Valdosta Athletics

Valdosta, GA - Tonight marked the opener for 2026 and the Blazers are off to a hot start with an impressive 38-10 win.

First Quarter- Back-And-Forth Battle

In the first quarter it became clear that neither side was going to yield an inch, the defensive efforts of both teams alternating with stops during the initial attacks before Valdosta State eventually managed to break through with a 15-play, 84-yard attack which took over seven minutes.

When there was 1 minute and 22 seconds left in the quarter, Hezekiah Harris passed to Rowan Darnell for a three-yard touchdown, giving the Blazers an early lead.

In reply Emory & Henry launched a strong attack of their own, moving into Valdosta State territory as the quarter ended. The Wasps then maintained that momentum in the second quarter, keeping the game within striking distance and setting up a back-and-forth battle early on. 

Second Quarter- Blazers Hold Off the Wasps

Emory & Henry carried on its advance in the second quarter, crossing over into VSU territory when the Blazers' defense caused a turnover on downs keeping the Wasps from scoring.

Valdosta State then launched a scoring attack of their own. Harris scored from 12 yards out, which extended the Blazers' lead to 14-0 with 2 minutes and 57 seconds left in the first half.

The Wasps wouldn't leave, instead developing a late scoring drive which ended when Mason Iovino gained a touchdown of one yard with 48 seconds remaining in the half.

Valdosta State had a lead of 14-7 when they went into the locker room. 

Third Quarter- Blazers Take Over

After halftime Emory & Henry were determined to keep the pressure on and started the quarter with a 47-yard field goal by Bryant Nottingham which reduced the VSU lead to 14-10.

The Blazers responded immediately.

After Shawn Paschall's run had converted a fourth down, Valdosta State then advanced down the field and Harris got a three-yard touchdown pass to Bo Tallevast with five minutes and twenty-one seconds left in the quarter.

The defense of VSU then kept on making plays, Jayden Bethea managing to get a sack and forcing the Wasps into a fourth-down situation.

That was the turning point.

When Valdosta State was backed up at its own 11-yard line, Paschall managed an explosive 89-yard touchdown run by sprinting down the field giving the Blazers a lead of 28-10. The play completely changed the course of the game in favour of VSU and meant that the Blazers went into the fourth quarter with a stronger lead. 

Fourth Quarter- Blazers Finish in Style

Valdosta State didn't delay in putting the game away.

In the first play of the fourth quarter, Leon Washington Jr. took the snap and ran 71 yards to score a touchdown, extending the Blazers' lead to 35-10.

The defense then carried out another long play when Fernando Washington charged in for a five-yard sack, which at once put the Wasps behind the goal lines.

Valdosta State kept control of the clock with its fast attack and then, with six minutes and four seconds left, Brett Fitzgerald kicked a 44-yard field goal, extending the lead even more to 38-10.
 

As the game came to an end, the Blazers' defense stayed firmly in control. Travis McGill and the VSU defense completed the night with their final stops, securing the victory in the season opener.
 

The Blazers' 38-10 victory saw a number of changes in momentum at the start of the game, but after they had taken the lead, they never lost it. 

Up Next, the Blazers will play again at home against the Warner Royals on Thursday night at 7 PM. 

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