VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Blazers get a chance to avenge their mid-season loss to the West Georgia Wolves this weekend in Carrollton, Ga. in the second round of the NCAA Football Division II Playoffs, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
The Blazers will aim to extend their season on Saturday, riding the momentum of last weekend's opening round thriller against Carson-Newman, which many have referred to this week as the most exciting game in Valdosta State football history. Head Coach David Dean's offense exploded for 682 total yards in the contest and scored 34 points in the fourth quarter to cap off a rousing comeback that concluded with a 28-yard touchdown pass from EJ Hilliard to Greg Dent as the final seconds ticked away.
Last weekend's triumph included a plethora of memorable performance, including a first-half interception by GSC Freshman of the Year Malcolm McClenton, a 448-yard passing effort by Hilliard, and three rushing touchdowns for Cedric O'Neal, which pushed the senior to 17 on the year for a new single season school record. The win marked Valdosta State's sixth consecutive victory in 2015 and helped the Blazers acquire their seventh playoff victory since the start of 2012's National Championship run. In fact, Valdosta State holds a 7-1 postseason record since 2010, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Wolves in the third round of 2014.
The Wolves of West Georgia enter Saturday's contest ranked No. 7 in the nation, with their only loss of the season coming three weeks ago to Florida Tech. UWG represents the top offensive team in the GSC with an average of 39.0 points per game. Valdosta State holds an edge in yards per game at 434.8 against UWG's 419.6, but the Wolves aim to counter VSU's production with a defense that leads the GSC with just 242.5 yards allowed per game.
Leading performers in 2015 for the Wolves include running back Devontae Jackson, who averages 7.5 yards per carry and 71.8 yards per game, along with quarterback Dallas Dickey, who has limited his turnovers with just five interceptions on the year while throwing for 16 touchdown passes. Defensively, linebacker Dylan Donahue leads the GSC with 8.5 total sacks and an average of 0.94 per game.
Valdosta State is in the midst of its 14th NCAA Postseason appearance. The Blazers have played 32 previous playoff games and have accumulated a 22-10 postseason record for a .688 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.uwgsports.com or by using the links below.
TICKET PRICES
Reserved - $20
Adult General Admission - $15
Student with ID - $10
*Seats on the north side of the stadium behind the VSU bench will be general admission. Ticket sales will begin at the stadium at 10:00 a.m., and the gates will open at 10:30pm.
PARKING
Stadium parking is $5
LODGING
The West Georgia Athletic Department is recommending the Holiday Inn Express (770-838-0508) in Carrollton.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
-The Alumni Association will host an official Tailgate Party at 10:30 a.m. on gameday in Carrollton, Ga. outside of the stadium.
