LIVINGSTON, Ala. – No. 13 Valdosta State faces its biggest test of the season Saturday when it visits West Alabama in the FloCollege D2 Football Game of the Week.

The Blazers (5-1) are ranked No. 13 in the D2Football.com poll, No. 15 in the FloCollege poll and No. 17 in the AFCA poll.

Valdosta State is coming off a 41-31 homecoming win over Shorter, holding off a late Hawks rally to stay unbeaten at home this season.

The Blazers average 45.5 points and 450.0 yards per game while allowing just 17.3 points.

Quarterback Champ Harris has completed 56 percent of his passes for 920 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He has been a true dual threat, rushing for 262 yards and five touchdowns, second-most on the team.

Shawn Paschall leads the backfield with 581 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 8.2 yards per carry and 96.8 yards per game. He also adds 136.0 all-purpose yards per game.

Paschall and Harris have powered a rushing attack that ranks in the top 10 nationally in yards per game (268.0) and rushing touchdowns (25).

The defense leads the nation in fewest total yards allowed (1,588), fewest first downs allowed (88) and turnover margin (+12). The Blazers rank third nationally in fewest touchdowns allowed (12), and opponents have completed just 43 percent of their passes with 14 interceptions.

Jayden Bethea anchors the unit, leading the team with 35 tackles and six tackles for loss. Julius Pascal is second with 24 tackles and has two interceptions, including an 84-yard pick-six.

Curtis Janvier put on a show last week with two interceptions, including the one that sealed the win over Shorter, and was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week. He leads the team with three interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

On special teams, Lucas Edenfield averages 42.2 yards per punt, and the Blazers have needed just 23 punts all season. Adrian Gonzalez has 22 touchbacks on 47 kickoffs, and the coverage unit has held opponents to 16.0 yards per kick return.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS
West Alabama enters 5-3 (0-1 GSC), with wins over Lenoir-Rhyne (34-23) and Pittsburg State (24-23). The Tigers dropped a 37-33 heartbreaker at Delta State last week.

West Alabama runs a balanced offense, averaging 115.0 rushing yards and 194.1 passing yards per game.

Quarterback Luther Richesson has completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,524 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. Brayden Jenkins leads the ground game with 346 yards and two touchdowns.

Jaylon York leads the Tigers with 23 receptions for 277 yards. Madixx Morris leads the team in receiving yards with 314 on 15 catches, and TD Parker has 21 receptions for 299 yards and a team-high four touchdown catches.

Pass defense has been the Tigers' strength, allowing just 180.1 yards per game through the air. On the ground, they've allowed 187.6 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry, which sets up a key matchup with the Blazers' rushing attack.

Joseph Harper leads West Alabama in tackles (53), tackles for loss (7.5) and sacks (2.5). KC Bradford is second with 48 tackles. Kebian Gilmore, Issaiah Parrish and Legend Doggett share the team lead with two interceptions each, and Doggett has returned both of his for touchdowns.

Kendrick Joseph is a threat on special teams, averaging 37.1 yards per kick return with two touchdowns.

SERIES HISTORY
Valdosta State leads the all-time series 10-5 and has won the last two meetings, including a 45-35 win last season. The Blazers won their last trip to Livingston, 20-14 in 2023.

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