour and 45 minute session at Reames Field. Friday's practice session will be the first of 15 practices over the next 36 days, which will culminate with the Blazers annual spring game at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Saturday, March 29. "We're excited to get back on the field," stated head coach David Dean about Friday's practice. "A lot of positions are open this season and that makes the players very eager to get out there and show that they deserve to be playing and filling those open positions. Likewise, we want to work hard so we can get better and have a chance at defending our title." The 2008 spring practices will be important for the Blazers, who face the prospect of having to replace 13 starters off of a squad that went 13-1 in 2007. "Our biggest concern entering the spring practices is establishing a starting quarterback for next season," Dean added. "We have several good prospects and we are going to let those guys fight it out. Additionally, we need some wide receivers to step up and be a compliment for Cedric Jones. We also have some holes to fill on the offensive line were we lost four starters from last year. "Defensively, we need to find some guys up front that will provide us with the right combination of run-stoppers and a good pass rush. We will have a lot of young linebackers who will need to step up and show that they can play at the level we expect them to play at." In addition to the spring game March 29, the Blazers will also hold scrimmages on Reames Field on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 22. A draft of players will be held on Thursday, March 27, splitting the squad into two teams for the spring game two days later. VSU SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES Friday, February 22 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Saturday, February 23 - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, February 24 - 2:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 25 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, February 27 - VSU football team honored at Georgia State Capitol Friday, February 29 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Monday, March 3 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 5 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Friday, March 7 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (scrimmage) Saturday, March 8 through Sunday, march 16 - VSU Spring Break, No practice Wednesday, March 19 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Friday, March 21 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Saturday, March 22 - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (scrimmage) Monday, March 24 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 26 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Thursday, March 27 - TBA, Spring Game Draft Friday, March 28 - 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29 - 1:00 p.m. (Spring Game, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium)

SIGNING DAY CENTRAL

2008-02-06

Check here throughout the day for information on all of Valdosta State's 2008 signees. New information will be posted as it becomes available so check back often. Breakdown by Position: Wide Receiver - 10; Defensive Backs - 9; Running Backs - 8; Linebackers - 6; Defensive Line - 5; Offensive Line - 5; Quarterbacks - 2; Tight Ends - 3; Kickers - 1. Terry Ashley - Ocilla, Ga. - A 5-11, 190 pound running back from Irwin County High School ... Carried the ball 217 times for 1,504 yards and 16 touchdowns while leading Head Coach John Gamble's Indian team to a 7-4 record and the state tournament ... Caught 15 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns ... Punted 32 times for an average of 37.1 yards per punt ... Also played linebacker ... Registered 83 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and four sacks ... Intercepted one pass and recovered one fumble, which was returned for a touchdown ... Broke up six passes and tallied 12 quarterback hurries ... Was an All-State player at the linebacker position ... Led squad to a 5-5 mark in 2006 ... Recorded 201 carries for 1,323 yards and 11 touchdowns ... Finished the season with 110 tackles, including eight tackles for loss ... Intercepted two passes ... Also starred in basketball and track. David Bailey - Brunswick, Ga. - A 6-0, 185 pound running back from Glynn Academy ... Led the Red Terrors to a 7-3 record on the season ... Carried the ball 52 times for 276 yards and four touchdowns ... Also caught seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown ... Played for Head Coach Rob Ridings. Brett Beardon - Brunswick, Ga. - A 6-1, 170 pound kicker from Glynn Academy ... Led the Red Terrors to a 7-3 record on the season ... Kicked nine field goals and punted 18 times for an average of 35.3 yards per punt ... Played for Head Coach Rob Ridings. Derrick Boddie - Atlanta, Ga. - A 6-0, 202 pound wide receiver from North Atlanta High School ... Registered 1,873 All-Purpose yards for a Warrior team that finished the year at 2-8 ... Tallied 89 receptions and 17 touchdowns for Head Coach Chris Thomas ... Also played on the defensive side of the ball, finishing the season with 78 tackles ... Intercepted 13 passes and forced nine fumbles ... Recovered five fumbles ... Directed the Warriors to a 5-5 mark as a junior. D.J. Boykin - Atlanta, Ga. - A 6-3, 195 pound defensive back from McNair High School ... Played in the DeKalb County All-Star game ... Helped the Mustangs to a 4-6 record ... Played for Head Coach Roderick Moore. Anthony Brooks - Fitzgerald, Ga. - A 6-0, 240 pound linebacker from Fitzgerald High School ... Tallied 87 tackles for the Hurricanes in 2007 ... Registered 11 tackles for loss and six sacks ... Blocked three punts and registered eight quarterback hurries ... Forced two fumbles for a team that went 10-2 and advanced to the Georgia Class AA state tournament ... Was the Region 1-AA Defensive Player-of-the-Year ... Earned honorable mention All-State honors ... A member of the two-time Georgia state champion weightlifting team ... Played for Head Coach Robby Pruitt. Jerome Brooks - Rex, Ga. - A 6-3, 250 pound defensive end from Jonesboro High School ... Led the Cardinals with 104 tackles as a senior ... Recorded six sacks and caused two fumbles ... Also recovered two fumbles for a Jonesboro team that finished 3-7 ... Directed Head Coach Clint Satterfield's team to a 2-8 mark as a junior ... Recorded 98 tackles, including seven sacks ... Caused two fumbles ... Also starred in basketball and baseball. A.J. Brown - Tifton, Ga. - A 6-1, 210 pound defensive end from Tift County High School ... Directed the Blue Devils to a 6-5 record and an appearance in the first round of the Class AAAAA State Tournament ... Registered 56 tackles, including 33 solo stops and 23 assists ... Had one interception and three passes broken up ... Earned All-Region honors ... Led Head Coach Jay Walls' team to a 12-2 record in 2006 ... Had 66 total tackles, including 43 solos and 23 assists ... Registered five sacks and recorded one interception ... Also broke up a pass and forced a fumble while recovering two fumbles ... Led the Blue Devils to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the state semifinals ... Also starred in basketball and baseball. Randy Brown - Douglas, Ga. - A 6-0, 190 pound safety from Coffee High School ... Led the Trojans to a 9-3 record and a spot in the Georgia Class AAAAA state tournament ... Earned All-District honors for Head Coach Ken Elridge in 2006 while leading the Trojans to an 8-2 mark ... Also starred in basketball and track and field. Larry Bryant - Tifton, Ga. - A 5-11, 260 pound defensive tackle from Tift County High School ... Directed the Blue Devils to a 6-5 record and an appearance in the first round of the Class AAAAA State Tournament ... Registered 69 tackles, including 44 solo stops and 25 assists ... Recorded eight sacks and 18 tackles for loss ... Forced three fumbles ... Earned All-State and All-Region honors ... Helped Head Coach Jay Walls' program to a 12-2 record in 2006 ... Tallied 44 tackles on the year, including three sacks ... Broke up one pass, intercepted one pass and recovered two fumbles ... Squad advanced to the state semifinals. Jake Burgdorf - McDonough, Ga. - A 6-0, 215 pound deep snapper from Luella High School ... Led the Lions to a 5-5 record in 2007 ... Graded out at 88 percent as a tight end ... Directed Head Coach and father Paul Burgdorf's squad to a 4-6 mark in 2006 ... Caught eight passes for 84 yards ... A three-year member of the National Honor Society ... Earned All-Region honors as both a tight end and deep snapper as a senior ... Also a two-year letterwinner for the Lion baseball team. Demarkus Carracter - Decatur, Ga. - A 6-1, 185 pound defensive back from Southwest DeKalb High School ... Helped the Panthers to a 5-5 record in 2007 ... Was named All-DeKalb County as a junior in 2006 ... Played for Head Coach Buck Godfrey. Wilbert Carter - White Plains, Ga. - A 6-2, 170 pound wide receiver from Greene County High School ... Led the Tigers to a 7-4 record and a showing in the Class AA state playoffs ... Caught 53 passes for 699 yards and eight touchdowns ... Also played on the defensive side of the ball ... Tallied 51 tackles and three interceptions ... Played for head coach Larry Milligan. Kody Case - Buford, Ga. - A 6-0, 165 pound wide receiver from Buford High School ... Led the Wolves to a perfect 15-0 record and the Georgia Class AA State Championship in 2007 ... Earned first-team All-County honors ... Played for Head Coach Jess Simpson. Everett Curtis - Gordon, Ga. - A 6-7, 300 pound offensive lineman from Northeast High School ... Led the Raiders to a 6-4 record in 2007 ... Played for Head Coach Bruce Mullen. De'Andre Derico-Lewis - Atlanta, Ga. - A 6-3, 205 pound wide receiver from North Atlanta High School ... Tallied 1,900 total yards for the Warriors ... Scored 21 touchdowns for a squad that finished the year 2-8 ... Also saw action n the defensive side of the ball ... Registered 37 tackles and two interceptions ... Directed Head Coach Chris Lewis' squad to a 5-5 mark in 2006 ... Recorded 675 receiving yards and three touchdowns ... Recorded 52 tackles and four interceptions. Chris Doster - Loganville, Ga. - A 5-10, 215 pound fullback from South Gwinnett High School ... Led the Comets to a 6-5 record ... Also played linebacker for Head Coach John Small ... Was the team%u2019s leading tackler ... Earned second-team All-Gwinnett County honors. Jeffrey Folks - Decatur, Ga. - A 5-9, 175 pound cornerback from Southwest DeKalb High School ... Led the Panthers to a 5-5 record in 2007 ... Tallied 52 tackles and six interceptions ... Directed Head Coach Buck Godfrey's team to an 8-3 record and an appearance in the Georgia Class AAAA state playoffs in 2006 ... Registered 39 tackles while intercepting two passes ... Also a standout for the Southwest DeKalb baseball team ... Batted .526, drove in 19 runs and stole 26 bases last season. Gerald Ford - Gainesville, Ga. - A 6-3, 215 pound wide receiver from Gainesville High School ... Led the Red Elephants to a 7-4 record and a spot in the Class AAA state tournament ... Caught 90 passes for 1,279 yards and 12 touchdowns ... Set the school record for single season receptions and yards while tying the school mark for touchdown receptions ... Earned All-State honors ... Also led Head Coach Bruce Miller's team to a 7-4 record in 2006 ... Caught 14 passes for 230 yards ... Also starred in basketball and track. Adam Gieseking - Brandon, Fla. - A 6-1, 220 pound tight end from Brandon High School ... Directed the Eagles to a 7-4 record and the first round of the Florida Class 5A state tournament ... Played for Head Coach John Lima. LaCollie Gordon - Twin City, Ga. - A 6-1, 190 pound wide receiver from Emanuel County Institute ... Caught 32 passes for 500 yards for a squad that went 15-0 and won the Georgia Class A state championship ... Tallied eight touchdowns ... Also played defensive back and intercepted nine passes ... Led Head Coach Milan Turner's team to a 10-1 record and the state play-offs in 2006 ... Caught 20 passes for 307 yards ... Scored six touchdowns ... Also intercepted four passes ... Starred in basketball as well. Theseus Jackson - Irwinton, Ga. - A 5-10, 175 pound running back from Wilkinson County High School ... Led James Hagins' Warrior squad to a 4-6-1 record this season ... Carried the ball 124 times for 1,175 yards ... Scored 13 touchdowns on the ground ... Caught 23 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns ... Earned All-Region honors ... Helped the Warriors to a 4-6 mark in 2006 ... Was the 2007 Georgia State champion in the triple jump. Tomarez Jenkins - Augusta, Ga. - A 5-10, 160 pound wide receiver from Hephzibah High School ... Directed the Rebels to a 4-6 record ... Caught 37 passes for 721 yards and eight touchdowns ... Set the Rebels career receiving mark ... Led Head Coach John Bowen's team to a 1-9 mark in 2006 ... Caught 22 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns ... Earned All-Area and All-Region honors as a senior. Isaiah Jupiter - Lilburn, Ga. - A 5-10, 170 pound wide receiver from Berkmar High School ... Led Head Coach Wendell Early's team to a 6-4 record in 2007 ... Caught 35 passes for 745 yards and seven touchdowns ... Also played defensive back and registered 15 tackles and five interceptions ... Tallied 31 receptions for 731 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. Malcolm Lundy - Fitzgerald, Ga. - A 6-3, 235 pound linebacker from Fitzgerald High School ... Led the Purple Hurricanes to the second round of the Georgia Class AA state tournament ... Recorded 98 tackles for a team that finished the year with a 10-2 record ... Finished the season with 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks ... Blocked two punts and registered one interception ... Tallied seven quarterback hurries and six forced fumbles ... Led Head Coach Robby Pruitt's team to a 10-1 record in 2006 ... Also played basketball and was a member of the Georgia state weightlifting championship team. Donald Maxwell - Suwanee, Ga. - A 6-1, 195 pound strong safety from North Gwinnett High School ... Led the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish in the 2007 Georgia Class AAAAA state tournament and a 13-2 record ... Tallied 52 total tackles on the year, including five sacks and six tackles for loss ... Broke up two passes and forced two fumbles, one of which he recovered ... Also registered 13 quarterback hurries and scored on touchdown on the year ... As a junior in 2006, led North Gwinnett to an 11-2 record and a showing in the state quarterfinals ... Recorded 72 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks ... Broke up two passes and caused one fumble ... Was a two-time All-Region selection ... Played for Head Coach Bob Sphire. Brock Mayo - Niceville, Fla. - A 6-2, 280 pound offensive lineman from Niceville High School ... Led the Eagles to an 8-3 record last season ... Earned first-team All-Region honors ... Played for Head Coach John Hicks. Brett McClendon - Atlanta, Ga. - A 5-10, 175 pound wide receiver from Mays High School ... Led the Raiders to a 9-3 record in 2007 ... Led Head Coach Jesse Solomon's team to a 9-3 record and a showing in the second round of the Georgia Class AAAA state playoffs ... Led the squad in receptions while also playing defensive back ... Tallied three tackles, six passes broken up and one interception. Marcus McNair - Valdosta, Ga. - A 5-9, 185 pound running back from Valdosta High School ... Led the Wildcats to a 9-3 record and a spot in the Georgia Class AAAAA state playoffs ... Earned second-team All-Region honors ... Rushed for 421 yards and six touchdowns on 86 carries ... Also caught 12 passes for d 115 yards and a touchdown ... Played for Head Coach Rick Tomberlin. Marcus Nedd - Tucker, Ga. - A 6-3, 215 pound defensive end from Tucker High School ... Led the Tigers to a 13-1 record and a spot in the Georgia Class AAAA state semifinals ... Registered 60 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and four sacks ... Recovered two fumbles for Head Coach Franklin Stephens' squad. Nick Richards - Evans, Ga. - A 6-4, 205 pound quarterback from Greenbrier High School ... Completed 149-of-301 passes in 2007 ... Led the Wolfpack to a 5-5 record ... Threw for 1,630 yards and 12 touchdowns ... Led his squad with eight rushing touchdowns ... Directed Head Coach Scott Chadwick's squad to a 4-6 mark in 2006 ... Played outfield for Greenbrier's 2007 state championship baseball team. Cam Short - Thomaston, Ga. - A 6-3, 250 pound center from Flint River Academy ... Directed the Wildcats to a 13-1 record and the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Class A State title in 2007 ... Played tight end, center, defensive end, fullback and long snapper for Head Coach Bobby Smith ... Recorded 63 tackles, including five sacks, carried the ball 13 times for 131 yards and caught 12 passes for 118 yards ... Scored six touchdowns on the year ... Led the Wildcats to a state-runner up finish and a 13-1 mark as a junior ... Earned All-State honors as a junior and senior ... Was an All-Region selection in basketball and starred in baseball and track. Ryan Smith - Decatur, Ga. - A 6-1, 190 pound linebacker from Chamblee High School ... Led the Bulldogs to a 12-2 record in 2007 ... Directed Head Coach Jim Showfety's squad to a spot in the Georgia Class AAA state semifinals ... Was named first-team All-DeKalb County ... Was second on the squad with 60 tackles, including 42 solo stops and 18 assists ... Registered seven tackles for loss and four interceptions ... Caused three fumbles and recovered four ... Scored two touchdowns off turnovers. Kevin Stokes - Valdosta, Ga. - A 5-9, 175 pound cornerback from Valdosta High School ... Registered 40 tackles for head coach Rick Tomberlin ... Intercepted four passes and recovered four fumbles for a team that went 9-3 and advanced to the Georgia Class AAAAA state tournament ... Also forced one fumble ... Tallied 40 tackles in 2006 ... Broke up five passes ... Was named honorable mention All-Region in 2007. Brett Sudduth - Austell, Ga. - A 6-1, 190 pound linebacker from South Cobb High School ... Tallied 110 tackles and five sacks for a 2-8 Eagles team ... Also forced two fumbles ... Played in the Cobb County All-Star game ... Registered five tackles for a 7-4 Eagles team in 2006 ... Played for Head Coach Derek Cook ... Also starred in track and field. Angelo Tabachino - Kennesaw, Ga. - A 6-1, 250 pound offensive lineman from Kell High School ... Led Head Coach Irv Sigler's team to a 2-8 record in 2007 ... Helped the Longhorns to a 5-5 mark as a junior in 2006. Curtis Weatherspoon - Valdosta, Ga. - A 6-2, 205 pound linebacker from Valdosta High School ... Recorded 110 tackles and five sacks for the Wildcats ... Intercepted two passes and recovered four fumbles for a team that advanced to the Georgia Class AAAAA state tournament ... Led Head Coach Rick Tomberlin's team to a 9-3 record ... Earn All-State honors and was the Region 1-AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year. Alex Webster - Atlanta, Ga. - A 5-10, 175 pound cornerback from South Cobb High School ... Helped the Eagles to a 2-8 record in 2007 ... Registered 53 tackles and eight passes broken up ... Also intercepted three passes ... Saw time at wide receiver ... Caught 10 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns ... Earned All-County honors ... Led Head Coach Derek Cook's team to a 7-4 record and a spot in the AAAAA state tournament in 2006 ... Registered 49 tackles and six passes broken up ... Also intercepted one pass ... Starred in track, swimming and basketball as well. Zach West - Loganville, Ga. - A 5-9, 160 pound running back from Loganville High School ... Directed Head Coach Eric Godfree's team to a 4-6 record in 2007 ... Tallied 1,061 yards as a senior ... Scored 13 touchdowns on the ground ... Also caught 30 passes for 406 yards and five touchdowns ... Also scored on a returned punt ... Earned All-County honors ... Also starred in baseball and track. Mesh Wokomaty - Dallas, Ga. - A 6-7, 290 pound offensive tackle from East Paulding High School ... Directed the Raiders to a 12-1 record and a spot in the Georgia Class AAAA state quarterfinals ... Led Head Coach John Reid's team to a 12-2 record and the state semifinals in 2006 ... Also starred in basketball. James Woods - Decatur, Ga. - A 6-2, 195 pound linebacker from Southwest DeKalb High School ... Helped the Panthers to a 5-5 record in 2007 ... Played for Head Coach Buck Godfrey. Dontravius Wright - Greensboro, Ga. - A 5-9, 185 pound defensive back from Greene County High School ... Led the Tigers to a 7-4 record and a showing in the Class AA state playoffs ... Tallied 132 tackles, including five sacks and 21 tackles for loss ... Also played running back ... Carried the ball 35 times for 311 yards ... Scored nine touchdowns for Head Coach Larry Milligan. MID-YEAR TRANSFERS Chance Attaway - Clarksville, Fla. - A 5-11, 210 pound fullback that played at Florida International University in 2006 and 2007 ... Played in 17 games, earning three starts in the process ... Carried the ball 15 times for 22 yards ... Also scored one touchdown. Devin Cannon - Wrightsville, Ga. - A 5-9, 185 pound cornerback that played at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2006 and 2007 ... Saw action in 22 games, earning four starts as a sophomore ... Registered 34 tackles, including 36 solos and eight assists ... Recorded one tackle for loss and one interception ... Broke up two passes and forced one fumble. Blake Field - Thomasville, Ga. - A 6-1, 195 pound quarterback that played at the Auburn University from 2005-07 ... Completed 31-of-51 passes for 376 yards ... Played in 18 games, with one start ... Threw four touchdowns ... Was named the SEC Freshman of the Week on Sept. 27, 2005 after completing 13-of-22 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns in a start against Western Kentucky. Chris Fultcher - San Jose, Calif. - A 6-4, 250 pound tight end that played at Portland State in 2006 ... Saw action in seven games, mainly in a blocking role ... Played at Foothill Community College in California in 2004 and 2005 ... Was an honorable mention All-Conference player in 2005. Markus Manson - Tuscaloosa, Ala. - A 6-1, 215 pound running back that played at the University of Florida from 2005-07 ... Carried the ball 80 times while picking up 380 yards %u2026 Scored two touchdowns ... Caught nine passes for 55 yards ... Starred at Hill Crest High School ... Rushed for 1,701 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior in 2003. Caleb St. Louis - Snellville, Ga. - A 6-2, 265 pound defensive tackle that played at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2007 ... Played in all 11 games, recording 16 tackles ... Registered 11 solo stops and five assists ... Tallied two tackles for loss and two sacks ... Recovered one fumble. Bobby Williams - Jacksonville, Fla. - A 6-3, 204 pound wide receiver that played at Middle Tennessee State University from 2005-07 ... Played in 36 games, starting 20 of those contests ... Recorded 76 catches for 864 yards and five touchdowns ... Led the team with 36 catches as a sophomore in 2006.

Trio of Blazers Earn All-America Honors

2008-02-05

Valdosta, Ga. - Three Valdosta State football players have been named to the D2Football.com All-America team, according to an announcement recently made by the organization. Junior safety Sherard Reynolds earned first-team honors while senior linebacker William Montford and sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones received second-team recognition. Jones tallied 102 receptions, the second-most catches ever by a Blazer in a single season, and 1,171 receiving yards, the third-best year ever, during the 2007 season. The Waycross, Ga. native also caught 10 touchdowns while ranking eighth nationally in receptions per game and 30th nationally in receiving yards per game. He also earned first-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and second-team honors on the Daktronics All-America team as voted by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Reynolds finished the season with 102 tackles, second-best on the squad, while standing first with seven interceptions. He also broke up 12 passes and recovered a fumble, which he returned 34 yards for a touchdown. Additionally, Reynolds returned 24 punts on the year for an average of 13.3 yards per return. The honor is the second of the year for Reynolds, who was the leading vote-getter at the safety position on the Daktronics squad. Montford earned his first All-America team honors after leading the Blazers with 122 during the season. He also had a team-high 14.0 tackles for loss and seven quarterback hurries and was second on the squad with 5.0 sacks. He broke up two passes and forced three fumbles while intercepting the final pass of the season to secure VSU's national championship game victory. In addition to the three All-America honors, D2football.com also named Blazer head coach David Dean its 2007 Coach-of-the-Year. The honor is the fourth of the season for Dean, who was also recognized by the AFCA, Schutt Sports/American Football Monthly and the Touchdown Club of Atlanta.

Doscher Named Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year

2008-02-01

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State Strength and Conditioning Coach Michael Doscher has been named the Samson NCAA Division II Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year according to an announcement by American Football Monthly Friday. Doscher, who just completed his 12th football season with the Blazers, has overseen strength and conditioning for all 11 Valdosta State sports since the beginning of the 1996-97 school year. His efforts have helped the Blazer football squad win five Gulf South Conference championships as well as two national titles. "Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to his position and this university," said head football coach David Dean. "He has a passion for his job and cares about our student-athletes. He does an excellent job with our conditioning program and there is no doubt that he was a major reason why our team was so successful in the second half of games this past season. This honor is definitely well deserved." The honor marks the second time in four years that Doscher has been recognized for his efforts in helping the Blazer prepare for game day. In 2004, he was named the College Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, an award that covered all levels of universities.

Two Blazers Named GSC All-Academic

2008-01-30

Valdosta, Ga. - Two Valdosta State football players were named to the Gulf South Conference All-Academic team, according to an announcement made by the league offices Wednesday. Defensive end Travis Harrison earned the honor for the second straight season while tight end Zach Parker, who graduated in December, earned his first nod to the squad. Harrison, a senior who also was named to the 2007 All-Gulf South Conference squad, currently owns a 3.53 grade point average as an Exercise Physiology major. He was seventh on the Valdosta State squad in tackles during the 2007 national championship season, tallying 48, while leading the squad in sacks with eight. Harrison was second on the team in tackles for loss, finishing with 13.5, registered four quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and blocked two kicks. Parker graduated with a 3.36 grade point average in Public Relations and finished the year third on the team with 34 receptions on the season. He caught four touchdowns, including the game winner in the national semifinal win over California (Pa.) which earned recognition on ESPN as the Play of the Day. He averaged 10.5 yards per catch on the year, tallying 357 yards, and finished his career 10th on the Valdosta State career receptions list with 135. In order to qualify for the GSC All Academic teams, student-athletes must have completed one year at their respective academic institutions and have played a significant role on their team. Academically, the student-athlete must have a 3.20 cumulative grade point average. The teams are voted on by the Sports Information Directors and Faculty Athletic Representatives from each school, although schools cannot vote for athletes from their institution. In addition to the All-Academic teams, the GSC also announced that 543 student-athletes from the seven fall sports (men%u2019s cross country, women%u2019s cross country, football, men%u2019s soccer, women%u2019s soccer and volleyball) had earned GSC Honor Roll status for tallying a 3.00 grade point average. Valdosta State, which sponsors only four of the fall sports, placed 29 student-athletes on the Honor Roll, including 16 football players, five volleyball players, four men%u2019s cross country runners and four women%u2019s cross country runners.

Athletic Fieldhouse Construction Underway

2008-01-15

Work on the new Valdosta State Athletic Fieldhouse and practice fields is underway as construction crews continue to clear land from the "South of the Cemetary" sight. January 15, 2008 Photos

David Dean Named AFCA Coach of the Year

2008-01-10

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State head football coach David Dean has been named the 2007 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) NCAA Division II Coach of the Year, according to an announcement made the organization on Wednesday. The honor is the third of the year for Dean, who also earned recognition from Schutt Sports/American Football Weekly and the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. He becomes just the second coach to earn the AFCA honor in his first year. Dean's recognition comes after he led the Blazers to a 13-1 record in 2007, which culminated with a 25-20 victory over Northwest Missouri State in the NCAA Division II National Championship game. The first-year head coach is the second Valdosta State leader to win the honor, joining predecessor Chris Hatcher who won the honor in 2004. The AFCA award, which is the only Division II Coach-of-the-Year honor recognized by the NCAA, is determined by a vote of all AFCA members. Kansas' Mark Mangino was named the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly I-A) Coach-of-the-Year while Appalachian State?s Jerry Moore earned his third straight award in the Football Championship Subdivision level. Other winners included Wisconsin-Whitewater's Lance Leipold (Division III) and Carroll's (Mont.) Mike Van Diest (NAIA).

David Dean Named Schutt Sports Coach of the Year

2008-01-04

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State head football coach David Dean has been named the 2007 NCAA Division II Coach of the Year by American Football Weekly and Schutt Sports, according to an announcement made by Schutt Sports Friday. Dean earned the honor after leading the Blazers to a 13-1 record in 2007, which culminated with a 25-20 victory over Northwest Missouri State in the NCAA Division II National Championship game. The first-year head coach is the third Blazer to earn national distinctions this year, as wide receiver Cedric Jones was named first team All-America by the AFCA while earning second team honors on the Daktronics All-America team as voted by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Likewise, safety Sherard Reynolds received the most votes at his position while earning first-team All-America distinction from Daktronics. Illinois' Ron Zook was named the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly I-A) Coach-of-the-Year while Northern Iowa's Mark Fraley earned the honor on the Football Championship Subdivision level. Other winners included Wisconsin-Whitewater's Lance Leipold (Division III), Dale Clarkson of Ohio Dominican (NAIA) and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Steve Campbell (Junior College).

Get Your Blazer Championship Merchandise!

2007-12-17

Bookstore hours are now availble to purchase your Valdosta State Blazer Football Championship Merchandise. The time are as followed: December 17-18 (Monday-Tuesday): 8:30 am - 5:00 pm December 19-21 (Wednesday-Friday): 10:00 am - 1 pm Congratulations to the 2007 Valdosta State Football Team on winning the DII National Championship! Go Blazers!

CHAMPIONS AGAIN

2007-12-15

FLORENCE, Ala. - Michael Terry's one-yard plunge with 22 seconds remaining in the game propelled Valdosta State to the second NCAA Division II Football National Title in school history as the Blazers defeated Northwest Missouri State 25-20 in front of 7,532 fans at Braly Stadium Saturday afternoon. The win gave Valdosta State two championships in the last four years and made Blazer head coach David Dean just the second first-year head coach to lead his squad to the Division II title. Earle Solomonson also accomplished the feat with North Dakota State in 1985. Meanwhile, Northwest Missouri State finished runner-up for the third straight year. Terry's touchdown capped off an eight-play, 37-yard drive for the Blazers (13-1) that covered 3:39 of the game clock. VSU gained the ball on the Bearcat end of the field after a punt by Michael Stadler traveled just 26 yards. Willie Copeland completed a three-yard pass to Zach Parker on the first play from scrimmage before hooking up with Ronnye Nelson for a 10-yard gain down to the NWMS 24. The senior quarterback again found Parker, this time for a six-yard gain while RaShawn Robinson picked up five yards on a carry to give the Blazers a first down at the Bearcat 13. Copeland and Scott Palmer picked up another eight yards through the air and Terry gave VSU a first-and-goal with a four yard run to the Northwest Missouri one. On the next play, Terry plunged into the middle of the line and was stopped before bouncing the ball back out to the left-side. He was stopped just inches shy of the goal line before scoring on second down for the game winning score. The two-point conversion try was unsuccessful. Northwest Missouri State (12-2) returned the ensuing kickoff to its own 38. However, on the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Joel Osborn was hit by VSU defensive end Melvin Black as he let go of the pass. The fluttering ball was intercepted by William Montford to seal the victory for Valdosta State. Valdosta State opened the scoring on the first drive of the game as it marched 50 yards on eight plays. Zac Williams capped off the drive with a 35-yard field goal just 2:10 into the contest. Northwest Missouri State grabbed the lead early in the second quarter as Aldwin Foster-Rettig picked off a tipped pass and returned it 31-yards for a touchdown and a 7-3 Bearcat advantage. The Bearcats upped their advantage to 14-3 just 21 seconds before halftime. NWMS took over on its own 47 after a punt and used just four plays to score. The key play come when quarterback Osborn found tight end Mike Peterson down the left-sideline for a 37-yard pick up to the VSU three. On the next play, Osborn and Peterson again hooked up for the Northwest Missouri score. The Blazers quickly cut into their deficit in the third quarter as they stopped Northwest Missouri State on their first drive and took over on the Bearcat 44. Copeland completed four-of-five passes on the drive, including an seven-yard scoring stroke to Clay Callaway to cut the VSU deficit to 14-10 just 3:14 into the second half. Valdosta State regained the lead with 13:21 remaining in the game with the use of a trick play. Copeland completed five-of-seven passes for 55 yards on the drive and appeared to get the Blazers into the end zone with a nine-yard pass to Cedric Jones. However, the officials ruled the Jones did not control the reception, bringing up a second-and-goal. On the next play, Nelson lined up under center and faked a run before throwing to Parker for a 17-14 VSU lead. Northwest Missouri State quickly answered as they took the kickoff and returned it to the VSU 48. On the next play, Osborn hit Caleb Obert for a 33 yard pick-up. A reverse to Kendall Wright moved the ball to the VSU 2, setting up a scoring plunge by Xavier Omon. However, Maurice Leggett blocked the extra point try, which was scooped up by Roger King and returned for a defensive extra point attempt for a 20-19 Bearcat lead. Copeland completed 29-of-44 passes for 257 yards in the game while Jones caught 10 passes for 95 yards, his third 10-catch game of the year. His 10 catches gave him 102 for the season, making him just the second VSU receiver to tally 100-catches in a season. Overall, the Blazers tallied 305 total yards of offense. Michael Cullen recorded nine tackles to lead the Valdosta State defense while Sherard Reynolds, Montford and Jermel Daniels finished with seven each. The Blazer defense limited Omon, who was averaging 236 yards a game and had scored 10 touchdowns in NWMS's three previous playoff games, to just 63 yard on 27 carries. Osborn completed 18-of-28 passes for 148 yards and a score while also throwing two touchdowns. The Bearcats tallied just 235 yards of total offense in the game, more than 221 less than their season average of 456.7 per game.

Pair of Blazers Named All-America

2007-12-15

FLORENCE, Ala. ? A pair of Valdosta State Blazers earned All-America honors Thursday, according to announcements made by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones earned All-America honors from both organizations, being named to the first team by the AFCA while earning second team honors from CoSIDA as part of the Daktronics All-America team. He ranks among the national leaders with 92 receptions this season while tallying 1,076 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Jones was the only sophomore named to the AFCA team while being one of three sophomores named to the two Daktronic teams. Junior safety Sherard Reynolds earned Daktronics First-Team All-America honors for the second straight season. The leading voter-receiver at the safety position, Reynolds is second on the VSU squad with 94 tackles and has registered seven interceptions and 18 total passes defended on the season. Reynolds becomes just the sixth Valdosta State Blazer to earn All-America honors in multiple years. VSU has now had 32 players earn All-America status a total of 38 times in 26 years of intercollegiate football. Jones, Reynolds and the rest of the Blazers face Northwest Missouri State in the NCAA Division II National Championship Game Saturday at Noon in Braly Stadium.

National Championship Game Notes

2007-12-12

This Week's Game: Valdosta State plays in its third NCAA title game in the last six years as it faces Northwest Missouri State. The Blazers are 12-1 on the year while the Bearcats are also 12-1. VSU is averaging 422.0 yards and 39.6 points a game while giving up 333.4 yards and 17.5 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 2,903 yards and 27 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 92 passes for 1,076 yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 115 tackles. NWMSU is averaging 38.7 points and 456.7 total yards a game while surrendering 18.4 points and 315.8 yards a contest. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Northwest Missouri State game will be the 297th game in school history. The Blazers have won 200 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .682. Television / Webcast: The game will be televised on ESPN2. Dave Pasch, Andre Ware and Holly Rowe will call the action. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. Fans can follow the action via the internet at www.rock108.fm. The Series: Today?s game marks the first ever contest between Valdosta State and Northwest Missouri State. The Blazers have faced off against a MIAA team twice previously, winning both games. The game also features VSU?s third appearance in the national title contest. The Blazers are 1-1 in previous meetings, falling in 2002 while winning in 2004. Click for Complete Game Notes

National Championship Game Information

2007-12-10

The Blazer football team will travel to Florence, Alabama to compete in the 2007 Division II National Championship against Northwest Missouri State. The game will be on Saturday at 11 am (12 pm Eastern Standard Time). Below is some information for those fans who would like to travel or who wish to watch the game on television. BLAZERS SEND OFF: On Wednesday, the football team will be leaving for Florence, Ala. Please join us in helping send the team off in Blazer-fashion. The bus will be departing the old gym, located on Baytree and Oak St., at 1 pm. TICKET INFORMATION: Fans! Tickets are on sale this week in the Athletic Department from 9-5. Ticket sales will cease at 12 pm on Wednesday. All seats are $20. You can either drop by the Athletic Department and pick up your ticket or you can order one over the phone. For any questions or concerns please contact Amy Fenolia at 245-3762. Up through noon on Thursday, fans can call 256-764-4661 or visit www.d2championship.com to order tickets. They can request to sit on the VSU side but exact seat location is not guaranteed. Those fans will be able to pick up their tickets at the Will Call Booth (NOT VSU?s) on the north end of the stadium beginning at 8am on Saturday morning. After noon on Thursday, fans will have to wait until 8am on Saturday to purchase tickets at the gates on the north end of the stadium. TRANSPORTATION: Students! Several buses will be leaving the PE Complex between midnight and 1 am on Saturday to drive through the night to Florence, Ala. If you would like to travel, please go to the Dean of Students Office to reserve your seat. All students traveling on the bus will receive a free ticket once the buses get to Florence, Ala. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 333-5941. Fans! Jaret Broomberg of Executive Travel is putting together a fan bus. Please call Jarrett if you would like to reserve a spot on the bus at 245-0028. GAME DAY: The Blazers take on NMSU at 12 pm EST. Valdosta State will have a booster tailgate area located at the North end of the stadium. VSU will have a will-call area where all reserved tickets can be picked up two hours prior to kick-off. Food and drinks will be available! TELEVISION: The game will be on ESPN2 and will be broadcast at several restaurants in Valdosta and Atlanta. Beef 'O' Brady's, Charley 'O Corley's and Locos will show the game in Valdosta. The Beef O'Brady's in Atlanta will also broadcast the game. DIRECTIONS: From Atlanta: Take I-20 West towards BIRMINGHAM Exit I-20 at Exit 124 B (I-65 NORTH) Follow I-65 NORTH to Exit 340 (AL-20) Follow AL-20 WEST to FLORENCE From Valdosta: Take I-75 NORTH towards ATLANTA Follow the Atlanta Directions above If you have any questions, please contact the VSU Athletic Department at 333-5462!

Blazers Advance to NCAA Division II Title Game

2007-12-08

California, Pa. - Maurice Leggett's interception in the end zone with 56 seconds remaining in the contest preserved a 28-24 Valdosta State victory over California (Pa.) in the NCAA Semifinal round Saturday afternoon at Adamson Stadium. Leggett's interception came on a second-and-goal throw from Vulcan quarterback Joe Ruggiero. The senior cornerback from McKeesport, Pa., who was playing less than 30 miles from his boy-hood home, dove in front Jermaine Foye and caught the ball as he hit the ground to send the Blazers (12-1) to their third national championship game in the last six seasons. Valdosta State opened the scoring early in the second quarter as it capped off a four-play, 37-yard drive with a touchdown. Zach Parker opened the drive with a 21-yard reception that moved the ball to the Cal 16. After a one-yard pick-up on a screen and an incomplete pass, Willie Copeland found Clay Callaway for a 15-yard scoring strike to give the Blazers a 7-0 advantage. California (13-1) evened the game with 6:00 remaining in the second quarter as it marched 65 yards on 10 plays. Facing a second and goal from the 13-yard line, Ruggiero found Nate Foss in the right-corner of the end zone to even the game at 7-7. The Vulcans claimed their first lead of the game just 32 seconds before the half as it capitalized on a Copeland interception. CUP took over on its own 44 and marched 56 yards, capping the drive off with a two-yard Ruggiero-to-Cory Garver touchdown toss for a 14-7 advantage. California upped its advantage to 21-7 less than four minutes into the second half as it marched 62 yards in eight plays. The key play of the drive came when Daine Williams picked up 10 yards on a rush. However, VSU was called for a personal foul on the drive that pushed the ball down to the VSU 10. Three plays later Ruggiero and Garver hooked up for their second scoring strike of the game. The Blazers took to the ground on the ensuing drive to cut their deficit in half. VSU carried the ball seven times and picked up 45 rushing yards, including 28 by Michael Terry, on the drive. Copeland finished off the drive as he faked a hand-off to Terry and scored from three yards out to slice the Cal lead to 21-14. Valdosta State evened the game at 21-21 with 2:26 to go in the third quarter. The key play on the drive came on a fourth-and-one play when VSU faked a punt and snapped the ball directly to Scott Palmer. Palmer picked up 20 yards on the rush to move the ball to the Cal 28. A personal foul against the Vulcans on the play moved the ball to the 13 and three plays later Copeland found Josh Rayam in the left corner for a two-yard scoring pass. Cal returned the ensuing kickoff to the 50 and moved the ball to the VSU 29 before Tyler Lorenz hit a 46-yard field goal to put the Vulcans back in front 24-21. The Blazers reclaimed the lead with 3:13 remaining in the game with five-play, 60-yard drive. Parker's 14-yard diving touchdown catch gave the Blazers a 28-24 advantage. In the first Division II game to feature instant replay, the play was reviewed and ruled a touchdown. Copeland completed 25-of-44 passes in the game for 203 yards while Cedric Jones caught 10 passes for 73 yards. Ronnye Nelson led the rushing game with 48 yards, as the Blazers picked up 118 yards rushing in the game, all in the second half. William Montford led the VSU defense 10 tackles while Sherard Reynolds finished with nine. Ruggiero completed 23-of-36 passes for 230 yards while Daine Williams had 18 carries for 62 yards. Valdosta State advances to meet the winner of Saturday night's Grand Valley State-Northwest Missouri State game. Tickets for the national championship game, which will be played at Braly Stadium in Florence, Ala., will be on sale in the VSU Athletic Offices between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Ticket prices are $20 and all seats for the event are reserved.

California (Pa.) Game Notes

2007-12-05

This Week's Game: Valdosta State travels to California (Pa.) in the NCAA Division II Semifinals. The Blazers, the Southeast Region champions, are 11-1 on the year while Cal, the Northeast champ, is 13-0. VSU is averaging 430.4 yards and 40.6 points a game this season while giving up 334.8 yards and 16.9 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 2,700 yards and 24 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 82 passes for 1,003 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 105 tackles. California (Pa.) is averaging 36.8 points and 382.8 total yards a game while surrendering 10.2 points and 198.9 yards a contest. The Vulcans feature the top ranked defense in the nation. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the California (Pa.) game will be the 296th game in school history. The Blazers have won 199 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .681. Television / Webcast: The game will be televised on ESPNU. Dave Armstrong will call the play-by-play while Jay Walker will provide commentary. Blazer fans will be able to view the game at several places across South Georgia. Valdosta State students, faculty and staff can gather in the auditorium of the Continuing Education Building to watch the game. Additionally, Beef O'Brady's in both Valdosta and Suwanee, Ga. is working with the VSU Alumni Association to hold viewing parties while Loco's Grill and Pub in Valdosta and Albany will also hold viewing parties. Likewise, Charley O'Corley's in Remerton will have the game on its television sets. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. Fans can follow the action via the internet at www.rock108.fm. The Series: Today's game marks the first ever appearance between Valdosta State and California (Pa.). The Blazers have faced off against a PSAC team only once before, defeating West Chester 45-21 in the 2004 National Semifinals. The contest is VSU's third trip to the NCAA Division II semifinals, with the Blazers holding a 2-0 record in the previous two games. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Will Travel to Pennsylvania for Semifinals

2007-12-02

Valdosta, Ga. - The NCAA announced Sunday morning that California (Pa.) will host the Division II Football National Semifinal game between the Vulcans and Valdosta State. The game will be played next Saturday, December 8, at 11:00 a.m. The contest will be televised live on ESPNU nationwide. The 2007 semifinal appearance marks the third time in school history that the Blazers have played as one of the four remaining active teams. In its two previous semifinal games, which occurred in 2002 and 2004, the Blazers won to advance to the National Championship game. Per NCAA rules, fans are not allowed to travel with the team to this event. However, Executive Travel (Jaret Broomberg / 229-245-0028) and South Georgia Travel (Jane Shelton / 229-244-2324) can be contacted about transportation possibilities. For those not able to attend the game, the VSU Office of Alumni Relations has already announced that it will team with Beef O'Brady's in Valdosta to broadcast the game. Further details will be listed when available.

Blazers Defeat North Alabama 37-23

2007-12-01

Valdosta, Ga. - No. 8 Valdosta State used three special teams touchdowns to defeat No. 10 North Alabama 37-23 in the NCAA Quarterfinals at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday afternoon. Two of the three scores came during the decisive fourth quarter, that saw VSU (11-1) score 21 unanswered points. Trailing 23-16 with just over 11 minutes remaining in the contest, the Blazers forced a UNA punt. Sherard Reynolds fielded the punt at the Blazer 35 and raced 65 yards to tie the game at 23-23. The VSU held on the next Lion possession, forcing another punt from Will Batson. Roger King grabbed the kick on the VSU 20 and eluded a tackler. A block from Jamaal Clark sprang King free, allowing him to run untouched down the VSU sideline for a 30-23 Valdosta State lead. King's 80-yard punt return was the longest in school history for a score, eclipsing the old mark of 78 established by Reynolds last season against Southern Arkansas. On the ensuing North Alabama possession, Travis Harrison sacked Lion quarterback A.J. Milwee on first down, backing the ball to the UNA 11. On the next pass, Milwee hit Brandenn Picket on a shovel pass, but Pickett proceeded to fumble the ball. VSU's Michael Cullen recovered the ball on the UNA 3 yard line, setting up a three-yard Willie Copeland-to-Cedric Jones touchdown pass for the final score of the game. North Alabama (10-2) opened the scoring on its first drive of the game as it marched 79 yards on 14 plays. Milwee capped off the drive with a six-yard touchdown run, but Scott Shurden's point after attempt was wide left. Valdosta State quickly answered as Ronnye Nelson fielded a Batson kickoff and sprinted 91 yards untouched for a touchdown. Zac Williams' point after attempt was wide right, leaving the game tied at 6-6. After a 13-yard Reynolds punt return gave the Blazers the ball in North Alabama territory at the 38, Copeland and Jones hooked up for a 26-yard completion for a 13-6 Blazer lead. Shurden kicked a 23-yard field goal with 1:44 remaining in the first quarter to cut the Lion deficit to 13-9 before a Milwee-to-Ed Gant 32-yard completion with 7:43 remaining in the second quarter posted North Alabama to a 16-13 advantage. VSU responded with a 33-yard field goal from Williams 72 seconds before intermission to even the game at 16-16 heading into the halftime break. Milwee directed a nine-play, 84-yard drive in the third quarter to give the Lions their seven point second half advantage. He rushed for five yards and completed three-of-four passes for 50 yards, including a 13-yard completion to Rocky Coleman for the 23-16 UNA lead. Copeland completed 24-of-35 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Michael Terry carried the ball 14 times for 58 yards, giving him 1,028 yards on the season. Jones caught a VSU-high seven passes for 48 yards while Jeffrey Felton had four catches for 69 yards. Valdosta State tallied 330 yards in kick returns in the contest while tallying 306 yards in total offense. William Montford led the VSU defense with 11 tackles while Reynolds had nine stops, an interception and three passes defended. North Alabama finished the game with 413 yards of total offense, including 318 passing yards from Milwee, who completed 31-of-45 passes. Picket picked up 68 yards rushing on 15 carries while Jason Messing caught seven passes for 89 yards. Valdosta State advances to next weekend's NCAA Semifinal round and will play California (Pa.). The day, time and location of the game will be announced by the NCAA on Sunday, December 2.

Three Blazers Earn All-Southeast Honors

2007-11-29

Valdosta, Ga. - Three Valdosta State football players were named to the Daktronics All-Southeast Regional team, according to an announcement made by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Thursday. Two of the Blazers, sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones and junior safety Sherard Reynolds, earned First-Team honors for the second straight year and were joined on the First-Team by senior linebacker William Montford. Both Jones and Reynolds were the top vote receiver at their respective positions. Jones leads the Gulf South Conference and is 13th nationally in receptions with 70, an average of 6.8 per game. He has caught eight touchdowns on the year and has tallied 955 yards on the season. His 86.8 receiving yards per game also leads the GSC and ranks 24th nationally. Reynolds is currently second on the Valdosta State team with 76 tackles, including three-and-a-half tackles for loss. He has intercepted six passes this season, which he has returned for 176 yards, and has broken up eight passes. Reynolds has also returned one fumble 34 yards for a touchdown and is averaging 10.6 yards a return on 18 punt returns. His 0.5 interceptions per game ranks eight nationally. Montford earns his first All-Region team honors and currently leads Valdosta State in tackles with 94. He has totaled 11.5 tackles for loss on the year and four sacks while forcing a team-high three fumbles. Montford has also broken up two passes and has registered a VSU-best seven quarterback hurries. He ranks fourth in the GSC in total tackles. By earning First-Team honors, the trio advances to the voting for All-America status, which will be released on December 11.

North Alabama Game Notes

2007-11-28

This Week's Game: Valdosta State and North Alabama meet in a All-Gulf South Conference Southeast Region final as the Lions visit Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers, the Southeast Region's No. 1 seed, are 10-1 on the season while UNA, the No. 2 seed, is also 10-1. The Blazers are averaging 441.7 yards and 40.9 points a game this season while giving up 327.7 yards and 16.4 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 2,486 yards and 22 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 75 passes for 955 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 94 tackles. North Alabama is averaging 38.8 points and 408.0 total yards a game while surrendering 18.3 points and 349.9 yards a contest. The Lions' A.J. Milwee is 21-2 all-time as a starter. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the North Alabama game will be the 295th game in school history. The Blazers have won 198 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .680. Television / Webcast: The game will not be televised, but will be available over the internet via radio webstreaming at www.rock108.fm. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: North Alabama leads the all-time series 15-12-1 in a series that dates back to October 30, 1982. VSU owns a 6-3 edge since the turn over the century. Last Meeting: Valdosta State used a Michael Terry touchdown run with 5:58 remaining in the game to defeat the Lions 27-24. North Alabama scored 14 third quarter points to take the lead. The win snapped a two-game VSU losing streak in the series. Click for Complete Game Notes

Playoff Football Tickets Now on Sale

2007-11-27

Valdosta, Ga. - Tickets for Saturday's NCAA Quarterfinal Playoff game against North Alabama are now on sale in the Valdosta State Athletic Offices. Tickets are $15 for reserved seats, $10 for general admission and $4 four senior adults and youth/students. Valdosta State season ticket holders have until Thursday, November 29 at Noon to reclaim their season seats, before those seats are released to the general public for sale. The Valdosta State Dean of Students has purchased 1,250 tickets for Valdosta State students. These tickets can be picked up, at no cost to the student, at the Dean of Students office in the University Union. A valid Student I.D. is required to receive a ticket and the tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Blazers and Lions will play Saturday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, with the winner advancing to the NCAA Division II Semifinals.

Blazers Defeat Catawba 55-29

2007-11-24

Valdosta, Ga. - Valdosta State scored 42 second half points as the Blazers defeated Catawba 55-29 in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday afternoon at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers (10-1) trailed 16-13 at the half before scoring 35-straight points in the second half. The first VSU score of the half came on the frame's opening kickoff, which Valdosta State's Cedric Jones returned 41 yards to the Catawba 45. The Blazers used eight plays to cover the rest of the field, behind the strength of their running game. Michael Terry picked up the first 35 yards on five straight carries before a pass interference call gave VSU a first and goal on the CC nine. Terry and Rashawn Robinson proceeded to pick up two yards each on a pair of carries before Willie Copeland hit Josh Rayam on a five yard slant pass. After a Cory Darnell 41-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Travis Harrison and returned to the Catawba 32 by Kenneth Hale, VSU upped its advantage to 27-16 as Terry scored from four yards out. The score was set up by an 18-yard Copeland-to-Jones pass and a 10-yard run by Ronnye Nelson. The Indians (11-2) marched to the VSU 39 on their next drive, but Roger King intercepted a Brad Roach pass on the 10 to end the threat. The Blazers proceeded to march 81 yards on seven plays, scoring as Jones took a pass from Copeland and broke a tackle before racing 27 yards for a 34-16 Blazer advantage. On the ensuing Catawba drive, Chance Darley intercepted a Roach pass on first down, setting up a 12-play, 60-yard Valdosta State scoring drive that culminated in a 1-yard Scott Palmer dive with 4:07 to go in the game, posting VSU to a 48-16 advantage. Roach threw a pair of touchdown passes in the final four minutes while Valdosta State back-up quarterback Tucker Pruitt scored on a 12-yard touchdown run. Valdosta State opened the scoring in the first quarter as Sherard Reynolds scooped up a Grayson Downs fumble less than a minute into the game and raced 34 yards for a touchdown. Catawba quickly answered as it marched 65 yards in 11 plays to score on a George Bell two-yard touchdown run. Harrison burst through the middle of the line and blocked the extra point attempt. After a VSU punt, Roach put the Indians on top as he completed a 24-yard pass to Brandon Bunn for a 13-7 CC lead. VSU gained 23-yard and 31-yard field goals from Zac Williams in the second quarter while Darnell hit a 38-yard attempt for the Indians to give Catawba its three-point halftime advantage. Terry carried the ball 23 times for 139 yards, including 108 in the second half, to lead the Blazers. Overall, the Blazers tallied 285 yards rushing while Copeland completed 16-of-29 passes for 171 yards. Jones led the VSU receiving corps with five catches for 76 yards. Everett Kitchens returned from an injury that had sidelined him for three full weeks to tally a game and career-high 17 tackles, including 11 solo tackles. Michael Cullen finished with 10 tackles for the Blazer defense, which limited the Indians to just 74 second half yards prior to Catawba's final two scoring drives. Roach completed 19-of-32 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns while Bell tallied 74 yards on 16 carries. Catawba registered 413 yards in total offense, but was hampered by four turnovers in the game. Charles McAfee led the Catawba defense with 14 tackles while three Indians finished with eight stops each. Valdosta State, the Southeast Region's No. 1 seed, returns to action next Saturday, December 1 when it hosts No. 2 North Alabama in the regional finals. The game is slated for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Tickets for the event go on sale Monday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m. VSU season ticket holders have until Thursday, November 29 at Noon to claim their season seats for the game. Ticket prices for the game will be $15 for reserved seats, $10 for general admission and $4 for students and youths.

Catawba Game Notes

2007-11-22

This Week's Game: Valdosta State begins play in the 2007 NCAA Division II playoffs as the Blazers host the Catawba Indians in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers, the Southeast Region's No. 1 seed, are 9-1 on the season while CC, the No. 4 seed is 11-1. The Blazers are averaging 440.3 yards and 39.5 points a game this season while giving up 319.2 yards and 15.1 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 2,315 yards and 20 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 70 passes for 879 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 88 tackles. Catawba is averaging 45.8 points and 483.3 total yards a game while surrendering 18.6 points and 293.9 yards a contest. The Indians' Brad Roach has passed for 3,044 yards this season while Charles McAfee has tallied 82 tackles. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Catawba game will be the 294th game in school history. The Blazers have won 197 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .679. Television / Webcast: The game will not be televised, but will be available over the internet via radio webstreaming at www.rock108.fm . Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: The series is tied at 1-1, with both previous games having been in the NCAA Playoffs. Catawba claimed a 37-34 overtime win 2001 while the Blazers earned revenge the next year with a 24-7 victory. Both games have been played in Valdosta. Last Meeting: Valdosta State scored the first 24 poitns of the game in rolling to a 24-7 victory in the first round of the 2002 playoffs. Buster Faulkner threw two touchdowns to Reggie Mosley in the game, including a 74-yarder 34 seconds before half. Click For Complete Game Notes

Seven Blazers Named All-Gulf South Conference

2007-11-16

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Seven Valdosta State football players have been named All-Gulf South Conference, according to an announcement made by the league offices on Friday. Five of the seven were named first-team All-GSC, including sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones and junior safety Sherard Reynolds, who both earned the honor for the second straight season. Jones currently leads the Gulf South Conference in both receptions, with 70, and in receiving yards, at 879. He has recorded four 100-yard games this season and also caught seven touchdowns. Reynolds is second on the Valdosta State team and 11th in the GSC in tackles with 70. He has also leads VSU in both interceptions and passes broken up, with six and eight, respectively. Joining Jones on the offensive side of the ball is senior offensive tackle Gerald Davis while senior linebacker William Montford, who leads the Blazers and is third in the GSC in tackles with 88, made the first-team defense. Senior cornerback Maurice Leggett, who blocked two kicks this season and returned a third block for a touchdown, was named the league's best block team specialist. Junior running back Michael Terry, who has rushed for 831 yards and nine touchdowns this season, was named second-team All-GSC while senior defensive end Travis Harrison earned the honor on the defensive side of the ball after leading the Blazers with 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks this season. Conference champion Delta State led all GSC schools with 13 selections while Henderson State tallied nine. North Alabama had eight players on the two squads while Arkansas Tech and Ouachita Baptist matched the Blazers with seven each. DSU's Michael Eubanks was named the GSC Defensive Player-of-the-Year for the second straight season while Harding quarterback David Knighton earned the league's Offensive Player-of-the-Year honor. Arkansas-Monticello quarterback Scott Buisson was named the Freshman-of-the-Year and Delta State coach Ron Roberts earned Coach-of-the-Year honors. Valdosta State, the Southeast Region's No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Playoffs, returns to action Saturday, November 24 when it hosts the winner of the Albany State-Catawba game. The game, which is slated for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff, will be held in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Blazers Earn Southeast Region No. 1 Seed

2007-11-11

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State earned the Southeast Region's No. 1 seed in the 2007 Division II Football Playoffs, according to an announcement made by the NCAA Sunday. The Blazers earn a first round bye, which is slated to be played Saturday, November 17, and will face the winner of the contest between No. 4 Catawba and No. 5 Albany State on Saturday, November 24. Also representing the Southeast Region are No. 2 North Alabama, No. 3 Delta State and No. 6 Shaw. The No. 1 seed in the region means that the Blazers will host its first game and will also host the regional final game on December 1, should VSU win its first game of the playoffs. Playoff tickets will go on sale Monday, Novmeber 12th at 9:00 am in the Athletic Department Ticket Office. Adult General Admission tickets are $8 plus tax while Senior Citizens (65 and over) and Youth/Student tickets are $4 plus tax. VSU football season ticket holders and corporate club members have until noon on Tuesday, November 20th to purchase their current seats for any playoff games. After this time, those unsold seats will become available to the general public for purchase. Non-season ticket holders can purchase general admission and reserved seat tickets not currently held by season ticket holders and corporate club members, beginning Monday, November 12. All reserved seat tickets are $15 plus tax. To purchase tickets or for further information, call Amy Fenolia in the Ticket Office at (229) 245-3762.

Harrison, Parker Earn Academic All-District Honors

2007-11-09

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State's Zach Parker and Travis Harrison have been named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District III team according to an announcement made by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Friday. Parker, who holds a 3.40 grade point average (GPA) as a senior Public Relations major, has caught 22 passes this season for 248 yards and two touchdowns. For his career, he stands 11th on the VSU career receptions list with 121 and has tallied 12 touchdowns, including VSU's first in its 2004 national championship game victory. Harrison, also a senior, has tallied a 3.61 GPA as Exercise Physiology major. After beginning his career as a junior varsity walk-on, Harrison worked his way up to the Blazer varsity squad as a sophomore and has served as a team captain each of the last two seasons. This year, he has recorded 35 tackles, inlcuding a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss. He has also recorded a VSU-best six sacks and has three quarterback hurries. For his career, Harrison has registered 87 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. In order to be eligible for All-District honors, an athlete must carry a 3.20 grade point average or better, be in their second year at their respective university or college and play a significant role on their respective team. By earning All-District honors, Parker and Harrison advance to compete for ESPN the Magazine All-America honors. Voting for both teams is conducted among the nation's sports information directors.

Blazers Down West Georgia 35-10

2007-11-08

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State rallied behind back-up quarterback Tucker Pruitt as the Blazers defeated West Georgia 35-10 in Gulf South Conference action Thursday evening at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Pruitt entered the game after VSU starter Willie Copeland was injured on a six-yard touchdown run that gave the Blazers a 14-7 advantage. Copeland was hit just shy of the goal line, but twisted free and fell into the endzone for the score. The play culminated a nine-play, 61-yard drive, VSU's last of the first half, in which Copeland completed three-of-four passes for 31 yards while also rushing for 11 yards. Pruitt led the Blazers (9-1, 7-1) to a pair of touchdowns in the second half, the first coming on Valdosta State's first drive of the third quarter. After a dropped pass to start the drive, Pruitt completed a pair of passes to Josh Rayam before handing off on a first-and-play to Ronnye Nelson. Nelson broke through the right-side of the line and raced 55 yards to push the VSU lead to 21-10. Valdosta State forced a three-and-out on the next West Georgia drive to set up its next score. Wolf punter Jared Guberman entered the game and saw his punt blocked by Eric Williams. Maurice Leggett fell on the ball in the end zone to push the lead to 18 points at 28-10 with 11:16 to go in the third. The two teams played scoreless for the next 15:26 of the game before Pruitt hooked up with Cedric Jones for a 66-yard touchdown pass. Nelson was stopped for no gain on the first play of the drive before Pruitt threw a screen pass to Jones on the left sideline. The sophomore wide receiver broke a tackle a cut back to the right side of the field before racing down the sideline for the score, his seventh of the year. Valdosta State opened the scoring with a seven-play, 43-yard drive in the first quarter. Copeland completed three-of-five passes on the drive and rushed for 11 yards. Facing a third-and-six, Copeland completed a 13-yard pass to Cedric Evans that moved the Blazers to the UWG five. On the next play, Copeland found Jeffrey Felton in the end zone, the senior wide receiver's fourth touchdown in the last two games, to give the Blazers a 7-0 lead. West Georgia (2-9, 1-7) responded with 9:26 remaining in the second quarter. The Wolves gained possession of the ball after Wes Myers stripped the ball from VSU tight end Zach Parker. Myers gained control of the ball and raced 29-yards to the VSU 45. George Summerset proceeded to pick up four yards rushing while Ryan Poole completed one-of-four passes to bring up a fourth-and-six on the VSU 30. Poole proceeded to find Patrick Higgins over the middle, who out-raced the Blazer defense to the end zone to even the game at 7-7. After Copeland's touchdown run, Guberman added a 19-yard field goal to cut the Valdosta State lead to 14-10 at the half. VSU tallied 417 total yards in the game, including 208 rushing and 209 passing. Nelson led the rushing attack with 94 yards on eight carries while also completing a pass for nine yards. Pruitt completed seven-of-14 passes for 101 yards while Copeland was 11-of-17 for 99 yards through the air. Jones tallied his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the year as he caught six passes for 127 yards. In addition to the recovered block for a touchdown, Leggett returned a kickoff 41 yards and recorded five solo tackles, four passes broken up and an interception, which he returned 51 yards. William Montford led the Blazers with nine tackles, which moved him into eighth-place on the VSU career tackles list with 246. The Blazers recorded two interceptions and broke up 13 passes in the game while also sacking Poole five times in the game. Poole completed 29-of-53 passes in the game for 303 yards. Summerset carried the ball 11 times for a team-high 51 yards while Higgins caught six passes for 115 yards. Ty Morrell led the Wolf defense with 12 tackles. Valdosta State now waits for Sunday's NCAA Selection Show to learn if it will be selected for the 2007 Division II Playoffs. The show airs at 11:30 a.m. on ESPNU. Blazer fans are invited to join the VSU team in the auditorium in the Continuing Education Building for viewing of the show.

West Georgia Game Notes

2007-11-08

This Weeks Game: Valdosta State wraps up its 2007 regular season the Blazers host the West Georgia Wolves in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers are 8-1 on the season and 6-1 in GSC action while UWG is 2-8 and 1-6 in GSC play. The Blazers are averaging 442.9 yards and 40.0 points a game this season while giving up 316.0 yards and 15.7 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 2,216 yards and 19 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 64 passes for 752 yards and six touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 79 tackles. West Georgia is averaging 25.5 points and 373.3 total yards a game while surrendering 39.5 points and 438.3 yards a contest. The Wolves' Ryan Poole has passed for 1,511 yards this season while Ray Mitchell has tallied 74 tackles. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the West Georgia game will be the 293rd game in school history. The Blazers have won 196 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .678. Television / Webcast: The game will be televised as the GSC TV "Game of the Week" package. Jesse Branch, Don Russell and Jim Cavale call the action. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads 16-8 all-time in a series that dates back to October 22, 1983. VSU won the first nine meetings while West Georgia's longest winning streak came between 1995 and 1999. The Blazers have won six of the last seven meetings. Last Meeting: Valdosta State scored 21 first half points and eventually built a 31-0 lead en route to a 38-13 victory. The Blazers recorded four interceptions in the game, including one that was returned 51 yards for a touchdown and two inside their own 20 yard line. Moody Air Force Base Military Appreciation Night: Valdosta State will honor the men and women of the Armed Forces Thursday night as it holds Moody Air Force Base Military Appreciation Night. All active duty members of the military and their families will be admitted free to the game and will be recognized during the game. Additionally, head coach David Dean has invited two Airmen from Moody Air Force Base to be guests of the Blazer team for the game. Senior Airman Tim Chase, an aerial gunner in the Pavehawk HH-60G helicopter of the 41st Rescue Squadron, and Airman First Class Lucas Garduno, a fireman with the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron, will join the team throughout the night's activities, beginning with the pre-game Blazer Walk as the team arrives at the field through the final lockerroom talk after the game. The Airmen, both of whom have returned from deployments in support of the War on Terror within the last month, will also take part in the pre-game coin flip at midfield. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Fly by Arkansas-Monticello 63-28

2007-11-03

MONTICELLO, Ark. - Willie Copeland threw a career-high six touchdown passes as Valdosta State claimed a 63-28 victory over Arkansas-Monticello in Gulf South Conference action at Leslie Convoy-Boll Weevil Stadium Saturday evening. Valdosta State (8-1, 6-1) spent little time in opening the scoring as the Blazers scored just 57 seconds into the contest. The opening kickoff went out-out of bounds and VSU forced the Boll Weevils (4-6, 3-4) to re-kick, giving the Blazers the ball on the VSU 41. The first play saw the Blazers pick up 15 yards on a pass interference call before a pass to Ronnye Nelson gained seven more yards. Facing a second-and three, Copeland hooked up with Jeffrey Felton on a screen and the senior broke a tackle before racing 37 yards for the score. Arkansas-Monticello responded right back as it marched 68 yards on eight plays. UAM was aided by 27 yards in penalty yardage by the Blazers, including one penalty that negated an Everett Kitchens interception in the end zone. Lindsey Spinks picked up the touchdown as he took the hand off on an end-around and out-raced the Blazer defense to the left corner of the goal line to tie the score at 7-7. The Blazers also scored through the air on their second possession to regain a seven-point advantage. The kickoff on the drive hit off of one of VSU's up-men and was recovered by Valdosta State on the UAM 45. Six plays later, Copeland connected with Cedric Jones for a 17-yard scoring strike and a 14-7 VSU lead. The Boll Weevils again evened the score on their second possession as they marched 64 yards in 4:21 of game clock. Penalties again played a part as the Blazers appeared to get a stop on a third and three, but a pass interference moved the ball to the VSU one, allowing Johnny Polite to plunge in for the score. A five-play, 58-yard drive that resulted in a Scott Palmer touchdown catch followed on Valdosta State's next drive as the first quarter ended with the Blazers leading 21-14. Michael Terry upped the VSU lead to 28-14 as he capped off a nine-play, 81-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run with 10:18 to go in the second quarter. Valdosta State closed out the first half scoring with a 25-yard Copeland-to-Felton scoring strike. Josh Rayam set up the score as he caught a screen pass and broke a tackle to race 41 yards. After an incomplete pass, Copeland hit a diving Felton in the right-corner of the end zone for a 35-14 Blazer halftime lead. Felton added his third touchdown catch of the night on the Blazers' first play of the second half. VSU forced an Arkansas-Monticello punt on the Boll Weevils' first drive and Sherard Reynolds returned the ball 47 yards to the UAM 15. Copeland proceeded to hit Felton on a slant route for the touchdown and a 42-14 VSU lead. Copeland threw his sixth touchdown of the night a drive later as he connected with Zach Parker for a 24-yard touchdown before Arkansas-Monticello added their third touchdown of the night on a 44-yard rush by Scott Buisson to establish a 49-21 Valdosta State advantage. Rashawn Robinson's five-yard touchdown run with 14:43 to go in the game pushed the lead to 56-21 while Polite plunged in from one yard out with 5:12 to go in the game for UAM's final score of the game. Dan Burdette closed out the scoring with a nine-yard run with 1:57 remaining. Valdosta State passed for a season-high 355 yards in the game, led by 294 by Copeland. The senior quarterback connected on 19-of-27 passes in the game and fell just one touchdown pass shy of the school record of seven. He also moved into fifth place on the VSU career touchdown passing list as he tallied the 46th of his career. Felton caught four passes for 84 yards and three touchdowns while Jones had four catches for 58 yards and a score. Michael Terry led the rushing attack with 90 yards. Overall, the Blazers tallied 541 yards of total offense, its highest total of the season. Reynolds registered eight tackles to lead the Blazers while William Montford had seven. VSU, which intercepted four passes in the game, held Arkansas-Monticello, the Gulf South Conference's leading offense in terms of total yards, to just 350 total yards of offense, 126 yards under their season average of 476.8 per game. Valdosta State returns to action Thursday, November 8 when it plays its regular season finale against West Georgia in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The VSU seniors will be honored prior to the game, which is slated for an 8:05 p.m. kickoff, while the Blazers will also honor local members of the military as it holds Moody Air Force Base Military Appreciation Night.

Arkansas-Monticello Game Notes

2007-11-01

This Week's Game: Valdosta State plays its final regular season road game of the year as the Blazers play the Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello in Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium. The Blazers are 7-1 on the season and 5-1 in GSC action while UAM is 4-5 and 3-3 in GSC play. The Blazers are averaging 430.6 yards and 37.1 points a game this season while giving up 311.8 yards and 14.1 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 1,922 yards and 13 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 60 passes for 694 yards and five touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 72 tackles. Arkansas-Monticello is averaging 27.4 points and 476.8 total yards a game while surrendering 36.9 points and 412.4 yards a contest. The Boll Weevils lead the GSC in total offense and feature the league's top tackler in linebacker Larry White. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Arkansas-Monticello game will be the 292nd game in school history. The Blazers have won 195 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .677. Television / Webcast: The game will not be available via television broadcast or over the internet via webcast. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads 6-1 all-time in a series that dates back to October 12, 1996. VSU won the first three meetings, which took place in 1996, 1997 and 1998, before UAM claimed a 35-31 win in 1999. The Blazers also claimed victory in 2002, 2003 and 2006. Last Meeting: Valdosta State held a 30-0 halftime lead and scored another 21 points in the fourth quarter to roll to a 51-3 victory. The Blazers tallied 223 yards rushing and 152 passing while holding the Boll Weevils to 217 yards of total offense. Moody Air Force Base/Military Appreciation Night: Valdosta State will honor local members of the military when it holds Moody Air Force Base Military Appreciation Night during its regular season home finale against West Georgia on November 8. One of Moody's Airmen who has just returned from deployment in support of the War on Terror will serve as a guest of the Blazer football team on the night and will take part in the coin toss. Additionally, all military personnel in attendance will be recognized during the game. As with all Valdosta State home athletic events, all active duty military personnel and their families will be admitted free to the game. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Edge North Alabama 27-24

2007-10-27

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Michael Terry's four-yard touchdown run with 5:58 to go proved to be the game winner as Valdosta State defeated North Alabama 27-24 in Gulf South Conference action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday afternoon. Terry's run capped off an eight-play, 48-yard drive that covered 2:28 of game action. Willie Copeland completed five-of-six passes on the drive for 45 yards, including a key 16-yard completion to Clay Callaway on a fourth-and-two play. A 12-yard completion to Jeffrey Felton gave the Blazers (7-1, 5-1) a first-and-goal on the four, setting up Terry's run. The senior running back was hit on the one yard line on the play, but twisted out of the tackle and fell into the end zone. North Alabama (7-1, 5-1) had two opportunities to score in the closing moments of the game, but turned the ball over on downs on the first of its two drives while Dusty Godwin through an interception on the VSU 15 on the second drive to end the game. UNA claimed the lead with a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter. Trailing 20-10 with less than 10 minutes to go in the quarter, Brandenn Pickett scored on a seven-yard run to close the Lions to within three. A.J Milwee completed three passes for 40 yards on the drive before Pickett found the end zone with 7:23 to go in the period. Milwee eventually gave the Lions a 24-20 lead on a two-yard run with 1:24 to go in the third. After a Blazer punt, UNA took over on its own 29-yard line, but immediately moved into VSU territory as Milwee completed a 28-yard pass to Rocky Coleman. A six-yard run by David McCants and a nine-yard completion to Coleman moved the ball to the VSU 28 before Milwee picked up 10 yards with a pair of carries. Pickett proceeded to gain 14 yards with a carry and a catch and McCants picked up two more on a rush, setting up MilweeÃ�?Ã�Â¢Ã�Â¯Ã�Â¿Ã�Â½Ã�Â¯Ã�Â¿Ã�Â½s scoring run. Valdosta State opened the scoring in first quarter with a two-yard Copeland quarterback sneak on the Blazers' first drive. The two teams proceeded to trade field goal and North Alabama picked up a Milwee-to-Joemal Campbell touchdown pass to even the game at 10-10. Zac Williams added a 42-yard field goal, his longest of the season, just 25 seconds before the half to give the Blazers a 13-10 lead. After stopping UNA on its first drive of the second half, denying the Lions on a fourth-and-one from the UNA 46 to force a turnover on downs, the Blazers built their largest lead as Copeland completed four-of-five passes to march 46 yards in six plays. The scoring play came on a third-and-three pass from the UNA 11 as the senior quarterback found Callaway for a scoring toss and a 20-10 Blazer lead. Copeland completed 24-of-36 passes on the day for 252 yards and a touchdown. Terry picked up 88 yards on 16 carries while Cedric Jones caught nine passes for 145 yards. William Montford led the VSU defense, tallying a game-high 12 tackles, included eight solos. He also tallied two and a half tackles for loss, for 18 total yards, and a sack, which resulted in a 13-yard loss. The Blazers won the turnover battle, recording two interceptions and a fumble recovery while surrendering just one interception. VSU also registered three sacks and blocked a punt. Milwee completed 20-of-31 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. Campbell caught six passes for 38 yards to lead the Lion receivers while McCants picked up 59 yards on 14 carries. Michael Johnson and Quin Suggs led the UNA defense with eight tackles each. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, November 3 when it travels to Monticello, Ark. to face Arkansas-Monticello in Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff.

VSU vs. North Alabama Game Notes

2007-10-25

This Week's Game: Valdosta State welcomes conference leader North Alabama to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium as the Lions and Blazers meet at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. The Blazers are 6-1 on the season and 4-1 in GSC action while the Lions are 7-0 and 5-0 in GSC games. The Blazers are averaging 435.7 yards and 38.6 points a game this season while giving up 306.9 yards and 12.7 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 1,670 yards and 12 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 51 passes for 549 yards and five touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 60 tackles. North Alabama is averaging 38.4 points and 412.9 total yards a game while surrendering 17.1 points and 356.4 yards a game. The Lions' multi-faceted offense has seen 20 Lions carry the ball while 17 have caught a pass while the defense has forced 28 turnovers. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the North Alabama game will be the 291st game in school history. The Blazers have won 194 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .676. Television / Webcast: The game will be webcast by CSTV as a part of the NCAA's Division II game of the week package. The game can be accessed at www.ncaasports.com/dii. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: North Alabama leads the all-time series 15-11-1 in a series that dates back to October 30, 1982. The Lions won the first four contests while the Blazers' first victory came on November 11, 1986, when they claimed a 24-7 victory. VSU owns a 5-3 edge since the turn over the century. Last Meeting: Valdosta State scored 10 fourth quarter points to force overtime, only to have North Alabama score on its first possession while stopping the Blazers on their one overtime possession. Blazers Fall to Third in NCAA Regional Rankings: Despite defeating West Alabama 37-0 last weekend, Valdosta State continued to slip in the regional rankings as it fell to third in the latest poll, which were released by the NCAA on October 22. The GSC held on to the top three spots as North Alabama moved up to first and Delta State fell to third. Catawba was fourth, Carson Newman fifth and Virginia Union sixth. Both of VSU's non-conference foes are ranked in the Top 10 in the region as Fort Valley State is seventh and Albany State 10th. Click for Complete Game Notes

North Alabama Football Game to be Webcast by CSTV

2007-10-23

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State versus North Alabama football game scheduled for Saturday, October 27 at 1:00 p.m. will be webcast as part of the CSTV's Division II football package. The webcast of the game can be accessed by visiting www.ncaasports.com/dii and clicking on the North Alabama at Valdosta State link. The UNA game features the second time this season that the Blazers have been featured as part of the NCAA's Division II Game of the Week package as the season opener against Albany State was also carried by CSTV. Additionally, the Blazers have been featured on the Gulf South Conference's Game of the Week TV package twice already and will be a third time in the regular season finale against West Georgia November 8. GET THE RED OUT After blacking out Bazemore-Hyder Stadium two weeks ago against Delta State, the Valdosta State athletic department is encouraging all fans to wear red to Saturday's contest against North Alabama.

Blazers Blank West Alabama 37-0

2007-10-20

LIVINGSTON, Ala. - Valdosta State recorded its second shutout of the season as the Blazers defeated West Alabama 37-0 in Gulf South Conference action at Tiger Stadium Saturday evening. Valdosta State (6-1, 4-1) opened the scoring on its first drive as it marched 84 yards in 13 plays on a drive that took up 6:30 of game clock. The Blazers picked up 52 yards rushing on the drive, including 19 by Michael Terry, and Willie Copeland completed three-of-four passes for 27 yards. Copeland capped off the drive with a three-yard scramble to put the Blazers up 7-0. A Greg Petty fumble recovery on the VSU 46 set up the Blazers' next scoring drive. Copeland completed a pair of passes to move Valdosta State into Tiger territory before Terry picked up 40 yards on a run to move the Blazers to the UWA 3. On the next play, Terry busted through the right-side of the line for the score and a 14-0 VSU lead. A 23-yard Zac Williams field goal pushed the Valdosta State lead to 17-0 before a second James Reiter fumble set up the Blazers' next touchdown. VSU took over on its own 49 after the fumble and Copeland proceeded to hit Josh Rayam for a 51-yard scoring strike to push the lead to 24-0. West Alabama (1-6, 0-5) moved into the redzone twice during the first half, only to come away empty-handed both times. On the first, Mitch Warfield missed a 37-yard field goal while the Tigers turned the ball over downs after failing on a fourth-and-one rushing attempt from the VSU 18. Valdosta State pushed its lead to 30-0 on the first drive of the second half when Copeland connected with Jeffrey Felton on a 31-yard scoring strike and added Terry's second touchdown run of the night on a two-yard sweep with 12:45 to go in the contest to push its lead to 37. Copeland completed 19-of-25 passes for 232 yards while throwing two touchdowns and one interception. The Blazers picked up 238 total passing yards and 223 yards on the ground, including 99 on 14 carries by Terry. Larry Dean tallied eight tackles to lead the Blazer defense while William Montford had seven and Petty six. VSU forced four Tiger turnovers in the game. West Alabama tallied 193 yards rushing and 73 passing. Terry Allen led the UWA offense, rushing for 124 yards, completing two passes for 15 yards and catching one pass for eight yards. Valdosta State returns to action next Saturday, October 27 when it hosts GSC foe North Alabama at 1:00 p.m. in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

West Alabama Game Notes

2007-10-19

This Week's Game: Valdosta State looks to rebound from its first loss of the season as the Blazers travel to Livingston, Ala. to face GSC foe West Alabama. The Blazers are 5-1 on the season and 3-1 in GSC action while the Tigers are 1-5 and 0-4 in GSC games. The Blazers are averaging 431.5 yards and 38.8 points a game this season while giving up 313.7 yards and 14.8 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 1,438 yards and 10 touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 48 passes for 522 yards and five touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 53 tackles. West Alabama is averaging 22.5 points and 321.5 total yards a game while surrendering 29.8 points and 377.2 yards a game. The Tigers' rushing-based offense is second in the GSC with 224.8 yards per outing, led by Cole Mason, who is averaging 97.0 yards a game. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the West Alabama game will be the 290th game in school history. The Blazers have won 193 contests, lost 93 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .675. Television / Webcast: The game will not be televised or available via webcast. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 24-1 in a series that dates back to November 13, 1982. The Blazers won the first three contests while the Tigers' lone victory came on October 19, 1984 when it claimed a 10-5 victory in Livingston. VSU has outscored UWA 288-122 over the last seven contests. Last Meeting: Valdosta State held off a West Alabama comeback bid by recovering an on-side kick in the final two minutes of the game. UWA scored with 1:32 to go, but was done in by five turnovers, including three fumbles lost, on the day. Click for Complete Game Notes

Delta State Trips Up Blazers 35-31

2007-10-11

VALDOSTA, Ga. - No. 8 Delta State scored 28 unanswered points to defeat No. 5 Valdosta State 35-31 in Gulf South Conference action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Thursday evening. The Statesmen (6-0, 5-0) scored all 35 of their points during a span of 12:54 of game clock during the second half. DSU began its comeback with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter when Jeremy Ricks fielded a kickoff at the Delta State 15 yard line and broke a tackle before racing 85 yards for a touchdown. David Tahi sliced the Statesmen deficit to 31-21 less than a minute later as he picked off a Willie Copeland pass and raced 35-yards for a touchdown with 5:28 remaining in the third quarter. After forcing Valdosta State (5-1, 4-1) to punt on its next possession, DSU marched 78 yards in seven plays to close to within three points. Dedrick Wilson connected with Greg Betterson for three yards on first down before Ken Cox rushed for a yard. Wilson proceeded to elude a sack and pick up 22 yards for the first down before picking up 12 more yards on a pair of rushes to move the ball to the VSU 40. After an offensive face mask backed the ball to the DSU 45, Wilson regained the 15 yards with a run and then found Ricks streaking down the middle for a 40-yard touchdown pass, closing the Statesmen to within 31-28. Valdosta State was again forced to punt on its next drive as Delta State regained the ball with 14:52 to go in the game. Wilson picked up 20 yards on three consecutive carries, but a pair of false starts backed the Statesmen into a second down and 20. Brett Hyatt entered the game and completed a 13-yard pass to Ricks and a 23-yard pass to Chad Schroeder to close to the Valdosta State 17. A Cox carry picked up no yards, but Hyatt proceeded to find Betterson for the touchdown, giving the Statesmen a 35-31 lead with 9:19 to go in the contest. The Blazers opened the scoring in the first quarter thanks in large part to its special teams and defense. Donnie Powell blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone to put VSU up 7-0 with 12:35 to go in the first before a pair of safeties eventually pushed the Blazer first quarter lead to 11-0. Valdosta State punter Steven Wright, who averaged 45.3 yards on his eight punts on the evening, set up both safeties as he pinned the Statesmen inside the five yard line on a pair of punts. On the first safety, the punt was downed on the DSU one yard line and Ben Stallings was tackled in the end zone by Travis Harrison and Demario Jones to give the Blazers two points. On VSU's next punt, Wright, who placed four punts inside the Delta State 10 yard line on the evening, saw his punt downed at the Statesmen five. A rush for no yards and incomplete pass set up a third and five, on which Jermel Daniels sacked Hyatt in the end zone for the safety and an 11-0 Blazer lead. Valdosta State pushed its lead to 17-0 in the second quarter as it marched 67 yards in eight plays after the free kick from the safety. The Blazer rushing game picked up 33 yards on the drive, which ended when Copeland hooked up with Zach Parker for a six-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was missed wide left. VSU pushed its lead to 24-0 on its first drive of the second half. The Blazers got the ball on the DSU 37 as the Statesmen chose to go for a first down on a fourth-and-two play from the VSU 42 yard line. However, the snap eluded Wilson, who eventually picked up the ball and attempted to throw, but was sacked by Bryant Thorpe to give the Blazers the ball. Michael Terry rushed for six yards and Copeland completed a pair of passes to Cedric Jones on the drive, the second a 24-yard pick up for the score with 10:28 to go in the third quarter. Delta State responded with its first score just 1:12 later as Wilson found Ricks for a 19-yard touchdown pass. However, a pooch kick gave the Blazers the ball on its own 49 and the Blazers marched 51 yards in seven plays before scoring on Terry one-yard run for their final points of the evening. VSU had two chances to score in the closing moments of the game, but saw the first end on downs as Copeland was stopped short on a fourth-and-one quarterback draw with 3:43 remaining in the contest. Delta State took over and marched to the VSU 31, but Cox fumbled the ball on a rush and Everett Kitchens picked the ball up on the VSU 25. The Blazers proceeded to pick up 48 yards through the air and nine more on a pass interference to move to the Statesmen 12 yard line. Copeland's next pass fell incomplete before his final of the game was intercepted by Jamarcus Wiggins on the one-yard line and returned to the DSU 15, sealing the victory for the Statesmen. Valdosta State rushed for 146 yards and passed for another 216 in the game. Terry carried the ball 14 times for 82 yards while Jones caught eight passes for 91 yards. Copeland completed 26-of-49 while William Montford tallied a game-high 11 tackles. Wilson threw for 171 yards and rushed for 88 more to lead the Statesmen. Ricks tallied 102 yards receiving, on six catches, and 116 yards in kickoff returns. Wiggins led the DSU defense with nine tackles. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, October 20 when it travels to Livingston, Ala. to face GSC foe West Alabama at 8:00 p.m.

Delta State Game Notes

2007-10-10

Today's Game: Two of the top three teams in the Gulf South Conference collide as Valdosta State hosts Delta State in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers are 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in GSC action while the Statemen are 5-0 and 4-0 in GSC games. The Blazers are averaging 445.4 yards and 40.4 points a game this season while giving up 284.0 yards and 10.8 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 1,222 yards and eight touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 40 passes for 431 yards and four touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 42 tackles. Delta State is averaging 29.8 points and 413.2 total yards a game while surrendering 9.8 points and 215.8 yards a game. Quarterback Dedrick Wilson has run for 318 yards and scored six touchdowns while the DSU defense has registered 65 tackles for loss. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Delta State game will be the 289th game in school history. The Blazers have won 193 contests, lost 92 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .677. Black-Out Bazemore: Valdosta State fans are encouraged to come out and support their Blazers Thursday night as VSU hosts Delta State. As part of their support, all fans are encouraged to wear black to the game in order to "Black-out Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Drive to End Hunger: The Valdosta State Blazers will team with America's Second Harvest during Thursday's game in order to help end hunger in Southeast Georgia. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable items and place them in collection boxes at each entrance to the stadium, as well as in front of the American Legion. Each fan donating food will receive a ticket to a drawing for gifts from the VSU athletic department. The Series: Delta State leads the all-time series 13-12-1 in a series that dates back to October 9, 1982. VSU has a pair of five-game winning streaks in the series while DSU's longest win streak is six games. Last Meeting: Delta State broke a five-game Valdosta State winning streak in the series as it claimed a 35-28 victory last season. Scott Eyster threw three touchdown passes to snap a five-game Blazer winning streak in the all-time series. Click for Complete Game Notes

Blazers Down Southern Arkansas 33-21

2007-10-06

MAGNOLIA, Ark. - The Valdosta State defense returned two interceptions for scores as the Blazers defeated Southern Arkansas 33-21 in Gulf South Conference action at Wilkins Stadium Saturday afternoon. Valdosta State (5-0, 3-0) opened the scoring on its first drive as the Blazers marched 71 yards in 13 plays. Willie Copeland completed nine-of-11 passes on the drive, including a 22-yard pass to R.J. Bastone on a third-and-15 play that kept the drive alive. Facing a third and goal from the four, Copeland hooked up with Cedric Jones for a scoring toss to give the Blazers a 7-0 lead. Southern Arkansas (2-4, 1-3) quickly answered as it scored on its first play from scrimmage. Clarence Wright returned the kick to the SAU 41 yard line before Steven Ashley broke through the right-side of the line for a 59-yard run for a score, tying the game at 7-7. VSU regained the lead on its next drive with a 38-yard field goal from Zac Williams. The key play of the drive came on a third-and-13 play from the Blazer 38-yard line as Copeland hooked up with Thomas Arnold on a screen play that picked up 42 yards, moving the Blazers to the SAU 30. A Mulerider fumble set up Valdosta State's next score as Fabian Whylly recovered the ball on the Southern Arkansas 13-yard line. The Blazers closed to as close as the four before a holding penalty and an intentional grounding backed the ball to the SAU 28. A screen pass on third down closed the Blazers to the SAU 17, setting up a 34-yard field by Williams for a 13-7 VSU lead. Valdosta State upped its lead to 20-7 on its first drive of the second half. Zach Parker set up the score as he caught a short screen, dodged a tackle and raced 63-yards down the sideline to the Southern Arkansas 5-yard line. On the next play, Copeland hooked up with Cedric Evans on a slant for the touchdown. After a Sherard Reynolds fumble on a punt return gave Southern Arkansas the ball on the VSU 26-yard line, Shawn Harris picked off a pass and raced 86 yards for a touchdown to push the Blazer lead to 27-7. Southern Arkansas cut its deficit to 13 points at 27-14 with a 15-play, 77-yard drive that covered 6:32 of game time during the third and fourth quarters. Chris Metcalf garnered the score when he plunged in from one-yard out with 14:16 to go in the game. The touchdown marked the first points Valdosta State had allowed in the fourth quarter this season. The Muleriders further cut into their deficit on their next drive as they capitalized on a VSU fumble. SAU took over on its own 42-yard line and moved to the VSU 32 before Josh SanFillipo hooked up with Mario Coleman for a score, cutting the Valdosta State lead to 27-20 with 9:23 to go in the contest. The final nine minutes of the game saw VSU turn over the ball once and Southern Arkansas twice, including once inside the Blazer 20-yard line with 4:14 to play in the game. Valdosta State took over on the fumble and moved to the SAU 40 before turning the ball over on downs. On Southern Arkansas' first play from scrimmage, Jamaal Clark intercepted a SanFillipo pass and returned it 45 yards for a score and a 33-21 lead. A two-point try was unsuccessful, establishing the final margin of victory. Copeland completed 28-of-43 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Parker caught four passes for 81 yards while Jones tallied eight receptions and 58 yards. The Blazer defense registered four interceptions and 166 yards in return yards, but was hampered by 11 penalties for 125 yards. Overall, VSU tallied seven turnovers in the game. Ashley carried the ball 10 times for 90 yards in the game while SanFillipo passed for 192 yards. The Muleriders picked up 363 yards of total offense while holding VSU to a season-low 311 yards. Valdosta State returns to action Thursday, October 11 when it hosts Delta State at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. kickoff and will be televised on CSS, CoxSports and by MediaCom in the Valdosta area as part of the GSC TV "Game of the Week" package.

Southern Arkansas Game Notes

2007-10-04

Today's Game: Valdosta State plays continues Gulf South Conference play as the Blazers travel to Magnolia, Ark. to face Southern Arkansas in Wilkins Stadium. The Blazers are 4-0 on the season and 2-0 in GSC action while the Muleriders are 2-3 and 1-2 in GSC games. The Blazers are averaging 479.0 yards and 42.2 points a game this season while giving up 264.2 yards and 8.2 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 939 yards and six touchdowns while senior running back Michael Terry has carried the ball 41 times for 435 yards and four touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 33 tackles. Southern Arkansas is averaging 18.6 points and 292.0 total yards a game while surrendering 24.8 points and 378.8 yards a game. Quarterback Josh SanFilippo has run for 238 yards and passed for 481 while accounting for six total touchdowns. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Southern Arkansas game will be the 288th game in school history. The Blazers have won 192 contests, lost 92 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .674. The Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 8-3 in a series that dates back to October 26, 1996. The Blazers won the first game 42-7 before the Southern Arkansas responded with wins each of the next three contests. VSU has now won seven straight, including a 41-7 win in Valdsota last season. Last Meeting: The Blazers scored on offense, defense and special teams to claim a 41-7 victory in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Sherard Reynolds had 154 yards in punt returns in the game, including a 78-yard return for a touchdown. Let's Go For a Run: Valdosta State has proven it is more than capable of running the ball under first year head coach David Dean. In fact, the Blazers have run for more than 200 yards three times this season, including 301 yards against Ouachita Baptist, the teamÃ�ï¿½Ã¯Â¿Â½Ã�Â¯Ã�Â¿Ã�Â½Ã�ï¿½Ã¯Â¿Â½Ã�ï¿½Ã�Â¢??s highest total since tallying 315 against North Alabama on October 27, 2001. VSU tallied 249 yards at Arkansas Tech, 208 against Albany State and 139 at Fort Valley State. The Blazers are averaging 224.2 yards rushing per game, second-best in the Gulf South Conference. If VSU keeps up its current rushing rate, the Blazers will easily surpass the school record of 193.3 rushing yards per game set in 2004. Blazers to Sponsor Food Drive: Valdosta State will engage in more than just one battle when the Blazers face Delta State on Thursday, October 11 as the VSU Athletic Department is teaming up with America's Second Harvest to help "Drive" out hunger. The Blazers encourage all fans in attendance at the evening's game to bring canned meats, fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, cereal, juices, crackers, peanut butter, canned or powdered milk to the game. Donation boxes will be set up at each stadium entrance and outside the American Legion. Each fan that donates will be given a ticket for prizes from the VSU Athletic Department. Click Here for Complete Game Notes

Michael Terry Named GSC Player-of-the-Week

2007-10-02

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Michael Terry was named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player-of-the-Week Monday, according to an announcement made by the league office. Terry rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. The 181 yards were a career-high for Terry and marked the most yards by a Blazer since Aaron Jenkins rushed for 204 yards against Central Arkansas on October 19, 2002. Each of Terry's two touchdown runs covered more than 50 yards as he broke off a 56-yard scoring run on the second play from scrimmage in the third quarter before establishing a new career high with a 69-yard carry for a score in the fourth quarter. The 69-yard touchdown run proved to be the longest rushing touchdown by a Valdosta State player since November 6, 2004, when Tyran Robinson scored on a 75-yard run. Terry's performance helped Valdosta State rush for a season-high 301, the most total yards by the Blazers since picking up 315 yards against North Alabama on October 27, 2001. Terry has recorded 100-yard rushing performance in each of his last two games, having tallied 137 at Arkansas Tech two weeks ago.

Valdosta State Runs by Ouachita Baptist 31-3

2007-09-29

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State rushed for 301 yards as the Blazers defeated Ouachita Baptist 31-3 in Gulf South Conference action at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday afternoon. Michael Terry established a new career-high in rushing yardage for the second straight game as he picked up 181 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. Terry's 181 yards proved to be the most by a Blazer since Aaron Jenkins picked up 204 yards against Central Arkansas on October 19, 2002 while VSU's total rushing yardage was the most by the Blazers since picking up 315 yards against North Alabama on October 27, 2001. Ouachita Baptist (3-2, 1-2) opened the scoring as it garnered a 31-yard field goal from Zach Wright with 5:59 to go in the first quarter. The Tigers gained possession of the ball when Jerry McNeil stripped Terry of the ball in Valdosta State territory. Robert McKee fell on the ball on the VSU 39. OBU closed to the Blazer three yard line and appeared to get a touchdown on a Willie Hopson run, but a holding penalty backed the ball up to the 12 before Michael Cullen dropped Lance Parker for a loss to force the field goal. Valdosta State (4-0, 2-0) responded on its next drive with a 31-yard field goal of its own. Willie Copeland completed five-of-10 passes for 53 yards on the drive, setting up Zac Williams' 31-yard successful field goal attempt. Roger King gave VSU the lead early in the second quarter when he fielded a Craig McFarlin 52-yard punt and found a hole down the sideline for a 61-yard touchdown return and a 10-3 VSU lead. Terry, who tallied just 32 yards in the first half, wasted little time in upping that total in the second half as he scored on a 56-yard run on the Blazers' first drive of the third quarter. He picked up nine yards on the first play of the drive before finding a hole on a cut-back on the second to out-race the defense to the goal line. VSU upped its lead to 24-3 two drives later as Copeland hooked up with Cedric Jones for a 21-yard touchdown pass. The Blazers gained 28 yards on their first play of the drive as Ronnye Nelson picked up 13 yards rushing while a face-mask penalty moved the ball another 15 yards. Copeland proceeded to complete two-of-three passes to move the ball to the OBU 21. On the next play, the senior quarterback was flushed out of the pocket and shoveled the ball to Jones right before being hit by a Tiger defensive lineman. Jones raced to the one and dove over the goal line as an Ouachita Baptist safety reached him for the score. Terry closed out the scoring less than five minutes into the fourth quarter as the Blazer offensive line opened a hole on the right-side of the line, allowing the senior running back to rush 69 yards untouched for the score. VSU finished with 519 yards of total offense as Copeland completed 22-of-37 passes for 218 yards. Nelson picked up 50 yards on seven carries while Thomas Arnold carried the ball five times for 24 yards. Jones caught five passes for 57 yards while Zach Parker finished with four catches and 43 yards. William Montford led the VSU defense with 12 tackles while Cullen had nine and Sherard Reynolds eight. Ouachita Baptist finished with 258 total yards of offense, including 104 rushing and 154 passing. Lance Parker completed 18-of-37 passes on the drive while Willie Hopson picked up 81 yards on 24 rushes. Julius Pruitt led the Tiger receiving corps with eight receptions and 73 yards. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, October 6 when it travels to Magnolia, Ark. to face Southern Arkansas in a GSC match-up at Wilkins Stadium. The game is slated for a 2:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff.

Ouachita Baptist Game Notes

2007-09-27

This Week's Game: Valdosta State plays at home for the first time in four weeks when the Blazers host the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist in a Gulf South Conference match-up. The Blazers are 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in GSC play while the Tigers are 3-1 and 1-1 in GSC action. The Blazers are averaging 465.7 yards and 46.0 points a game this season while giving up 266.3 yards and 10.0 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 721 yards and five touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 27 passes, two for touchdowns. Senior linebacker William Montford leads the defense with 21 tackles, including one sack. Ouachita Baptist is averaging 29.0 points and 413.2 total yards a game while surrendering 24.5 points and 390.2 yards a game. Running back Willie Hopson is averaging 119.2 yards a game on the ground and has five total touchdowns. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Ouachita Baptist game will be the 287th game in school history. The Blazers have won 191 contests, lost 92 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .672. Television / Webcast: The game will be televised on a taped-delay basis by VSU-TV and can be seen on Sunday afternoon. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 7-0 in a series that dates back to November 4, 2000. The Blazers won the first game 49-21 and also claimed a 49-21 win last season in Arkadelphia, Ark. Overall, VSU has outscored the Tigers 339 to 126, an average of 48.4 points a game to 18.0 per outing. Last Meeting: The Blazers withstood an early Tiger onslaught that saw the score tied 14-14 in the first quarter. VSU scored 35 unanswered from that point on, eventually winning 49-21. Click for Complete Game Notes THE VSU TICKET OFFICE: Tickets are still available for the Valdosta State season opener against Albany State. Tickets can be purchased at the VSU ticket office through Friday, by calling 229-333-5890 or at the gate on Saturday. The Valdosta State ticket office will remain open until 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 28 while the Bazemore-Hyder Stadium ticket booths and Will Call will open at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 29. Ticket prices are $15 for reserved seating, $8 for general admission seating, $4 for senior citizens (aged 65 and above) and youth (aged five through college with appropriate ID). All active duty military and their families as well as all current Valdosta State students receive free admission to the game with a current military/university identification. SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION: Once again this season, Valdosta State will run shuttle buses to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium from the Oak Street Parking Lot. The shuttles will run continuously beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday until kickoff and will re-commence at the beginning of the fourth quarter and continue until approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game. ROAD CLOSURES: The streets immediately surrounding Bazemore-Hyder Stadium will once again be closed to through traffic this season. All road closures for Saturday's game will occur at 12:30 p.m. Jane Street will be closed from Iola Drive to Williams Street. Williams Street is closed from Jane Street to Brookwood Drive while Brookwood Drive will be closed between Slater Street and Williams. Slater Street will also be closed between Brookwood Drive and Ann Street. BLAZER WALK: The Blazer will start a new tradition this season as they will bus to the stadium as a team. The team will circle around the VSU campus and approach Bazemore-Hyder Stadium via Jane Street. Upon reaching the VSU tailgate area on Jane Street, the VSU players will disembark from their buses and walk to the stadium through the tailgate area. Fans are encouraged to greet the players at this time. The players should reach the stadium area approximately 2:40 p.m. on Saturday. BLAZER WALK T-SHIRTS ON SALE: The Valdosta State Athletic Department will sale "Blazer Walk" t-shirts prior to the start of Saturday's game against Ouachita Baptist. The tickets encourage fans to "Turn up the flame" in support of their team. The t-shirts will sale for $10 and will be available at a table outside the main entrance to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. KIDS RUN WITH THE BLAZERS: A new pre-game event this season will be the ability of the youngest Blazer fans to take the field with the Blazers prior to each game. Children aged five through eighth grade are invited to the Bazemore-Hyder Stadium surface at the southwest corner of the field prior Saturday's game and will run through the human tunnel formed by the Blazin Brigade, VSU's marching Band, and the VSU cheerleaders. The children will continue to the southeast corner of the stadium, where parents can pick them up. Any children wishing to take part in this event must be at the southwest corner ramp by 3:45 p.m. on Saturday. Admission to the game is required to take part in this event. BRUSTER'S REAL ICE CREAM JUNIOR BLAZER SHOWTIME: For the second straight year, the Valdosta State football team invites fans aged five through eighth grade to the field after the game to play catch with the VSU quarterbacks. The event will begin approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

Blazers Eke Out 28-27 Win Over Arkansas Tech

2007-09-22

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - Valdosta State overcame a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Arkansas Tech 28-27 at Berkley Field Saturday afternoon. Arkansas Tech (3-1, 1-1) opened the scoring with its first drive as it marched 71 yards on eight plays for a touchdown. The Wonder Boys picked up 22 yards rushing on the drive, including a one-yard dive by Cole Barthel for the score. After forcing a Valdosta State punt, ATU again found the end zone for a 14-0 lead. The Blazers (3-0, 1-0) appeared to stop the drive as they dropped Barthel for a one-yard loss on the first play before forcing a pair of incomplete passes. However, a 12-men on the field penalty gave Arkansas Tech a first down, eventually leading to a 19-yard Barthel-to-Chris Gunter touchdown pass. The Blazers threatened twice during the remainder of the half, but a Tito Jose interception in the end zone ended one threat while a missed field goal ended the second as VSU was shut out in the first half of a game for the first time since November 27, 2004. Valdosta State broke onto the scoreboard on its first drive of the second half as it took to the ground for a touchdown. A kickoff out of bounds gave VSU the ball on its own 40 yard line. Michael Terry set up the score as broke a 43-yard run to the Wonder Boy nine-yard line. Willie Copeland scored on the next play as he broke through the middle of the field for the touchdown, cutting the Blazer deficit to 14-7. The Blazer rushing game again played a prominent role as VSU scored on its next possession to even the game at 14-14. The Valdosta State rushers picked up 40 yards on seven carries, including a one-yard plunge by Copeland for the eventual score. Terry carried the ball five times for 37 yards on the drive. R.J. Vanhook put Arkansas Tech back in front with a 35-yard touchdown run, but Maurice Leggett blocked the extra point while a Barthel two-yard run with 2:36 remaining in the third quarter pushed the Wonder Boy lead to 27-14. A Kenneth Hale interception and 23-yard return with 12:32 remaining in the game set up VSU's third touchdown of the game. The play gave the Blazers the ball on the Arkansas Tech 34 yard line before passes to Jeffrey Felton and Cedric Jones moved VSU to the 19. Terry picked up three yards on a rush before scoring from 16 yards out as the Valdosta State closed to within 27-21 with 11:11 to go. Valdosta State claimed its first lead of the game with 4:44 to go as Ronnye Nelson plunged in from four yards out. Jones picked up 64 yards on five receptions on the drive as he topped 100 yards receiving for the second straight game. Nelson's score gave VSU four rushing touchdowns for the second straight game and pushed the Blazers to a 28-27 advantage. A pair of punts set up the dramatics of the final two minutes as Arkansas Tech regained possession of the ball with 2:03 to go on its own 26-yard line. However, Barthel's first pass was dropped by Gunter while Roger King knocked a second attempt to Gunter. Another incomplete pass brought up fourth down, where Mark Sibenaller recorded VSU's only sack of the night as he dropped Barthel for an eight-yard loss. Barthel also fumbled on the play and William Montford recovered, allowing the Blazer offense to run out the clock. Terry rushed for a career-high 137 yards on 17 carries on the game while Jones caught a career-high 14 passes for 135 yards. VSU tallied 501 yards of total offense in the game, including 375 in the second half. The Blazers' 249 yards rushing equaled the school's highest total since tallying 264 against West Chester on December 4, 2004. Montford led the VSU defense with eight tackles, including one tackle for loss. The Blazer defense limited the Wonder Boys to 159 yards in the second half of play, 137 of which came on ATU's two scoring drives in the frame. Barthel completed 24-of-41 passes for 235 yards while Tracey Stiger had eight catches for 89 yards. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, September 29 when it hosts Ouachita Baptist at 4:00 p.m. The game will be the centerpiece of the Blazers' Homecoming activities, which will take place throughout the weekend.

Football at Arkansas Tech Game Notes

2007-09-19

This Week's Game: After enjoying a week off, Valdosta State opens Gulf South Conference play as the Blazers travel to Russellville, Ark. to face Arkansas Tech. The Blazers are 2-0 on the season, having outscored opponents 110-3, while Arkansas Tech is 3-0 and 1-0 in GSC play. The Blazers are averaging 448.0 yards and 55.0 points a game this season while giving up 216.0 yards and 1.5 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 469 yards and five touchdowns while sophomore wide receiver Cedric Jones has caught 13 passes, two for touchdowns. Senior linebacker Michael Cullen leads the defense with 15 tackles, including two for loss. Arkansas Tech is averaging 31.0 points and 333.7 total yards a game. Quarterback Cole Barthel has passed for 627 yards and eight touchdowns, including a school record six in a 52-34 win over West Georgia last Saturday. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Arkansas Tech game will be the 286th game in school history. The Blazers have won 190 contests, lost 92 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .671. Webcast: The game will be available on a pay-per-view basis via the Penn Atlantic website. For more information, visit www.pennatlantic.com. Television: The game will be televised live as part of the "GSC TV Live" package. Matt Coulter, Jesse Branch and Don Russell call the action. Radio: WWRQ, 107.9 FM. Dick Rockey (play-by-play), Tom Odom (analysis) and Wes James (sideline) call the action. The Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series 7-1, including wins in each of the last three contests. The series began on September 23, 1995 when VSU claimed a 6-0 victory in Valdosta. The Blazers won the next three meetings, while Arkansas Tech claimed a 21-14 win in Russellville on September 25, 1999. Last Meeting: The Blazers claimed a 51-14 win last year in Valdosta while rolling to a season-high 494 yards of total offense. VSU scored the first 37 points of the game. Blazer Fast Facts: 2007 Record: 2-0 (1.000); 2007 Gulf South Conference Record/Ranking: 0-0 (.000)/1st; Last Five Games: 4-1 (.800); Last 10 Games: 8-2 (.800); Last 15 Games: 11-4 (.733). Head Coach David Dean: David Dean is in his first season at the helm of the Valdosta State Blazers and sports an all-time record of 2-0 (1.000). Overall, Dean has spent 19 years in collegiate coaching, including the last seven as VSU's offensive coordinator. Wonder Boy Fast Facts: 2007 Record: 3-0 (1.000); 2007 Gulf South Conference Record/Finish: 1-0 (1.000)/t1st; Last Five Games: 5-0 (1.000); Last 10 Games: 7-3 (.700); Last 15 Games: 10-5 (.667). Head Coach Steve Mullins: Steve Mullins is in his 11th year as the leader of the Arkansas Tech football program. He has accumulated a 69-41 (.627) record since his arrival, including an 1-5 record against VSU. Click for Complete Game Notes

Mediacom To Air Arkansas Tech Football Game

2007-09-17

Valdosta, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team will play their second away game and travel to Russellville, Ark. this Saturday to take on the Arkansas Tech Wonderboys. The game will be broadcast on Mediacom Channel 77. Pregame will begin at 4 pm (Eastern time) with the kick-off at 4:05 pm.

Football Trounces Fort Valley State 69-0

2007-09-08

FORT VALLEY, Ga. - Valdosta State enjoyed a record-setting victory as the Blazers defeated Fort Valley State 69-0 Saturday evening at Wildcat Stadium. The 69-point victory marked the largest margin of victory in VSU history while the 69 points were just one shy of the school record of 70, set in a 70-12 win over Delta State in 2001. The shutout marked the 17th time in school history, and the first time since 2003, that the Blazers blanked an opponent. Valdosta State (2-0) opened the scoring on its first drive of the game. After forcing an FVSU punt, the Blazers took over at their own 45-yard line and marched to the FVSU 12 before being backed up ten yards by a holding penalty. A Willie Copeland scramble picked up five yards, setting up a 35-yard successful field goal attempt by Zac Whilliams. The Blazers upped their lead to 10-0 on their second drive on an eight-yard touchdown run by Copeland. The drive took just 63 seconds as VSU took over on a punt and marched 42 yards on five plays. The VSU defense got in on the scoring just before the end of the first quarter as the Blazer special teams unit used a Steven Wright punt to pin the Wildcats (2-1) on their own one-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Michael Cullen burst through the line and drug down FVSU running back Richard Willis for a safety. Cedric Jones garnered his first two touchdowns of the year on VSU's next two drives. The first came when he caught a second-and-six screen pass and split a pair of Fort Valley State defenders to race 54 yards for the score. After the VSU defense once again held, the Blazers marched 72 yards on 11 plays to up its lead to 26-0. Jones capped off the drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass, on which he broke two tackles before out-running the rest of the Wildcat defense to the end zone. The Blazer defense closed out the scoring with a fumble recovery for a touchdown with 10 seconds remaining in the half. On a third and 14 play, Travis Harrison sacked FVSU quarterback Nate Samas, stripping the ball in the process. The ball bounded into the end zone, where it was pounced on by VSU's Melvin Black to give the Blazers a 33-0 halftime lead. VSU spent little time in finding the end zone in the third quarter as it marched 78 yards on seven plays. Copeland threw his third touchdown of the game as he found fullback Donnie Powell from four yards out for the score with 11:47 remaining in the quarter. Maurice Leggett picked off a pass and returned it 55 yard for a touchdown with 5:37 to go in the quarter and Josh Brown sacked Wildcat quarterback Zedrick West 12 seconds later to up the VSU lead to 48-0 before Michael Terry scored from four yards out to cap off a nine-play, 60-yard drive with 31 seconds remaining in the quarter. Russ Callaway added a five-yard touchdown run and Ronnye Nelson scored from 10 yards out on a run with 1:38 to go to cap off the scoring in the game. Jones led the Blazers with eight catches and 139 yards including seven receptions and 125 yards in the first half. Copeland completed 20-of-28 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns while Terry picked up 43 yards on six carries. Larry Dean and Cullen led the defense with eight tackles each, with Dean adding a pass broken up and a quarterback hurry. Valdosta State takes next Saturday off before returning to action Saturday, September 22 when it travels to Russellville, Ark. to open Gulf South Conference play against Arkansas Tech at 4:00 p.m. The game will be televised as part of the "GSC TV Live" Package on CSS and locally in the Valdosta area on Mediacom Channel 99.

Fort Valley State Game Notes

2007-09-06

Valdosta State plays its final non-conference game of the 2007 regular season when it visits Fort Valley, Ga. and the Wildcats of Fort Valley State. The Blazers are 1-0 on the season after defeating Albany State 41-3 last week while Fort Valley State is 2-0. The Blazers are averaging 436.0 yards and 41.0 points a game this season while giving up 265.0 yards and 3.0 points a game. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland has thrown for 220 yards and two touchdowns while senior running back Michael Terry has rushed for 74 yards. Sherard Taylor leads the defense with nine tackles and a pair of passes break ups. Fort Valley State is averaging 14.5 points and 253.0 total yards a game. Kicker Jake Grubbs has kicked two game-winning field goals thus far this season while Richard Willis is averaging 116 rushing yards per game. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Fort Valley State game will be the 286th game in school history. The Blazers have won 189 contests, lost 92 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .670. Head Coach David Dean: David Dean is in his first season at the helm of the Valdosta State Blazers and sports an all-time record of 1-0 (1.000). Overall, Dean has spent 19 years in collegiate coaching, including the last seven as VSUÃ�?Ã¯Â¿Â½Ã�?Ã�Â¢??s offensive coordinator. All-Time Versus Fort Valley State: TodayÃ�?Ã¯Â¿Â½Ã�?Ã�Â¢??s match-up marks the 18th time that Valdosta State and Fort Valley State have met on the gridiron. The Blazers have won 14 of the 17 previous meetings, including the last six contests between the two schools. The series began on September 14, 1985 with the Wildcats claiming a 17-3 win. VSU won the next eight outings between the two schools, a span that stretched through the 1997 season, before FVSU claimed back-to-back victories in 1998 and 1999. Directions from Valdosta to Wildcat Stadium: Take I-75 North to exit 136. Turn left on US-341 and follow for approximately nine (9) miles. Turn left on University Boulevard and follow for approximiately one and a half (1.5) miles. Turn right on Carver Drive and the stadium will be approximiately one (1) mile down on your left. Click for Complete Game Notes

Watch the David Dean Show Online Now

2007-09-04

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Throughout the upcoming season, Valdosta State fans will be able to watch The David Dean Show via the internet through the new Blazerzone. In order to view this week's show about the Albany State game, please click here. In addition to The David Dean Show, VSU athletics will also post additional productions throughout the school year. In order to view these productions or to see old episodes of The David Dean Show, visit the multimedia link on Blazerzone.

Blazers Race by Albany State 41-3

2007-09-01

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- The Valdosta State offense outgained the Albany State offense 436 to 265 as the Blazers defeated the Golden Rams 41-3 Saturday evening in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers picked up 208 yards rushing while tallying 228 through the air as they opened their 2007 season with a victory, the ninth time in the last 10 years that they had done so. VSU opened the scoring on its first drive as it drove 54 yards in 10 plays to gain a Zac Williams 23-yard field goal. After a sack to open the drive, Willie Copeland picked up 25 yards on the ground and proceeded to find Jeffrey Felton for a 16-yard pick-up and Josh Rayam for 14 more yards. Facing a first-and-goal from the Albany State six-yard line, Copeland saw three passes fall incomplete, forcing the Williams field goal for a 3-0 Valdosta State lead. ASU used some trickery on its first possession to move into field goal position, only to have Blazer Larry Dean block a Tory Torstenson kick. On the first play of the drive, quarterback Kisan Flakes handed off to running back Brian Porter, who then pitched the ball back to Flakes. Flakes found Nick Kyles wide open for a 58-yard gain that moved the Golden Rams to the VSU 19 yard line. Three rushes tallied nine yards before a false start backed the ball up to the Blazer 15, setting up Dean's block. The Valdosta State offense continued to roll on its next possession as they marched 80 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown. Copeland completed five-of-six passes on the drive while picking up 66 yards through the air, including the final three on a completion to Felton for the score. Albany State responded with a 16-play, 63-yard drive for its only points of the night. Flakes carried the ball for 35 yards on the drive and threw for another 16 to move the Golden Rams to the VSU four-yard line. Facing a fourth and goal, Torstenson connected on a 21-yard field goal to slice the Blazer lead to 10-3. Valdosta State was forced to punt on its next drive before the game was halted for an hour and 50 minutes due to lightning. After the delay, VSU forced an Albany State punt and moved to the Golden Ram nine yard line before Williams added his second field goal of the evening. A pair of interceptions set up VSU's next two touchdowns. Maurice Leggett's interception gave the Blazers the ball on the VSU 33 before the Blazers marched 67 yards in just eight plays and 2:53 of game clock to go up 20-3 while Everett Kitchens' pick on the ASU 47 allowed Copeland to find Scott Palmer for a 17-yard touchdown with 1:36 remaining in the half. The Valdosta State special teams unit got in on the scoring in the third quarter when Travis Taylor blocked a Randy Allen punt. Shawn Harris scooped up the block and raced 25-yard for the touchdown to up the VSU lead to 34-3. Thomas Arnold closed out the scoring when he took a handoff from Tucker Pruitt and raced 18-yards for a score with 10:33 to go in the game. Copeland completed 18-of-29 passes in the game for 220 yards while Michael Terry carried the ball nine times for 74 yards. Ten different Blazers caught a pass in the game, led by Cedric Jones with five for 49 yards while Felton finished with four catches for 56 yards. Besides the two interceptions, the VSU defense finished with six sacks in the game and 10 total tackles for loss. Sherard Reynolds led the Blazers with nine tackles while Michael Cullen had seven. Flakes picked up 18 yards on the ground and completed six-of-14 passes for 106 yards. LiRonnie Davis carried the ball 13 times for 54 yards and Kyles finished with two receptions for 68 yards. Brian Richardson led the ASU defense with 15 tackles while Ryan Davis had 12 and Roderick Cummings 10. Valdosta State returns to action Saturday, September 8 when it travels to Fort Valley, Ga. to face Fort Valley State at 5:00 p.m. in Wildcat Stadium.

Albany State Game Notes

2007-08-29

Today's Game: Valdosta State opens its 2007 season as the Blazers host Albany State in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazers are coming off an 8-2 2006 campaign while the Golden Rams are 1-0 after going 7-4 last season. The game also features the first game in the tenure of new head coach David Dean, who took over the Blazers in January after serving as offensive coordinator for seven years. The Blazers averaged 389.8 yards and 34.9 points a game last season while giving up 270.2 yards and 15.7 a game. VSU returns 20 starters and 43 letterwinners off the 2006 team. Albany State returns 45 letterwinners and 12 starters off of its 2006 squad. The Golden Rams tallied 264.9 yards and 15.8 points a game and featured one of the nation's top defenses as they gave up 232.5 yards and 11.8 points a game. The 2007 season marks the 26th year of Valdosta State football while the Albany State game will be the 285th game in school history. The Blazers have won 188 contests, lost 92 and tied four times, a winning percentage of .669. Complete Game Notes (pdf format) NCAA to Webcast Game For the second straight season, the NCAA has selected Valdosta State to be a part of its webcast package for the upcoming season. The Blazers game against the Golden Rams on September 1 will be webcast live. To access the webcast, visit www.ncaasports.com/dii. THE VSU TICKET OFFICE: Tickets are still available for the Valdosta State season opener against Albany State. Tickets can be purchased at the VSU ticket office through Friday, by calling 229-333-5890 or at the gate on Saturday. The Valdosta State ticket office will remain open until 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31 while the Bazemore-Hyder Stadium ticket booths and Will Call will open at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 1. Ticket prices are $15 for reserved seating, $12 for general admission seating, $4 for senior citizens (aged 65 and above) and youth (aged five through college with appropriate ID). All active duty military and their families as well as all current Valdosta State students receive free admission to the game with a current military/university identification. SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION: Once again this season, Valdosta State will run shuttle buses to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium from the Oak Street Parking Lot. The shuttles will run continuously beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday until kickoff and will re-commence at the beginning of the fourth quarter and continue until approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game. ROAD CLOSURES: The streets immediately surrounding Bazemore-Hyder Stadium will once again be closed to through traffic this season. All road closures for Saturday's game will occur at 3:30 p.m. Jane Street will be closed from Iola Drive to Williams Street. Williams Street is closed from Jane Street to Brookwood Drive while Brookwood Drive will be closed between Slater Street and Williams. Slater Street will also be closed between Brookwood Drive and Ann Street. BLAZER WALK: The Blazer will start a new tradition this season as they will bus to the stadium as a team. The team will circle around the VSU campus and approach Bazemore-Hyder Stadium via Jane Street. Upon reaching the VSU tailgate area on Jane Street, the VSU players will disembark from their buses and walk to the stadium through the tailgate area. Fans are encouraged to greet the players at this time. The players should reach the stadium area approximately 5:40 p.m. on Saturday. KIDS RUN WITH THE BLAZERS: A new pre-game event this season will be the ability of the youngest Blazer fans to take the field with the Blazers prior to each game. Children aged five through eighth grade are invited to the Bazemore-Hyder Stadium surface at the southwest corner of the field prior Saturday's game and will run through the human tunnel formed by the Blazin Brigade, VSU's marching Band, and the VSU cheerleaders. The children will continue to the southeast corner of the stadium, where parents can pick them up. Any children wishing to take part in this event must be at the southwest corner ramp by 6:45 p.m. on Saturday. Admission to the game is required to take part in this event. BRUSTER'S REAL ICE CREAM JUNIOR BLAZER SHOWTIME: For the second straight year, the Valdosta State football team invites fans aged five through eighth grade to the field after the game to play catch with the VSU quarterbacks. The event will begin approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

Football Holds "Meet the Blazers Day"

2007-08-25

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team took a day away from practice to meet and greet some of its most loyal fans[more] as the Blazers held their annual "Meet the Blazers" day at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday morning. The day's events began with mini-camp for area youth aged five through eighth grade. The Blazer squad broke up into eight different positions and rotate the children through the stations to teach them the different skills necessary to play the game of football. The running backs worked on teaching the children the skills in bouncing off tackles to find the end zone while the specialist line the campers up for kicking extra points, with two Blazers serving as the goal. The offense line taught blocking skills while the receivers lined campers up and through passes. The campers experienced the reserve at the next station as they passed to the VSU quarterbacks before intercepting passes from the defensive backs. Linebackers taught the art of scooping up fumbles while the defensive line showed how to properly get off the line to rush the quarterback. More than 200 children participated in the event. After the mini-camp, the children took to the VSU lockerroom and then ran out onto the field, much like Blazers do each home Saturday. The VSU band, cheerleaders, Red Hots Dance team and parents formed the "tunnel" for the kids to run between while Blazer players cheered the participants on while waiting for them at mid-field. An autograph session on the Bazemore-Hyder concourse concluded the day's events while hot dogs and free coca-cola products were served to those in attendance. "This is an exciting event for our guys," said head coach David Dean at the conclusion of activities. "We want these kids to feel a part of our team, because to us they are. Our guys love interacting with all the kids that come out and meeting some of our biggest fans." The Blazers begin preparation for their season opener against Albany State Sunday evening as they will return to the Bazemore-Hyder surface to acclimate to playing under the lights of the stadium.

2007 REGULAR SEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Sundays: Practice, TBA Mondays: Off Tuesdays: Practice at Reames Field, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays: Practice at Reames Field, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Thursdays: Practice at Reames Field, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fridays: Practice at Reames Field, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Scouting the Blazers

2007-08-22

VALDOSTA, Ga. - New Valdosta State secondary coach James Colzie faces an enviable problem in 2007, that being coping with an abundance of depth and talent among the Valdosta State cornerbacks and safeties for the upcoming season. After all, Colzie's secondary features 11 players that will be fighting for time in the upcoming season, including four returning starters from a year ago. "We have a lot of guys that are going to have the opportunity to play," said Colzie after Wednesday's practice. We don't lose much when we bring in the second string guy. It kind of reminds me about when I was at Florida State and how the second-string guys were good enough to start anywhere else in the country. That is how we are this season, any of these guys could start for us." One aspect of the group that will help Colzie and the Blazers this season is the senior leadership that he is receiving from cornerbacks Maurice Leggett and Shawn Harris. "Harris and Leggett are two great leaders," he added. "They both lead by example and are out there working hard every single day. Both are also very talented, very solid players." Colzie is quick to add that talent extends to the safety position as well. "Sherard Reynolds should be even better than he was last year when he was named an All-American," he continued. "He has gained a better understanding of the position and is a big play guy. He still has some untapped potential that we are trying to bring out." Joining Reynolds, Leggett and Harris among the returning corps is Everett Kitchens, who started nine games last season, as well as Eric Williams, Carlos Anderson, Greg Petty and Chance Darley. The group of eight combined for 291 tackles, 28 passes broken up and eight interceptions last year and was instrumental in the VSU defense setting a school record for total defense. Colzie also points to three newcomers who will also be thrown into the mix in the upcoming year. "Freshman Chris Grant is talented and is going to play some for us," he added. "I've ridden him a little hard during camp to get him to fight through some areas that needed to be changed, but he has endured and has shown he can play. "Meanwhile, Roger King and Kenneth Hale have come in from Division I schools and have a ton of talent. King played at Georgia Southern as a freshman while Hale was at Delaware. Both of them are going to push our starters for playing time." All of the talent doesn't mean Colzie will be stress-free in the upcoming season. "I'm going to be under a lot of pressure to get our reserves in games this year," he concluded. "At the same time, I'm going to be under pressure to have our starters out on the field. It's a good problem to have, but its definitely going to take some balancing to keep everyone happy."

VSU PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 25 - 9:00 a.m. - Meet the Blazers Day, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday, September 1 - 7:00 p.m. - Valdosta State vs. Albany State, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium

Scouting the Blazers

2007-08-16

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Though often overlooked, the defensive line could prove to be the key to the Valdosta State season in 2007. After all, on a team full of quality depth at nearly every position, the defensive line proves to the exception to the rule for the upcoming season. The Blazers defensive line returns just three players off of a squad that established school records for points allowed and total yards allowed in 2006. Despite the youth, don't expect defensive line coach Earl Chambers to give up on the season just yet. "We're young, very young," he declared. "But we are improving. We just have to keep improving and if we can get the guys to where we need them, we will be just fine." Chambers' group, though young, is not without some proven talent. Defensive end Travis Harrison, who began his career as a walk-on, was named to the All-Gulf South Conference team last season and earned preseason accolades from the GSC coaches prior to the start of the 2007 preseason. "Travis is the leader of our group," Chambers continued. "He is as talented as they come and has shown his ability to lead our group." The third-year assistant points to his two remaining returners as further examples of the potential of the line. "Bo May did an excellent job for us last season, especially later in the year after he had picked up everything we wanted him to do," he added. "Melvin Black has also been coming along nicely and should be ready to step up this season as he gains even more playing time." Harrison, May and Black all played in all 10 games a year ago and combined for 87 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. Among the newer players, Chambers also sees a great deal of potential. "Demario Jones has shown some great flashes," he concluded. "We have to get him in a little better shape, but he has times when he has shown he can be a real force. The same can be said for Josh Brown, who has moved from linebacker to defensive end. He just needs time to pick up the new system. "Our biggest problem right now is consistency. We have the talent, but we are just so young that we aren't always consistent and that has to happen for us to be successful. We have 17 newcomers, so it is expected that we will be a little inconsistent. However, our guys are learning that youth is no longer an excuse because the team needs them now."

VSU PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 18 - 9:00 a.m. - Scrimmage Saturday, August 25 - 9:00 a.m. - Meet the Blazers Day, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday, September 1 - 7:00 p.m. - Valdosta State vs. Albany State, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium

Defense Controls Blazers' Second Scrimmage

2007-08-15

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State defense recorded three interceptions and a fumble recovery while limiting the offense to five touchdowns on 16 drives during Saturday morning's scrimmage at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Willie Copeland and the first team offense looked sharp on the first drive of the scrimmage also it opened with a touchdown for the second week in a row. Copeland completed all four of his passes, including a three-yard toss to Derek Tharpe for the score, for 24 yards on the drive. Michael Terry provided the highlight one the drive, busting through the middle of the line for a 46-yard pickup to the defense's three, before being drug to the ground. The defense stepped up over the next four drives, all of which began from the offense's 30. The Black Swarm kept the offensive unit from picking up a first down on each of the four drives. Copeland and the first-team offense again found the end zone on their second drive from the 30. The senior quarterback scrambled for 12 yards on the first play drive and, after an incomplete pass, found Cedric Jones on two straight passes for 20 yards. An incomplete pass and a rushing attempt gave the offense third and seven from the defense's 44 yard line before Copeland found R.J. Bastone deep down the field for a touchdown. The defense again held over the next three drives, allowing six first downs while holding the ball outside of its 35 yard line. The final drive from the offense's 30 ended when Roger King picked off a pass and returned it 45 yards for a score. Three drives from the offense's four yard line followed, with the first attempt seeing the offense pick up 30 yards to get out of trouble. However, Shawn Harris made a diving catch on the first pass of the second drive to record the defense's second interception while Kiece Crite recovered a fumble for the defense on the third drive. After a session of punting, which saw the punt block team get a hand on four punts, the squad took the field for four drives inside the defense's 20-yard line. An interception in the end zone by Maurice Leggett ended the first drive before freshman running back Ronnye Nelson found the goal line from five yards out on the second drive for a score. The next two drives again saw the offense come up drive as the third saw the attempt end on downs while a sack forced a 40-yard field goal that sailed wide right on the fourth. The final two drives of the scrimmage saw the offense find the end zone each time as it was forced to march 65 yards in less than 1:35. Copeland led the first drive, completing three-of-five passes for 58 yards, including a 3-yard out to Clay Callaway for the score. The second drive started with a sack by Travis Harrison on freshman quarterback Chris Hart and a holding penalty back the ball up to the offense's 15 yard line on the first two plays. Facing second and long, Hart threw a deep ball to Eric Sledge. The pass was tipped by a defense back and then batted in the air twice by Sledge, before the sophomore receiver hauled in the pass and raced 85 yards for a score to end the scrimmage. In addition to the four turnovers that it registered, the defense also finished with four sacks and two tackles for loss as well as a pass broken up. Copeland completed 10-of-14 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns while Hart was four-of-eight for 96 yards and a score. Sledge registered three catches and 108 yards receiving while Callaway finished with five catches and 38 yards. Defensively, Jamaal Clark tallied a scrimmage-high five tackles while Greg Petty had three. Harrison, Bubba Boatwright, Josh Brown and Melvin Black all recorded sacks for the defense. "I thought we had a great scrimmage today," said head coach David Dean after the practice. "I was proud of our defense and how they came out today. They had a great week of practice and came a long way from last week, which is a good sign for us. "We have to get better on special teams and that is something we are going to address this week. The first team offense looked real good out there. They were very crisp. Willie especially looked good and very poised. He was voted to be one of our captains this week by the team and he looked like a leader out there." The Blazers take Sunday off before returning to the practice field Monday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. VSU will spend the week beginning preparations for its season opener against Albany State on September 1 before taking next Saturday off for its annual "Meet the Blazers Day" at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Willie Copeland - 10-of-14, 146 yards, 3 touchdowns; Chris Hart - 4-of-eight, 96 yards, 1 touchdown. TOTALS: 25-of-43, 351 yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions. Rushing: Michael Terry - 2-49; Willie Copeland - 4-10; Ronnye Nelson - 2-10, 1 touchdown. TOTALS: 22-78, 1 touchdown. Receiving: Eric Sledge - 3-108, 1 touchdown; R.J. Bastone - 1-44, 1 touchdown; Clay Callaway - 5-38, 1 touchdown; Thomas Arnold - 2-33; Cedric Jones - 2-20. Defense: Jamal Clark - 5 tackles; Greg Petty - 3 tackles; Joel Jones - 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss; Josh Brown - 2 tackles, 1 sack; Roger King - 1 tackle, 1 interception; Shawn Harris - 1 tackle, 1 interception.

VSU PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Football Holds First Scrimmage of 2007

2007-08-11

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State offense scored six touchdowns on 13 drives during the Blazers first scrimmage of the 2007 preseason Saturday morning at Reames Field. The offense started the scrimmage quickly, using just 11 plays to march 75 yards for a touchdown. Willie Copeland completed five of his six passes on the drive and picked up another five yards on the ground. Scott Palmer also picked up 15 yards on the ground while Michael Terry used two carries to gain nine yards. Copeland found junior wide receiver alone in the end zone for a two-yard gain to cap off the drive. The defense stepped up and held as the No. 2's took field, forcing a turnover on downs, before holding the No. 3's to a field goal attempt on the third drive of day. The 48-yarder sailed wide left before the team moved to the red zone for its next six drives. The first team defense held again on the first drive from the 20-yard line, but the second team offense scored as Rashawn Robinson dove in from the one-yard line. The roles reversed when the ball moved to the four-yard line, although the first-team offense had to overcome a sack for its score. The sack moved the ball back to the 11 yard line before Terry burst through the line for a touchdown. The defense again won the battle with the reserves on the field on the final drive from the four. The final red zone drives saw the ball moved back to the 18-yard line and the first-team offense again turn the ball over on downs. The second-team offense appeared in trouble when an errant snap sailed over the head of junior quarterback Tucker Pruitt, who fell on the ball at the 32-yard line. However, on the next play, Pruitt found a streaking P.J. Katz down the left sideline for a score. The offense again faced a long field as the ball was placed on the home 35 for the final four drives, which included the highlight of the day. With the coaches mixing the groups in order to get a better look at newer players, Chris Hart hit Cedric Evans on a screen and saw the wide receiver break a tackle to gain 25 yards. The next two passes fell incomplete before Jeffrey Felton made a lunging one-handed catch on a Hart pass and raced 40 yards for the score. The next two drives saw the defense force turnovers on downs, before Hart led the starters to one final touchdown. He completed all three passes on the final drive, including an eight-yard pass to Kendall Burton for the score. The key play of the drive came on first-and-10 from the home 48, when Hart rocketed a ball over the middle towards Evans. A Blazer defender appeared to have an interception on the pass, but the ball bounced off his hands and into those of Evans, who then raced 44 yards before being brought down on the eight-yard line. "Overall, I was pleased with how we looked today," said head coach David Dean after the scrimmage. "Our offense is starting to gel and that showed today. We held some guys out on defense, such as Travis Harrison who didn't even play a snap, in order to get some of our young players a little more experience. I think the offense took advantage of that a little, but overall I was pleased with how we played." The Blazers return to the practice field on Monday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m. as they continue their preparations for their September 1 season opener against Albany State. The game will be played in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at 7:00 p.m.

OFFENSIVE STATS

Passing - Willie Copeland 5-of-6, 35 yards, TD; Tucker Pruitt 6-of-8, 66 yards, TD; Doug Pilcher 1-of-3, 3 yards; Russ Callaway 12-of-16, 63 yards; Chris Hart 7-of-10, 150 yards, 2 TDs. TOTALS: 31-of-43, 317 yards, 4 TDs. Rushing - Willie Copeland 1-5; Scott Palmer 1-15; Michael Terry 3-20, TD; Mike Brown 2-6; Donnie Powell 1-11; Kendall Burton 1-3; Ronnye Nelson 4-16; Thomas Arnold 3-16; Rashawn Robinson 2-6, TD. TOTALS: 20-101, 2 TDs. Receiving - Travis Taylor 1-9; Michael Terry 1-9; Jeffrey Felton 2-45, TD; Cedric Evans 5-92; Josh Rayam 2-15, TD; Kendall Burton 4-37, TD; Mike Brown 1-2; Clay Callaway 3-26; R.J. Bastone 1-7; Jackson Dean 5-22; P.J. Katz 2-38, TD; Ronnye Nelson 1-6; Thomas Arnold 2-14.

VSU PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 11 - 9:00 a.m. - Scrimmage Monday, August 13 - 3:00 p.m. - Classes begin, Regular Season practice schedule begins Saturday, August 18 - 9:00 a.m. - Scrimmage Saturday, August 25 - 9:00 a.m. - Meet the Blazers Day, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday, September 1 - 7:00 p.m. - Valdosta State vs. Albany State, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium *Practice time will change to 8:30 a.m. if bad weather is expected during the afternoon

Football to hold "Meet the Blazers Day" August 25

2007-08-08

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team will hold its annual "Meet the Blazers" Day August 25 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The day will begin with a Youth Minicamp at 9:00 a.m., during which Blazer players and coaches will teach children aged five through eighth grade the fundamentals of football. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. for registration for the event. Following the mini-camp, the team will hold an autograph session for all Blazer fans. The session will take place on the Bazemore-Hyder Stadium concourse underneath the home stands. Additionally, the VSU cheerleaders and Red Hots Dance Team will work with campers and preview their camps with those children wishing to work with the Blazer spirit groups. Those parents wishing to pre-register their children for the mini-camp are encouraged to print out the registration form. Pre-registration forms can be brought to the registration tables on the day of the event to receive the campers' t-shirt.

Scouting the Blazers: Part Two

2007-08-08

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team wrapped up its first full week of preseason practice Friday with a single session that ended a "grueling" week according to head coach David Dean. "I feel we have made some good progress towards where we need to be for the upcoming season," said Dean after Friday's practice. "It has been a grueling week with the heat and the two-a-day practices. The coaching staff and I haven't always been thrilled with what we have seen out of our team, but overall they have practiced hard and made some improvements." Friday marked the fourth straight day in which the Blazers had practiced in temperatures that exceeded 95 degrees. Two of the days, Tuesday and Thursday, saw VSU hold a pair of practices as the coaching staff prepared the team mentally and physically for the year ahead. The hard work will pay off Saturday morning as Valdosta State holds its first preseason scrimmage of the year. The Blazers will take to the Reames Field surface at 9:00 a.m. Saturday for a short head-to-head session before having Sunday off.

SCOUTING THE BLAZERS: THE WIDE RECEIVERS

As the deepest position on the Valdosta State squad, the Blazer receiving corps aims for another good season in the coming months. After all, the Blazers add an abundance of young talent to a position which returns four of the top five receivers from 2006. Overall, the returning receiving corps accounted for 178 catches, 2,139 yards and 25 touchdowns last year. "The receivers are probably our deepest position on the team," says head coach David Dean. "I have been very pleased with how they have looked as a group in camp thus far. We have probably the most talented group that we have ever had, but at the same time they are the hardest working group we have ever had." Of course, any discussion concerning the receiving corps begins with 2006 Gulf South Conference Freshman-of-the-Year Cedric Jones. Jones caught 91 passes and eight touchdowns while accounting for 911 yards last season as he became just the third Blazer to earn GSC rookie honors. "Cedric looks quicker this season," added Dean. "He has a better understanding of our offense and is making quicker reads. I actually think one thing that is going to help him is that he has so much talent around him. He will draw lots of attention which will help the other receivers out, but once they show what they can do, it will also free him up." While Jones may be the centerpiece of the offense, five seniors provide a great deal of knowledge and leadership to the group. "Jeffrey Felton (26 catches, 321 yards, 1 touchdown) is a very intelligent player," the Blazer head coach continued. "He provides great leadership for our guys and is always encouraging. He has shown the ability to be a force in our offense and should have a great year. "Meanwhile, Derek Tharpe (36 catches, 464 yards, 10 touchdowns) has improved every year that he has been in our uniform. He has improved his blocking and has a knack for finding the end zone." While Tharpe and Felton are the two more heralded seniors, Dean goes on to point out that the remaining three will also be stalwarts this season. "Zach Parker (25 catches, 193 yards, 4 touchdowns) does just a great job at his position," he pointed out. "He teaches our young guys what it takes to be successful. He is not the fastest player, but he understands his role and is really made for our offense. "We have moved Clay Callaway (1 catch, eight yards) to wide receiver full-time this season and he has responded really well. He worked hard over the summer and came into camp in great shape. He is a lot more physical and that is going to help him. "Finally, Travis Taylor (4 catches, 28 yards, 1 touchdown) is back and healthy. He missed a lot with a leg injury last season, but has worked hard to get back into shape and is having a good camp." While the returning receivers will see a lot of time, they will in no way preclude Dean's new receivers from taking the field. The first-year head man points to R.J. Bastone as being the biggest surprise of preseason camp while Eric Sledge is VSU's most improved receivers since the spring camp. "Bastone has natural instincts and great hands. He has good control over his body and can take a hit," he concluded. "Meanwhile, Sledge has improved greatly since the spring. He has come back much stronger and much faster. The spring helped him pick up our offense and he looks a lot more comfortable out there so far in camp. "Josh Rayam adds athletically ability and quickness to the mix while P.J. Curbeam and Cedrick Evans have shown that they have the knowledge to take the field at any position. Meanwhile, Jackson Dean is a very solid player who is fighting his way into the mix. He has two talented seniors in front of him, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to see some time this season if he keeps improving."

VSU PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Football Practice Update #4

2007-08-07

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football team held its first two-a-day practice session of the 2007 preseason Tuesday as the players and coaches twice took the Reames Field surface at 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. The pair of practices made the day the most grueling practice day of the preseason thus far, with the conditions being made all the more uncomfortable with temperatures that approached triple digits. By the time the day's second session ended at 5:00 p.m., the thermometer stood at 97 degrees with the heat index well into the triple digits at 107 degrees. The conditions proved to be severe enough that the National Weather Service in Tallahassee issued a heat advisory for the South Georgia area. Despite the heat, head coach David Dean left the afternoon session pleased with his team's performance. "Our offense was kind of dragging this morning, but overall we had a good day of practice," he stated after the second session. "Our guys really stepped up this afternoon and gutted out a tough day. That is something that makes you proud as a coach." Dean was particularly pleased with his team's reaction to being lined up for some extra conditioning running at the end of practice. "I told the guys after practice that I lined them up for gassers just to see how many guys were going to grumble and complain," he continued. "After two practices in this heat, their legs probably feel like they are made of lead and I wanted to test their mental toughness some. Not one person complained, so we only ran the one gasser. That shows that we are starting to come together as a team and that we are focused on the task at hand." Wednesday will offer little relief for the Blazers, who will hold only a single practice beginning at 2:30 p.m. Current forecasts call for a high of 98 degrees, just two degrees off the record of 100 set in 1951, and a heat index that will again near the 110 degree mark during the afternoon hours. "We're stressing to our team that the most important thing they can do right now is to drink lots of water," Dean concluded. "Russ Hoff, our Head Athletic Trainer, is monitoring weights before and after every practice and we are encouraging our guys to stay properly hydrated."

VSU PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Wednesday, August 8 - 2:30 p.m.* Thursday, August 9 - 8:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Friday, August 10 - 2:30 p.m.* Saturday, August 11 - 9:00 a.m. - Scrimmage Monday, August 13 - 2:30 p.m. - Classes begin, Regular Season practice schedule begins Saturday, August 18 - 9:00 a.m. - Scrimmage Saturday, August 25 - 9:00 a.m. - Meet the Blazers Day, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday, September 1 - 7:00 p.m. - Valdosta State vs. Albany State, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium *Practice time will change to 8:30 a.m. if bad weather is expected during the afternoon