VALDOSTA, Ga.- The Valdosta State football team held its second scrimmage of the fall camp at the VSU Athletic Field House on Saturday, August 21, as the 2021 season is scheduled to begin in 14 days. 

The scrimmage built on many of the promising aspects of the first scrimmage, while also displaying some new bright spots with the season opener against Savannah State rapidly approaching September 4 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
 
The scrimmage once again had an early morning time frame, allowing for lower temperatures and cloudy skies. Under these conditions, the team prospered on both sides of the ball with the Blazer "Black Swarm" defense serving a handful of highlights on the day. In a display of elite dominance, the first, second and third team defenses each made big stops on their respective first drives of the day.
 
In a stunning display of teamwork, the first team defense really showed out as a whole as not one single player stood out.  Each and every player attempted to make a big play when an opportunity came their way. Every aspect of the defense showed up as the defensive line broke through for a couple of sacks, the linebackers stopped some big runs, and the defensive backs broke up a few short passes.
 
The first team defense not only impressed the crowd of VSU fans and spectators who attended the scrimmage, but first year defensive coordinator, Jason Semore. "Not a single player jumps out at me as a standout," said Semore. "I was really pleased with the first team when it came to assignment."
 
While the first team defense only took a limited amount of snaps, many of the defensive leaders were very vocal and helped coach up their fellow teammates. Among them were redshirt senior defensive lineman Ja'Davien Williams, redshirt senior linebacker Nick Moss and senior defensive backs Christian Matthew and Cory Roberts.
 
"The young guys are really learning fast," said Roberts. "We're happy to have them and they are a really talented group."
 
Under the guidance of the senior leaders, the second and third team defenses also made some big plays on their opening drives such as the second team breaking up some deep passes downfield and the third team stopping the run on consecutive plays. Each defense showed up to make plays and stop the offense from moving the chains.
 
While the defense was definitely the highlight of the second scrimmage, the Blazer offense still made some outstanding plays courtesy of junior quarterback Ivory Durham, who broke out on his third drive, scrambling down the middle of the field for a rushing touchdown. A couple of the receivers also made some big plays later in the scrimmage, including both freshman Council Allen and senior Lio'Undre Gallimore, who both hauled in touchdown grabs.
 
The Blazers have just two more weeks of practice left before the season kicks off as both sides of the ball continue to progress to game-ready status. "We're getting there, we're not game ready yet, but we're still in the process of training habits and learning schemes," said Coach Semore.