VALDOSTA, Ga. – It's been an exciting week for Blazer football that began on Sunday, when Valdosta State football learned that they not only would return to the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs for the second straight season, but would also serve as first round hosts to the Carson-Newman Eagles.
The Eagles enter Titletown sporting a 9-2 overall record and six game winning streak that dates back to October 3rd, when Head Coach Ken Sparks' squad fell 57-12 to Lenoir Rhyne. The Eagles, led by running back Damian Baker, represent the fourth-best rushing team in the country with an average of 332.2 rushing yards per game. Baker, who ranks ninth among all Division II backs in rushing yards, has provided prolific offensive numbers for the Eagles with 1349 rushing yards, 17 rushing touchdowns, and an average of 122.6 yards per game on the ground.
Valdosta State, now 8-2 after five straight wins, will aim to counter Carson-Newman's ground assault behind the leadership of linebackers Kenny Murphy and Sharmaine Washington, along with corner Kenny Moore, who were all named First-Team All-Gulf South Conference earlier this week. The Blazer defense has shown a marked improvement in their last three games, whittling down the number of rushing yards allowed to 152.7 per game. During those three games, the Blazer defense has forced 11 turnovers, nine of which were interceptions by the Black Swarm defensive backs. On those nine picks, the Blazers have racked up 245 return yards.
On the offensive side of the ball for the Blazers, it seemed as though everyone got in on the fun during VSU's homecoming matchup against Florida Tech last Saturday at Bazemore-Hyder. Senior receiver Chris Anderson posted his best performance of the season with 90 receiving yards, eight catches, and the game's opening touchdown, while six additional receivers caught two or more passes in the game. E.J. Hilliard delivered a balanced effort in the playoff-clinching victory with 294 passing yards and 55 rushing yards. Hilliard's 24-for-36 performance represented his best this season, and helped VSU run away from the Panthers in the second half.
Saturday's showdown with the Eagles marks VSU's 14th NCAA Postseason appearance. The Blazers have played 31 previous playoff games and have accumulated a 21-10 postseason record for a .677 winning percentage.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., with live audio provided at www.talk921.com and a live video stream provided at www.vstateblazers.com or by using the links below.
TICKET LOCATIONS: Tickets can be purchased on game day at three Bazemore-Hyder Stadium locations. Tickets are available at the southeast corner, the southwest corner of the stadium, and the northwest corner of the stadium. Tickets will go on sale at 10:30 a.m.
WILL CALL TICKET LOCATION: The Will Call Ticket location is at the southeast corner of the stadium. Will Call will open at 10:30 a.m.
TICKET PRICES:
$18 - Reserved Seat
$10 - General Admission
$5 - youth (5-17)
*VSU Students with a valid student ID card will be admitted FREE of charge*
PARKING: All VSU parking lots are open for football game parking. The Bazemore-Hyder Stadium lots directly behind and to the south of the stadium are reserved lots and are not available for general public parking
HANDICAP PARKING: There are a limited number of first-come-first-serve handicap parking spaces located in the Superintendent Reserved lot directly behind the stadium. Enter this lot off Williams Street and show attendant your handicap pass.
CONCESSIONS: Concession stands at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium are located in the South Concourse and at the northeast corner of the stadium.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
-The Blazer Walk will begin at approximately 10:25 a.m.
