VALDOSTA, Ga. – Playing in its first national semifinal since 2012, the No. 3 Valdosta State football team found its toughest opponent to date in No. 11 Notre Dame College of Ohio.  The Blazers rallied back for a thrilling 30-24 win to punch their ticket to the program's fifth national title game.  
 
The high-flying Blazer offense struggled mightily against NDC, being outgained 371-329, while VSU had seven penalties for 85 yards and NDC was penalized one time for five yards in the game.   VSU jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first quarter as then-freshman Seth McGill scored on the opening drive from one yard out on 4^th and goal.  Things continued to look promising as freshman Walker Schwab blocked a punt for a safety on the ensuing NDC drive for a 9-0 lead.
 
Notre Dame settled down and used a big 13-play drive for a 9-7 score early in the second quarter.  Following a VSU punt, the Falcons missed a field goal from 29-yards out, but NDC converted two key third downs late in the half and a 39-yard field goal for a 10-9 lead at halftime.
 
The Falcons were in command with a big second half drive to begin the half moving to the VSU six, but senior David Brown picked off Chris Brimm's pass in the end zone and returned 100-yards for a touchdown, sparking a 21-7 third quarter in favor of the Blazers.  VSU led 30-17 through three frames.  The final score of the quarter by the Blazers was highlighted by a freshman Jamar Thompkins 84-yard run on just one play. 
 
The Falcons wouldn't go away quietly, however, as things got interesting with 4:16 left as VSU was marching to close out the game.  An 82-yard fumble return by NDC for a score closed the margin to 30-24 with 2:17 left. 
 
On the ensuing onside kick, McGill came up with a leaping catch at the VSU 45.  The Blazers iced the game converting just their second third down of the day (2 of 10) for the thrilling victory.  
 
NDC held the Blazers to some of their lowest offensive outputs of the season, but the 100-yard interception return and enough key stops, propelled the Blazers into the championship game.  VSU was led on the ground by Thompkins on 11 carries for 145 yards and a score, while NDC's Jaleel McLaughlin continued his outstanding season with 32 carries for 175 yards, but didn't find the end zone.