LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Facing one of the top offensive teams in the Gulf South Conference, the Valdosta State Blazers answered the call with a balanced effort that led to a 37-22 win over West Alabama on Saturday afternoon in Livingston, Ala.
The Black Swarm forced five turnovers on the day and did not allow a touchdown pass by UWA's star quarterback, Austin Grammar. The result was a convincing win for the Blazers that launched the squad to 7-2 on the season and 5-2 against conference opponents. West Alabama fell to 6-4 overall and 6-2 in GSC action.
In what was expected to be a tightly contested matchup, the first half fit the bill, as the two teams traded point throughout the opening half. Valdosta State struck first thanks to a 62-yard punt return midway through the first quarter by
Gary Simon. The return represented Simon's second of the season for a touchdown and opened up a 7-0 lead for Valdosta State.
Minutes later, after being pinned inside their own 20-yard line by
Gavin Wilson's 50-yard punt, the Tigers ripped off two big plays for a touchdown, the second of which was a 61-yard rush by Rashaad Lee. Lee's yardage on the play accounted for 103 first-half yards for the Tigers on the ground and 226 yards in the game, but Jordan Bennett botched the point after attempt and allowed VSU to hold a one point lead.
The Tigers traded possessions with VSU throughout the first five minutes of the second quarter, before taking over at the 12:01 mark and stringing together a 9-play, 60 yard drive. The drive ended with an 8-yard carry by Lakendrick Thomas, before the Tigers failed on a conversion attempt, resulting in a 12-7 advantage for UWA.
Valdosta State retaliated on the ensuing drive, as
Adam Robles led the Blazers downfield for an 8-play, 78-yard drive that ended with a nine yard post route completion to
Xay Howard in the back corner of the end zone.
The Blazers' 14-point lead lasted until the closing seconds of the third quarter, when the Black Swarm held off a touchdown opportunity and forced the Tigers to settle for an 18-yard field goal and a narrow, 15-14 advantage.
The second half was a different story, as Valdosta State took complete control of the contest. The Blazers allowed the Tigers just 123 total offensive yards in the half, while the offense racked up 266 yards for three touchdowns and a 23 points. UWA's only second-half score came after a blocked punt gave the Tigers favorable field position.
Robles spread his passing game out to 12 different receivers for 34 completions, 353 passing yards, and three touchdowns in 54 attempts on the afternoon. His leading receiver was Damian Strange, who recorded nine catches for 108 yards, and freshman
Cedric Hollingshed teamed up with
Jordan Germany and Qualin Patterson to help lead the Blazers to 99 rushing yards in the contest.
As for the defense,
Kenny Moore upped his season interception total to three with a first half pick, while
Jamar Simpkins deflected a pass and hauled it in during the second half to lift the team's interception total to 20 on the year.
Brandon Roe led the unit with nine tackles, all solo.
Valdosta State will now turn their attention to Shorter for the team's final regular season game of the year, which is scheduled to take place at 7:00 p.m. next Saturday at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The game will serve as VSU Athletics' annual Military Appreciation contest, and the 2016 Senior Class will also be recognized prior to the game.
