Blazer Game Day Program vs. Delta State

HOW CAN A HUGHSTON SPORTS MEDICINE DOCTOR HELP YOU?

Playing a sport is fun and exciting; but participating puts you at risk for an injury.

Running with sudden stops, cutting side to side, jumping, and pivoting can be exhilarating, but those moves can also cause damage to your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Although there are risks involved in playing sports, nothing beats being in the game.

Don’t watch from the sidelines; get in the game for an exciting, healthier life.

If you do find yourself on the injured list, make an appointment for an evaluation with one of Hughston’s sports medicine physicians.

Brook Bearden, MD

Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, and Fracture Care

Kevin J. Collins, MD

Orthobiologics, Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, Knee, Shoulder, General Orthopaedics, Ankle, Hip, Hand, Wrist & Elbow, and Fracture Care

William C. Hartley, MD

Non-Surgical Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Matthew Heaton, MD

Orthobiologics, Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, Knee, Shoulder, General Orthopaedics, Ankle, Hip, Hand, Wrist & Elbow, and Fracture Care

Douglas W. Pahl, MD

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

TABLE OF CONTENTS / QUICK FACTS

BLAZER NATION, RISE UP! IT’S

IN VALDOSTA!

VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS

RECORD: 5-0, 2-0 GSC AFCA/D2 Football: 19/25

HEAD COACH: Tremaine Jackson

ALMA MATER: Houston

RECORD OVERALL: 20-9 (4th season)

VSU RECORD: 10-6 (2nd season)

SEP. 2 POINT UNIVERSITY W, 63-10

SEP. 9 at Albany State W, 21-16

SEP.

SEP.

Saturday, October 7, 2023 • 2 p.m. Valdosta, Ga. • Bazemore-Hyder Stadium

WEAR PINK

Blazer fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game on Saturday for Breast Cancer Awareness Game. AND THEN THERE WERE 19

Both Valdosta State and Delta State are the only remaining teams in the Gulf South Conference with an undefeated record and are two of 19 remaining teams unblemished in NCAA Division II. VSU has won its last six games dating back to last season for the longest current winning streak in the GSC and tied for fifth-most currently in Division II. Delta State has won five-straight games as the Statesmen are tied for eighth.

RECAPPING CHOWAN

OCT. 28 at West Florida* 5 P.M. ET

NOV. 4 at West Alabama* 2 P.M. ET

NOV. 11 WEST GEORGIA* 7 P.M.

*GSC Contest

#Homecoming

DELTA STATE STATESMEN

RECORD: 5-0, (3-0 GSC)

AFCA/D2 Football: 8/6

HEAD COACH: Todd Cooley

ALMA MATER: Arkansas Tech

OVERALL: 64-40 (11th season)

DSU RECORD: 64-40 (11th Season)

AUG. 31 at Missouri S&T W, 48-20

SEP. 9 at Chowan* W, 42-18

SEP. 16

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE W, 35-7

SEP. 23 SHORTER* W, 56-20

SEP. 30 at West Alabama* W, 47-17

OCT. 7 at #19 Valdosta State* 2 P.M.

OCT. 14 NORTH GREENVILLE* 7 P.M.

OCT. 21 WEST FLORIDA* 4 P.M.

NOV. 4 at West Georgia* 6 P.M.

NOV. 11 MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE* 3 P.M.

Listen live in Valdosta on Talk 92.1 FM or streaming at www.talk921.com.

Additional coverage links and live stats located at www.vstateblazers.com

The Blazers made their first trip to North Carolina since 2014 on Saturday in a 51-36 victory over GSC-newcomer Chowan in Murfreesboro, N.C. The Blazers raced out to a 21-7 lead through the first quarter, only to see Chowan erase the deficit in the second quarter and regain the lead. The Blazers used a touchdown with one minute left in the half to regain the lead at 31-29 at intermission. Chowan regained the lead, once again in the third quarter, but the Blazers responded for a 38-36 lead through three frames and outscored the Hawks 13-0 in the fourth quarter. Junior quarterback Sammy Edwards threw for a career-high six touchdown passes and 393 yards on 20 of 29 passing with one interception. Junior Council Allen had four receptions for a team-high 118 yards and two receiving touchdowns in the game, while Edwards threw to nine different receivers and five different receivers caught touchdown passes. VSU improved to 14-3 all-time against teams from North Carolina and improved to 5-0 in games played in the Tar Heel State. On Saturday, VSU tallied 487 yards of total offense, including 397 through the air and 94 on the ground. Chowan (0-5, 0-3 GSC) finished with 456 yards of offense with 327 through the air and 127 on the ground. VSU held the ball for a season-low just 21:17 minutes as the team was scoring quickly throughout. The game saw seven lead changes. The Blazers were a season-low 2 of 7 on third down, while CU was 8 of 15, which kept the Hawks in the game.

INSIDE THE SERIES WITH DELTA STATE

The Statesmen have been one of the most dominant teams in Division II this season, but this will arguably be their toughest test to date. VSU has won the last three meetings in the series in Valdosta, including a 55-0 victory in 2021 on Oct. 9, that began with a 96-yard kickoff return to begin the game for VSU. DSU leads the all-time series in Valdosta, 10-9 and 11-10-1 in Cleveland, Miss. The Blazers have won four of the last five meetings in the series and seven of ten. DSU’s last win in Titletown came on Sept. 20, 2014, in a 49-32 decision. Last season, DSU won by its largest margin in the series in Cleveland, Miss., 70-31 on Oct. 1, 2022, snapping the Blazers’ six-game winning streak in the series. Delta State is the only current GSC opponent the Blazers have a losing record against.

THIS WEEK IN THE TOP 25

The Blazers moved up three spots to No. 19 in the latest AFCA Top 25. Delta State is No. 8 in the land in the AFCA Top 25 as Saturday’s matchup is one of two matchups featuring ranked versus ranked teams across all of NCAA Division II. The other being No. 20 Emporia State (Kan.) at No. 3 Pittsburg State (Kan.). Ferris State leads the top 25, followed by Colorado School of Mines at No. 3 and aforementioned Gorillas of Pittsburg State at No. 3. Minnesota State is fourth, followed by Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) to round out the top five. West Florida is sixth in the poll, while Delta State is eighth and VSU is 19th among teams ranked in the GSC. For Super Region Two, Benedict is 11th, while Lenoir-Rhyne is 13th. Virginia State, Virginia Union, Barton and Limestone all are among others receiving votes. In the D2Football.com poll, the Blazers entered for the first time since the early part of the 2022 season, checking in at No. 25 this week.

GOING FOR WINNING SEASON 33

The Blazers enter this game with a 5-0 record and have a chance to earn the 33rd winning season in the 41-year playing history of the program. VSU has won 14 games in a season twice (2002, 2018) and has won double-digit games 16 times.

IN

DAY GAMES

The Blazers began a stretch of six-straight games last weekend of games beginning before 6 p.m. local time. VSU is 2-0 this season in day games (63-10 vs. Point and 51-36 at Chowan) and will not have another night game until Nov. 11 versus West Georgia at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Since 2018, VSU is 19-4 in day games. VSU last played Delta State in a day game on Oct. 6, 2018, in Valdosta with a 59-28 victory.

VSU Media Relations • (229) 333-5903 • www.vstateblazers.com

Football Contact: Kit Strief (kstrief@valdosta.edu)

TREMAINE JACKSON

Discipline. Obedience. Grit. Three words

Valdosta State University Head Football Coach

Tremaine Jackson lives by that have become fundamentals of his coaching philosophy.

Jackson, in his second season leading the Blazers, is known for raising the bar both on and off the field and has quickly made an impact on the total program in Titletown. The 2022 squad ranked in the top 15 nationally in eight different statistical categories including sacks allowed (2nd – 0.27), total offense (5th – 475.6), red zone offense (6th – 0.918), tackles for loss allowed (9th – 3.91), turnovers lost (11th – 12), scoring offense (12th – 36.6), passes had intercepted (13th – 6) and passing yards per completion (15th – 14.71) and was the only program in Division II to rank in the top 25 in both total rushing (16th – 213.5) and total passing (21st – 262.2).

In the classroom, the team earned a combined 2.84 grade point average, the highest in program history, which included 54 student-athletes with a 3.0-or-better GPA, 19 over a 3.5 GPA and four with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The Blazers were also active in the community throughout the 2022-23 season, accumulating over 1,100 hours of service in Valdosta, assisting with Earth Day Road Cleanup, Habitat for Humanity, Blazer Kids’ Day, Jacobs Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center and the #ValdostaMiracles Softball Game.

Jackson, who was named by ESPN as one of 45 minority coaches under 45 to watch and to FootballScoop’s 2022 Minority Watch List, was selected to participate in the NFL’s Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship, spending a week in June with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023.

Prior to taking over in Valdosta, Jackson spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons leading the Colorado Mesa Mavericks.

During his tenure in Grand Junction, Jackson went 10-3 in his two seasons, including an 8-2 mark in 2021, highlighted by a thrilling 26-21 victory over thenNo. 3-ranked Colorado School of Mines. It was the Mavericks’ first victory over a top-5 opponent since becoming an

COACHING STAFF

Head Coach Second Season at Valdosta State Houston, 2006 Interdisciplinary Studies

NCAA Division II school in 1994. Jackson’s squad went 2-1 in the spring of 2021 during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Statistically, the Mavericks finished 13th nationally in scoring defense in 2021, allowing just 15.6 points per game, while the team was 34th nationally in scoring offense at 33.7 points per game. CMU finished in the top 20 nationally in both total defense (10th – 258.2 ypg) and total offense (16th – 452.0 ypg). Jackson coached two Academic AllAmericans and one AFCA Second Team All-America honoree, along with 21 All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) performers, including RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year in Karst Hunter.

Prior to Colorado Mesa, Jackson was the defensive line coach at Texas State and before that served as defensive coordinator at Abilene Christian (2017-18). He also spent time as assistant head coach at the University of Sioux Falls, helping lead the Cougars to a combined 32-5 record in four seasons. During his time in South Dakota, Jackson assisted in guiding the team to a 2016 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship and postseason appearances in all three years after being promoted to the Cougars’ defensive coordinator (2014-16). He began at USF as defensive line coach in 2013.

The Cougars went 12-1 in 2016 as they won their first-ever NCAA playoff game and finished No. 5 in the national poll. Jackson guided 11 defensive players to All-NSIC honors while his unit led the conference in four defensive categories.

In 2015, USF went 9-3 and earned the program’s first Division II playoff berth to go along with a No. 21 national ranking following an 11-1 season in 2014 and No. 18 final national ranking.

Promoted to the role of assistant head coach after those two seasons, Jackson coached seven defensive players to All-NSIC honors and a backto-back AFCA First Team All-America defensive back in Solomon St. Pierre in both 2014 and 2015.

At Abilene Christian, Jackson led one of the biggest defensive turnarounds in the country as the

THE TREMAINE JACKSON FILE

EDUCATION

B.A. Univ. of Houston - Interdisciplinary Studies, 2006

COLLEGIATE COACHING POSITIONS

Texas A&M-Kingsville (2006) - Defensive Line

Trinity Valley (2007) - Defensive Line

Texas Southern (2008-11) - Def. Coord./Tight Ends

Evangel (2012) - Defensive Coordinator

Sioux Falls (2013-16) - Defensive Coord./Defensive Line

Abilene Christian (2017-18) - Defensive Coordinator

Texas State (2019) - Defensive Line Coach

Colorado Mesa (2019-2022) - Head Coach

Valdosta State (2022-present) - Head Coach

Wildcats recorded their first winning season in their Division I history in 2018 (6-5). Ranking last in the country prior to his arrival, Jackson’s defensive unit entered the nation’s top 25 in five different team categories in 2018 after leading the Southland Conference in pass defense in 2017.

Earlier in his professional career, Jackson had stops at Evangel University, Texas Southern and Trinity Valley Community College after beginning his coaching career at Texas A&M UniversityKingsville in 2006 as the Javelinas’ defensive line coach. He also completed NFL internships with the Houston Texans and San Diego Chargers.

At Texas Southern, where he served from 200811, Jackson helped the Tigers win a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title in 2010 as the program led the country (FCS) in total defense, sacks and tackles for loss. They also led the country in total defense in 2011 in his lone season as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator.

Jackson, Vice President of the Minority Coaches Advancement Association, has served on several AFCA committees and was recipient of the 2022 Harry Butler Community Service Award for dedicated community service and outstanding volunteerism.

A former studentathlete, Jackson played on the defensive line at Texas Southern for two years after transferring from the University of Louisiana-Monroe. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Houston, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

The Houston, Texas native has one daughter, Harmony.

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

JACKSON SUPERLATIVES

OPPONENT INDIVIDUAL SUPERLATIVES

OPPONENT TEAM SUPERLATIVES

VALDOSTA STATE BLAZER FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

Bowie

Buckridge

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF

Angie Colbert Football Admin. Asst.

Kit Strief Asst. A.D. Comm.

Bobby Tucker Eligibility Coordinator

Jennifer Grubbs Senior Assoc. A.D.

Mason Barfield Director of Compliance

Vaconna Hardin Director of Ticketing

Debbie Wisenbaker Executive Assistant

Dr. David Kuhlmeier Faculty Ath. Rep.

Dr. Tricia Hale Sports Performance & Emotional Wellness

Herb Reinhard Director of Athletics

Kelli Fields Red Hots

Desiree Hagan Cheerleading

The 2023 Blazers

BLAZER GRADUATES

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL BAZEMORE-HYDER STADIUM

Valdosta State's home football field for 38 of the Blazers' 41 playing years, Cleveland Field at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium offers Valdosta State with a football facility conveniently located adjacent to VSU's main campus.

The original stadium was constructed in 1922 and was named for the late Dr. A.G. Cleveland, who was superintendent of Valdosta City Schools from 1919 through 1949. In the spring of 1996, two legendary coaches from the Valdosta area were honored when the complex was named after the late Wright Bazemore and Nick Hyder.

The original stadium was leveled following the 2003 season and rebuilt from the ground up, providing the Blazers with a state-of-theart facility for its home games. The seating capacity of the stadium rose to 10,100 including three prime sections featuring theater-style seating with the ramainder of the stands featuring benches with seat backs. New SprintTurf was installed on the playing surface while locker rooms were added to each end of the stadium and a new press box was built above the main stands on the home side of the field.

Valdosta State played its first seven seasons at Cleveland Field, tallying a 24-14 record, before returning to the stadium prior to the 1992 season. The Blazers have been dominant since returning to the stadium as they have gone 165-49-1 over the 36 playing years there. Since 2000, the Blazers have gone 11028 at home for a blistering .797 winning percentage.

In 2018, VSU went a perfect 8-0 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for its eighth undfeated season at home in program history. The eight home wins in 2018 were the most since recording a school-record nine home victories in 2002. In addition, the eight wins tied the record with the 1994 team for second all-time in a season. VSU is 17-7 all-time in the NCAA Playoffs at home.

Following the 2020 season being cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021 saw the Blazers record their ninth undefeated season at home, going 9-0 for the second time in program history (2002).

VALDOSTA STATE AT HOME

*The official stadium named changed to Cleveland Field at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in 1996

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL THE ATHLETIC FIELD HOUSE

The home to the Valdosta State football and women's soccer programs is the Valdosta State Athletic Fieldhouse. The 41,000 square foot Fieldhouse opened in January 2009 at a cost of $5.8 million, giving the Blazer program one of the top athletic facilities in the nation.

Beyond football and soccer, the fieldhouse also houses the 7,690 square foot Jessie Tuggle Weight Room and a 2,437 square foot stateof-the-art Athletic Training Room that is used by all VSU teams.

The Tuggle Weight Room, which encases nearly 10 times the space of its predecessor, is one of, if not the top, weight facilities among NCAA Division II schools nationwide. It featJessie Tuggle Weight Room ures 10 brand new eight-post stations as well as a reinforced medicine ball wall. New self-contained dumbbell stations were also added to the area while a 30-yard speed track was included in the design of the floor. The Jesse Tuggle Weight Room also features elliptical machines and two stationary bikes for cardio workouts and a built-in microphone/stereo system to aid the strength and conditioning staff while working with large groups of VSU athletes. Additionally, each of the 10 eight-post stations has also been pre-wired for video recording, which will be added in the near future, for further evaluation and instruction by the strength and conditioning staff. The newest addition to the facility are two Cognisens "caves," which allow for an increased mental training to provide Blazer athletes with an additional edge in competition. Valdosta State is the only university on any level in the nation to own the Cognisens machines, with additional owners including Manchester United and multiple NHL hockey teams.

Next door to the Tuggle Weight Room is the Athletic Training Room. The area includes offices for the Valdosta State Athletic Training staff and a private physician exam room as well as a hydrotherapy room for rehabilitation work. The main Athletic Training area features six taping stations as well as six additional treatment areas plus a cardiovascular/ rehabilitation area featuring stationary bikes. Additionally, outside of the facility are two lighted football practice fields and a soccer stadium.

The Athletic Fieldhouse features many amenities that will aid the football team as it endures the rigors of a football season. A 3,265 square foot locker room is the centerpiece of the project and is lined with 126 lockers, enough to house all members of the VSU football squad. Adjacent to the locker room is a 2,100 square foot equipment room with secure “Football Locker Roompass-through” equipment bins that allow managers to address the equipment needs of all the Blazers while keeping each player’s equipment separated.

The remainder of the Athletic Fieldhouse includes a 3,458 square foot office suite for the football coaches as well as 2,200 square feet of meeting rooms, each equipped with state-of-the-art video equipment. The academic needs of the student-athlete is also addressed as a 1,500 square foot computer lab is equipped with 19 computers.

Rushing:

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL BAZEMORE-HYDER STADIUM RECORDS

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS

Attempts: 35, by Tregnel Thomas of Delta State

Yards: 319 by Jada Byers of Va. Union

Long Rush: 84, by Jamar Thompkins of VSU

Rushing:

TEAM RECORDS

1, 1997

10, 2022

8, 2018

Touchdowns: 4, by Rogan Wells of VSU Oct. 28, 2017

Passing:

Attempts: 66, by Dane King of Henderson State

Completions: 45, by Chris Hatcher of VSU

Yards: 497, by Dusty Bonner of VSU

Touchdowns: 7, 3x - Last by Dusty Bonner of VSU

Interceptions: 5, 2x - Last Greg Jackson of West Florida

Long Completion: 94 by Nate Poppell of Texas A&M-Kingsville

Receiving:

Receptions: 20, by Sean Pender of VSU

Yards: 319, by Kyle Henderson of West Alabama

Touchdowns: 4, 4x - Last Seantavius Jones of VSU

Long Reception: 94, by Robert Armstrong of Texas

Total Offense: Yards: 508, by Scott Eyster of Delta State

Defense:

Tackles: 21, by Chris Pope of VSU

Tackles for Loss: 5.0, Lawrence Virgil of VSU

Sacks: 4.0, 2x - Last Tyler Josey of VSU

Interceptions: 3, 2x - Last Oatha Foster of West Ala.

Long Return: 100, by David Brown of VSU

Fumbles Forced: 3, by Tyler Josey of VSU

Fumbles Recovered: 2, 2x - Last Dominic Splinks of Delta State

Long Return: 86 by Dominique Wheeler of VSU

Scoring:

Touchdowns: 4, 5x - Last Rogan Wells of VSU

Points: 24, 5x - Last Rogan Wells of VSU

PAT Attempts: 10, by Daniel Andersen of VSU

PAT Made: 10, by Daniel Andersen of VSU

FG Attempted: 5, Estin Thiele of VSU

FG Made: 5, Estin Thiele of VSU

Long FG: 54 by Keith Moore of VSU

Punting:

Punts: 12, by VSU vs. West Florida

Total Yards: 494, by Lewis Hays of Shorter

Average: 54.0, by Andrew Jones of Delta State

Long Punt: 65, by Andrew Jones of Delta State

Punt Return:

Total Yards: 168, by Sherard Reynolds of VSU

Touchdowns: 1, 5x - Last by Gary Simon

Longest Return: 94, by Quin Roberson of VSU

Kickoff Returns:

Total Yards: 196, by Michael Allen of West Alabama

Touchdowns: 1, 10x times - Last L.C. Gallimore of VSU

Longest Return: 98 by Tyran Robinson of VSU

8, 2005

23, 1993

17, 2001

Attempts: 68, by Jacksonville State

Yards: 598, by Mississippi College

Touchdowns: 7, 2x - Last by VSU vs. Edward Waters

Passing:

Attempts: 68, by VSU vs. St. Ambrose

Completions: 48, by VSU vs. St. Ambrose

Yards: 508, by VSU vs. St. Ambrose

Sept. 24, 1988

Oct. 15, 2022

Sept. 29, 2012

Oct. 14, 1995

Oct. 14, 1995

Oct. 14, 1995

Touchdowns: 7, 3x - Last by VSU vs. Ouachita Baptist Nov. 4, 2000

Total Offense: Yards: 719, by VSU vs. West Georgia Nov. 27, 2021

Defense:

Interceptions: 5, 3x - Last vs. UNCP Nov. 18, 2016

Int. Return Yards: 105, by North Alabama Nov. 12, 2005

Fumbles Forced: 5, by VSU vs. Carson-Newman Nov. 15, 2008

Fumble Recoveries: 4, 5x - Last by VSU vs. Albany State Sept. 6, 2014

Return Yards: 86, by VSU vs. Angelo State Sept. 28, 2013

Scoring:

Touchdowns: 10, 2x - Last by VSU vs. Edward Waters Nov. 7, 2009

Points: 70, by VSU vs. Edward Waters Nov. 7, 2009

PAT Attempts: 10, 2x - Last by VSU vs. Edward Waters Nov. 7, 2009

PAT Made: 10, by VSU vs. Edward Waters Nov. 7, 2009

FG Attempted: 5, by VSU vs. Keiser Sept. 1, 2022

FG Made: 5, by VSU vs. Keiser Sept. 1, 2022

Punt Return: Total Yards: 202, by VSU vs. Arkansas Tech Sept. 23, 2006

Touchdowns: 2, by VSU vs. North Alabama Dec. 1, 2007

Kickoff Returns: Total Yards: 243, by Edward Waters Nov. 7, 2009

Touchdowns: 1, 11x - Last by Point University Sept. 2, 2023

1, 2022

Miscellaneous: First Downs: 39, by VSU vs. Carson-Newman Nov. 21, 2015

Penalties: 19, by VSU vs. Arkansas-Monticello Oct. 11, 1997

Penalty Yards: 170, by VSU vs. Albany State Aug. 28, 1999

23, 2006

8, 2012

21, 2000

5, 2021

22, 2003

WIN/LOSS/ATTENDANCE

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

ONE UNIVERSITY.

Three Opportunities.

VSU offers you the flexibility to tailor learning to your interests and needs. You’ll find an educational experience that’s

ON CAMPUS

Hands-on experiences, individual faculty interactions, social opportunities, and championship athletics.

FULLY ONLINE

Affordable, fully online undergraduate degrees composed mostly of 8-week courses. VSU makes it easy to transfer hours.

GRADUATE DEGREES

Flexible graduate programs that fit your career ambitions.

The ONLINE COLLEGE for CAREER ADVANCEMENT

CHEERLEADERS

RED HOTS

(Front Row, L-R): Yasmyn Hopkins, Clair Durden, Yakia Pettis. (Second Row, L-R): Anna Perry, Caroline Schenck, Mylin Harris, Kaitlynn Stalvey. (Third Row, L-R): Emiyah Rich, Caliyah Sinkfield, Marisa Tsemelis. (Fourth Row, L-R): Kortnie Ray, Ivey Brown, Lyzavia Holloway, Kassidy Hernandez. (Fifth Row, L-R): Keionna Watkins, Kaylyn Cordray, Jala Turner.

(Front L-R): Courtney Sullivan, Jenae Washington, Joscie Johnson, Alyssa Sellers. (Second Row, L-R): Curtevia Blair, Faith Wilkerson, Jade Harper, Madelyn Janes, Jessica Snyder. (Third Row, L-R): Malaya Porter, Samiya Brown, Charlsie Gaganis, Aniyah Watts, Dymone Kelly, Kyla Sutton.

WE OUR

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 8X

the blazin’ brigade

Established in 1983, the Blazin’ Brigade Marching Band is one of the largest student organizations and one of the deepest held traditions at Valdosta State University. Blazin’ Brigade members represent nearly every major on campus. Membership is open to all students regardless of major. For 40 years, Blazin’ Brigade has provided entertaining shows for students, fans, and alumni at home in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium and across South Georgia.

VALDOSTA STATE 2023 MARCHING BAND ROSTER

NAME SECTION YEAR HOMETOWN

Olivia Adams Piccolo Junior Jacksonville, Fla.

Tyler Aldridge Trumpet Sophomore Monticello, Ga.

Jeanetta Allen Percussion Freshman Griffin, Ga.

Christyana Alston Guard Senior Locust Grove, Ga.

Gary Anderson Trombone Freshman Adel, Ga.

Jacob Bady Trumpet Senior Brunswick, Ga.

Asa Ballard Trumpet Sophomore Moultrie, Ga.

Courtney Ballenger Guard Freshman Pickerington, Ohio

Kasey Beck Sousaphone Junior Lakeland, Ga.

Callie Belflower Piccolo Senior Valdosta, Ga.

Margaret Blanchard Percussion Freshman Marietta, Ga.

Alayna Breining Clarinet Freshman Lakeland, Ga.

Julian Brown Trumpet Sophomore Monroe, Ga.

Tucker Browning Percussion Junior Lakeland, Ga.

Hailey Centobene Guard Junior Lakland, Ga.

Sakihya Chambers Guard Senior Douglas, Ga.

William Cone Sousaphone Freshman Thomasville, Ga.

Lily Crumbley Piccolo Sophomore Brunswick, Ga.

Haley Davis Piccolo Sophomore Colquitt, Ga.

Johnny Dixon Trumpet Freshman Cordele, Ga.

Izannah Donaldson Piccolo Senior Quitman, Ga.

Juliette Duits Piccolo Freshman Hoschton, Ga.

John Durrance Trumpet Sophomore Lakeland, Ga.

Madison Edmondson Piccolo Sophomore Moultrie, Ga.

Ronald English Saxophone (Alto) Junior Sylvester, Ga.

Alina Farries Drum Major Junior Hiram, Ga.

Ramiyah Fulton Percussion Sophomore Waycross, Ga.

Malea Gant Guard Junior Conyers, Ga.

Adalynne Godfrey Guard Junior Butler, Ga.

Calista Godwin Sousaphone Junior Valdosta, Ga.

Dylan Goodyear Saxophone (Tenor) Freshman Moultrie, Ga.

Will Griffin Drum Major Senior Winder, Ga.

Harley Griner Clarinet Freshman Nashville, Ga.

Dylan Guinyard Sousaphone Sophomore Fort Myers, Fla.

Dylan Hagin Percussion Sophomore Largo, Fla.

Levi Hazzard Trombone Sophomore Lakeland, Fla.

Brian Hill Trombone Freshman Fort Valley, Ga.

Larry Hon Saxophone (Tenor) Freshman Nashville, Ga.

Cameron Hopper Trumpet Freshman Brunswick, Ga.

Rebekah Horton Mellophone Freshman Thomasville, Ga.

Mariah Jackson Guard Senior Sylvania, Ga.

Mikala Jackson Trumpet Freshman Swainsboro, Ga.

Luis Jauregui Mellophone Freshman Jackson, Ga.

Carina Johnson Percussion Freshman Thomasville, Ga.

Shannese Joseph Percussion Freshman Lawrenceville, Ga.

Christina Kato Sousaphone Senior Thomasville, Ga.

Dustin Kirby Trumpet Senior Jackson, Ga.

Delorenzo Lawrence Sousaphone Freshman Vidalia, Ga.

Aidan Lee Percussion Freshman Thomasville, Ga.

Taylor LeMay Clarinet Freshman Lawrenceville, Ga.

Jayla Lewis Baritone Junior Leesburg, Ga.

Apple Lowe Saxophone (Alto) Freshman Atlanta, Ga.

Daniel Lowe Trombone Freshman Gray, Ga.

Taylor Maige Majorette Graduate Student Cairo, Ga.

Austin Martin Percussion Junior Sylvester, Ga.

Rebekah McCord Piccolo Freshman Dexter, Ga.

Travis McCrary Percussion Freshman Woodstock, Ga.

Cayden McElroy Guard Freshman Kingsland, Ga.

Mercedes McElroy Trumpet Sophomore Kingsland, Ga.

Lauren McGuire Staff Senior Thomasville, Ga.

Jesicka McNichols Sousaphone Freshman Kingsland, Ga.

VALDOSTA STATE 2023 MARCHING BAND ROSTER

Kesha Meeks Trumpet Junior Baxley, Ga.

Sierra Miller Piccolo Sophomore Valdosta, Ga.

Sierra Moates Piccolo Freshman Madison, Fla.

Tytiuna Morgan Piccolo Senior Jesup, Ga.

Mary Moss Trumpet Junior South Bend, Ind.

Joely Myrick Baritone Sophomore Blackshear, Ga.

Chloe Norman Piccolo Junior Sylvester, Ga.

Jason Norman Baritone Senior Moultrie, Ga.

Lezli Ocampo Piccolo Sophomore Jesup, Ga.

Christiana Odom Percussion Freshman Macon, Ga.

Kaitlyn Oswalt Clarinet Sophomore Brunswick, Ga.

Jalon Palmer Trombone Junior Lawrenceville, Ga.

Isai Perez Mellophone Sophomore Madison, Fla.

Jazmin Rendon Piccolo Junior Nahunta, Ga.

Faith Ridley Saxophone (Alto) Sophomore Valdosta, Ga.

Dominique Rivera Clarinet Senior Thomaston, Ga.

Colton Roberts Percussion Senior Perry, Ga.

Jermarion Robinson Saxophone (Alto) Sophomore Valdosta, Ga.

Abigail Rowan Clarinet Sophomore Lakeland, Ga.

Kaelynn Samp Guard Junior Cumming, Ga.

Natalie Savoie Trombone Freshman Valdosta, Ga.

Michelle Shacklee Drum Major Junior Enterprise, Ala.

Rylee Shellenbarger Baritone Freshman Eatonton, Ga.

Alex Shepherd Sousaphone Freshman Tifton, Ga.

Christopher Singleton Percussion Freshman Hiram, Ga.

Kaitlyn Skau Staff Junior Jacksonville, Fla.

Allison Smith Majorette Sophomore Tallahassee, Fla.

Colton Smith Piccolo Senior Grovetown, Ga.

Emma Spangler Piccolo Freshman Cairo, Ga.

Lindsey Sparks Baritone Senior Brunswick, Ga.

Ella Stephenson Clarinet Sophomore Nashville, Ga.

Kayla Strickland Percussion Freshman Nahunta, Ga.

Hannah Sutherland Guard Junior Milton, Ga.

Lance Thigpen Saxophone (Alto) Sophomore Madison, Fla.

Jayden Thompson Trumpet Sophomore Thomasville, Ga.

Felix Tinajero Trumpet Junior Douglas, Ga.

Seth Tucker Percussion Freshman Nashville, Ga.

Jonathan Varnes Trumpet Sophomore Hilliard, Fla.

Emily Waters Clarinet Freshman Waycross, Ga.

Zachary Whitesides Percussion Sophomore Brunswick, Ga.

Richard Wiemer Staff Senior Leesburg, Ga.

Charles Williams Sousaphone Senior Baxley, Ga.

Tirik Williams Trombone Junior Valdosta, Ga.

Trinity Williams Percussion Senior Tallapoosa, Ga.

Blazin’ Brigade Instructors

Sky Holmes - Director of Bands

Franklin Carmona - Graduate Assistant

Steven Holmes - Percussion

Kautia Matyko - Majorettes

Dr. Ryan Smith - Percussion

Keisha Thomas - Guard

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL SERIES RECORDS VS. 2023 OPPONENTS

^NCAA Playoff

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL SERIES RECORDS

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

BLAZER OFFENSE

QB 12 Sammy Edwards 13 Darius Ocean - 11 Seth Smith

RB 3 Isaiah Flowers 37 Eric Watts

TE 87 Noah Gillan 88 Harrison Hamsley

WR 9 Ted Hurst 19 Kam Scott

WR 1 Council Allen 10 Tyler Ajiero

WR 80 Rodney Bullard 82 Xavier Williams

WR 2 B.K. Smith 81 Jerson Jacques

LT 71 Steven Mauro 77 Kentravius Williams

LG 75 Jordan Taylor 63 Kody Chisholm

C 64 Michael Marotta 53 Kenley-Mary Asse

RG 66 Daniel Morales 68 Aundre Turner

RT 57 Devin Hannan 61 Brayden Rasnek

BLAZER DEFENSE

E 5 DeAunte Hunter 45 Jay Hinkle

DT 40 J’Quan Hicks 98 Drake Hatcher

DT 91 Jamorey Jones 99 Alajujuan Sparks

E 97 Jaden Blount 92 Emmanuel Cannon

LB 27 La’Ken Nettles 38 Rayne Tanega-Doster

LB 8 Kennedy Parker 51 Tyler Morehead

LB 4 Terrell Dudley 47 Khalil Whitatker

CB 11 Kyle Cass 31 Sean Colman

S 23 Bryon Broussard 7 Trey Trawick

S 22 Nick Jackson 6 Caleb Sutherland

CB 20 Theron Stroops 28 Evan Vaughan

BLAZER SPECIALISTS

K 43 Estin Thiele 42 Noah Botsford

P 42 Noah Botsford 48 Brion Ashley

LS 39 Reid Brass 96 Bryce Robinson

KR 19 Kam Scott 82 Xavier Williams

PR 23 Bryon Broussard 82 Xavier Williams

Blazer Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Tremaine Jackson

Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers/Special Teams/S&C: Trent Earley

Defensive Coordinator/Safeties/Camps: Brandon Andersen

Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks: Rick Bowie

Defensive Backs/Admissions: Taylor Richards

Offensive Line: Mike Barela

Wide Receivers/Community Service/Financial Aid: Pat Brown

Graduate Assistant Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator: Jackson Hadley

Graduate Assistant Quarterbacks/Equipment: Matthew Giampa

Graduate Assistant Offensive Line/Study Hall/Equipment: Ryne Strickland

Graduate Assistant Defensive Line/Fim/NFL Liaison: Giovanni Spadaro

Graduate Assistant Assistant Defensive Backs: Gabe Martorano

Assistant Running Backs/Ath. Training/Travel: Shawn Glosek

Director of Plaeyr Personnel: Patrick Lilly

Assistant Athletic Trainer (Football): Tyler Lowe

Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer (Football): Dominique Day

Head Strength & Conditioning (Football): Lonnie Maddox

STATESMEN OFFENSE

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

STATESMEN DEFENSE

STATESMEN SPECIALISTS

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL VS. RANKED TEAMS

2023 SCHEDULE RECAPS

POINT UNIVERSITY

September 2

Valdosta, Ga.

W, 63-10

at Albany State

September 9

Albany, Ga.

W, 21-16

KEISER UNIVERSITY

September 16

Valdosta, Ga.

W, 49-25

NORTH GREENVILLE

September 23

Valdosta, Ga.

W, 28-3

at Chowan

September, 30

Murfreesboro, N.C.

W, 51-36

#8 DELTA STATE

October 7

The Blazers posted a 63-10 victory in the season-opener to improve to 29-12 all-time in season-openers in program history. Junior quarterback Sammy Edwards accounted for five touchdowns,oneonthegroundandfourthroughtheairinthevictory as he led the team rushing with 73 yards on eight carries and a score,whilehewent21of31passingfor347yardsandfourTDs.

The defense stood tall on a night where the passing game was off for the Blazers as two key sacks and a stop on a two-point conversion propelled the Blazers to a 21-16 victory on the road. Blazer running back Eric Watts finished with 11 carries for 123 yardsandascoreasVSUtallied285yardsontheground.

JuniorquarterbackSammyEdwardsputonashowoffensivelyas hethrewforfourtouchdownsandacareer-high479yardspassing in the 49-25 victory. Edwards was 26 of 38 passing with no interceptionsandVSUhadtworeceiversover100yardsreceiving for the first time this season. Edwards hit nine different receciversasB.K.Smithledthewaywith124yardsandascore.

TheBlazersposteda28-3victoryoverNorthGreenvilleinprobablythebestperformancedefensivelyoftheseasontodate. VSU held NGU to 0 of 3 in the red zone and registered one fumble recovery and one interception. Quarterback Sammy Edwards was masterfl, going 18 of 28 passing for 293 yards and one touchdown,whileBudChaneyhadthreerushingscores.

VSU roared out to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter, only to see Chowan respond and take leads in both the second and third quarters. TheBlazersthenoutscoredChowan13-0inthefourth for the 51-36 victory. VSU junior quarterback Sammy Edwards threwforacareer-highsixtouchdownsandover300yards. The gamesawsevenleadchangesforthemostoftheseason.

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

Tale of the Tape

AFCA TOP 25 POLL

INSIDE THE GAME

BLAZERTOP 25 HISTORY...

D2FOOTBALL.COM

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL NATIONALLY SPEAKING

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

BLAZER SUPERLATIVES

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL BLAZER OPPONENT RESULTS

ValdostaState2023OpponentResults

Point University Skyhawks (2-3,

West

#8 Delta State Statesmen

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

LAST TIME VERSUS DELTA STATE

Oct.1,2022•ParkerStadium•Cleveland,Miss.•Att:1,107

#13 VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS 31

70

LAST TIME VS. DELTA STATE

No. 13 Blazers Fall at No. 21 Delta State CLEVELAND, Miss. – The No. 13 Valdosta State football team lost at No. 21 Delta State, 70-31 in Cleveland, Miss., Saturday night. The defeat broke VSU’s six-game winning streak against the Statesmen, dating back to the 2014 season. The Blazers, who dropped to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Gulf South Conference, fell behind early and were unable to recover, as the Statesmen improved to 5-0 and 2-0 in the GSC.

DSU’s 70 points marked the most VSU has allowed in a game in program history as the Statesmen marched right down the field and scored on 14-yard pass from Patrick Shegog to Tremel Withrow just 2:26 into the contest. Shegog had a career night, going 26 of 29 passing for 346 yards, four touchdowns, while he had nine carries for 65 yards and three rushing scores. Withrow caught three balls for 63 yards and two scores.

Eight minutes later after the first Statesmen touchdown, DSU hit pay dirt again off a six-yard pass to push its lead to 14-0. DSU outscored VSU 14-3 in the first quarter as the Blazers’ only score came from sophomore kicker Estin Thiele’s 22-yard field goal at the end of the opening frame.

Individual Stats

RUSHING: Valdosta State-S. McGill 10-79; T. Tisdale 6-35; I. Durham 7-34; J. Thompkins 7-32. Delta State-P. Shegog 9-65; A. Franklin 12-65; K. Smith 9-47; K. Gainwell 7-40; C. Malloy 7-33; D. Meyers 1-19; J. Ellison 4-17; J. Singleton 1-3; TEAM 1-minus 2.

PASSING: Valdosta State-I. Durham 18-37-1-185; S. McGill 1-1-0-55. Delta State-P. Shegog 26-29-0-346; C. Kirk 7-8-0-70; A. Davidson 1-1-0-0.

RECEIVING: Valdosta State-B.K. Smith 4-70; S. McGill 3-15; T. Hurst 2-64; V. Talley 2-25; J. Thompkins 2-10; N. Gillan 2-9; J. Jacques 1-21; J.Jeffery 1-11; D. Henderson 1-8; T. Roberts 1-7. Delta State-D. Meyers 5-49; J. Green 4-52; T. Kennedy 4-52; K. Gainwell 4-32; C. Lockett 3-85; T. Withrow 3-63; C. Malloy 3-24; T. Battle 2-31; A. Duncan 2-14; R. Evans 2-8; C. Tidwell 1-6; A. Bell 1-0.

INTERCEPTIONS: Valdosta

State-None. Delta StateC. Gomez 1-20.

FUMBLES: Valdosta StateNone. Delta State-None.

SACKS (UA-A): Valdosta

State-None. Delta StateNone.

TACKLES (UA-A): Valdosta State-S. Colman 7-5; J. Gaskin 4-8; M. Gayden 5-5; A. Thompson 4-4; J. Jones 3-4; E. Ross 3-2; R. Rivers 3-2; A. Lampley 2-3; D. Carpenter 1-4. Delta State-M. Jones 3-3; M. Windham 3-2; T. Goldsmith

In the second quarter, the Statesmen added to the scoring campaign with 12:17 left in the half from an 18-yard rushing touchdown. DSU outscored VSU 28-14 for the frame, as Blazer senior quarterback Ivory Durham hit graduate student B.K. Smith for a 5-yard touchdown and freshman Ted Hurst for a 9-yard strike with 38 seconds left in the half for a 42-17 deficit at halftime.

The Statesmen added three more touchdowns in the third quarter for a 63-17 lead. Blazer senior running back Seth McGill hit Hurst for a 55-yard touchdown strike on the trickeration for a 63-24 score early in the fourth. Sophomore Travis Tisdale scored late for a final margin of 70-31.

DSU held a 703-420 lead in total offense for the game, as VSU had 180 yards rushing and 240 through the air. The Statesmen missed just four passes in the game with 416 yards through the air for the contest and 287 on the ground. DSU was 34 of 38 passing for the game.

McGill finished with ten carries for 79 yards on the ground for the Blazers, while Tisdale had the only rushing touchdown of the game for VSU. It marked the first game of the season VSU didn’t have a rusher over 100 yards. Smith finished with four catches for 70 yards and one score, along with the two touchdowns by Hurst, giving him three for his young career.

Defensively, sophomore Sean Colman and senior Jameon Gaskin each finished with 12 tackles, while senior Michael Gayden had ten tackles. VSU finished with a season-high 111 tackles in the game.

VSU returns home to host West Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

W. Carter

J. Boyd 2-1; S. Snow 2-1; C. Sehring 1-2; D. Swilley 0-3.

YEAR-BY-YEAR STATISTICS

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL THE LAST TIME OUT

2023 GAME FIVE

Sept.30,2023 • Garrison Stadium •Att:786

VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS 51

CHOWAN HAWKS 36

Score by Quarters

VALDOSTA STATE 21 10 7 13 - 51 (5-0, 2-0)

CHOWAN 9 20 7 0 - 36 (0-5, 0-3)

Scoring Summary

1st 12:10 CU Franklin 61-yard pass from McKee (Colunga kick)

10:50 VSU Williams 30-yard pass from Edwards (Thiele kick)

08:35 VSU Watts 50-yard pass from Edwards (Thiele kick)

05:01 VSU Hurst 12-yard pass from Edawrds (Thiele kick)

01:35 CU Team Safety

2nd 14:53 CU Toster 7-yard pass from McKee (Colunga kick failed)

12:53 VSU Thiele 44-yard field goal

12:40 CU Holloway 75-yard pass from McKee (Colunga kick)

02:15 CU Franklin 4-yard pass from McKee (Colunga kick)

01:00 VSU Allen 24-yard pass from Edwards (Thiele kick)

3rd 07:37 CU McKee 8-yard run (Colunga kick)

05:05 VSU Bullard 14-yard pass from Edwards (Thiele kick)

4th 09:59 VSU Watts 47-yard run (Thiele kick blocked)

07:49 VSU Allen 84-yard pass from Edwards (Thiele kick)

Individual Stats

RUSHING: Valdosta State-E. Watts 4-63; I. Flowers 5-20; S. Edwards 5-10; G. Wilson 1-3; B. Chaney 4-minus 2. Chowan-R. Felton 18-57; R. McKee 12-52; D. Woods 3-18; D. Franklin 2-0.

PASSING: Valdosta State-S. Edwards 20-29-1-393. Chowan-R. McKee 23-37-0-329.

RECEIVING: Valdosta State-C. Allen 4-118; R. Bullard 4-71; B.K. Smith 3-55; T. Hurst 3-42; E. Watts 2-59; X. Williams 1-30; H. Hamsley 1-11; N. Gillan 1-4; T. Ajiero 1-3. Chowan-D. Franklin 6-137; N. Toster 6-75; T. Holloway 3-78; D. Moore 3-19; R. Felton 2-9; J. Gooch 2-6; K. Washington 1-5.

INTERCEPTIONS: Valdosta State-None. Chowan-N. Wilson 1-0

FUMBLES: Valdosta State-None. Chowan-R. Felton 1-1.

SACKS (UA-A): Valdosta

State-R. Nixon 1-0; R. Tanega-Doster 1-0. Chowan-E. McGhee 1-0; D. Smith 1-0.

TACKLES (UA-A): Valdosta State-K. Parker 6-3; J. Harris 4-1; R. Nixon 4-0; B. Broussard 3-1; N. Jackson 3-1; J. Blount 3-0; L. Nettles 2-1; J. Jones

2-1. Chowan-D. Ridley 6-1; N. Wilson 4-2; E. McGhee 1-4; D. Smith

2-2; De. Carroll 1-3; T. Gilbert 2-1; J. Johnson 2-1; Tr. Mitchell 1-2; J. Alston 1-2; K. Carey

0-3.

Big Fourth Quarter Lifts No. 22 Blazers to 51-36 Victory at Chowan

MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Leading 38-36 heading to the fourth quarter, the No. 22 Valdosta State football team outscored Chowan 13-0 in the final stanza for a 51-36 victory Saturday afternoon in the first meeting between the two teams in program history.

In a game that saw six lead changes, the Blazers withstood a strong effort from the Hawks for the victory as VSU improved to 5-0 on the year and 2-0 in Gulf South Conference play. Blazer junior quarterback Sammy Edwards went 20 of 29 passing for 393 yards, a career-high six touchdown passes and one interception.

The six TD strikes by Edwards was the most since former Blazer Ivory Durham threw six at Miles College on Sept. 17, 2022, and the 13th time in program history. Junior Council Allen had a team-high 118 yards receiving on four catches and two touchdowns, none bigger than an 84-yard touchdown reception and he caught the ball about five yards up field and broke numerous tackles as he streaked down the Blazer sideline for the score and a 51-36 lead with 7:49 left.

For the game, the Blazers finished with 487 yards of offense, including 393 through the air and 94 on the ground, while Chowan (0-5, 0-3 GSC) had 456 yards of offense with 329 through the air and 127 on the ground. Defensively, the Blazers had eight tackles for loss, one blocked kick and two sacks. Junior Kennedy Parker led the team with nine tackles, six solo stops and one tackle for loss, along with one hurry.

Both teams put on a show through the air as Chowan’s Rashad McKee went 23 of 37 passing for 329 yards and four touchdowns, while Blazer junior running back Eric Watts had four carries for 63 yards and a touchdown run. His score gave VSU a 44-36 lead with 9:59 left in the fourth on a 47-yard run. Watts also had two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown reception.

Chowan took the ball after VSU deferred by winning the toss. McKee hit Deven Franklin for a 61-yard strike for the opening score and a 7-0 lead with 12:10 left in the first. The lead was short lived, however, as Edwards hit graduate student B.K smith for 33 yards and then graduate student Xavier Williams for 30 yards and a 7-7 score with 10:53 left in the quarter.

Following a punt by CU, Edwards then hit Watts for the 50-yard touchdown on the first play of the ensuing drive and a 14-7 lead. The VSU “D” stepped up forcing a fumble from junior DeAndre Clifton and a recovery by redshirt sophomore Jaden Blunt at the CU 36. VSU had to punt, however, on the ensuing possession for CU, Patric Talbot’s punt went just seven yards on a bad snap and partially blocked as VSU took over at the CU 15. Edwards found sophomore Ted Hurst for a 12-yard strike and a 21-7 score. A safety pulled CU within 21-9 at the end of the first quarter.

McKee found Noah Toster for an 8-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter for a 21-15 score, but the Blazers came back with a 44-yard field goal from junior Estin Thiele for a 24-15 lead as it was Thiele’s first made field goal of the season.

Quick scores continued to be the theme of the game as McKee hit Tyree Holloway for 75-yards on the first play from scrimmage trimming the VSU lead to 24-22 with 12:34 left in the half.

Chowan then took the lead late in the half at 29-24 with a long drive as McKee hit Franklin from four yards out with 2:06 remaining in the half.

VSU didn’t panic however, as Williams gave VSU good field position with a 41-yard kickoff return. Edwards scampered for 15 yards and then hit Allen for 24-yards and his first touchdown of the game with 52 seconds left in the half and a 31-29 lead.

The Blazers moved right down the field on their first possession of the third quarter, but Edwards’ pass was intercepted by Nick Wilson at the CU 10. The Hawks then regained the lead on a McKee touchdown run for a 36-31 score. VSU answered right back with a redshirt freshman Rodney Bullard touchdown reception for the 38-36 score with 5:05 left in the quarter.

Chowan moved all the way to the VSU 17 early in the fourth, but the Blazer “D” stiffened, once again, as junior Rayne Tanega-Doster came up with a huge 9-yard sack and junior J’Quan Hicks blocked a 43-yard field goal turning the Hawks away and scored the 13 points in the frame and the 51-36 victory.

The Blazers return home to host No. 8-ranked Delta State on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for the annual Pink Out Game as all fans are encouraged to wear pink.

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL 2023 SCORING DRIVES

Game-by-Game Minutes Lead, Tied, Trailed

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

RUSHING LEADERS

ANNUAL SEASON LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL ANNUAL SEASON LEADERS

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL TEAM RECORDS - SINGLE GAME

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL TEAM RECORDS - SINGLE GAME

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL BLAZERS ON HOMECOMING

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL TEAM RECORDS - SINGLE SEASON

BANK ON THE HOME TEAM!

Whether it’s winning a football game or helping a small business grow, we know local insight, solid strategies, and teamwork lead to success. CCB always banks on the home team! GO BLAZERS.

CCBGA . BANK

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL RECORDS - SINGLE GAME

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE (MIN 15 COMPLETIONS)

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS - SINGLE GAME

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

ASSISTED

PUNT RETURN YARDS

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS - SINGLE GAME

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS - SINGLE SEASON

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

RECEPTIONS

* Denotes Gulf South Conference Record throughout record section

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL RECORDS - SINGLE SEASON

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS - CAREER

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL RECORDS - CAREER

Child and Parent Name:

Address/City/ST/Zip:

Phone: Email:

Date of Event: _________

Celebration Age: ________

Cost: $10 per Child / Minimum $100 - 50% down required to confirm reservation.

**The final head count must be confirmed & the party must be paid in full 48 hours prior to the game**

Includes free admission for 10 party attendees (including the birthday child), two complimentary adult general tickets, a cupcake per child or a cake for party, a concession voucher per child, "Happy Birthday" sign, plates forks, napkins, & red plastic tablecloths. Additional tickets for party attendees can be purchased for $10 per child.

Concessions Voucher states Child may have one slice of pizza OR choice of one candy product + one drink

To book your party, please contact the Athletic Office at (229) 333-5462

THE GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

The Gulf South Conference

2023 BLAZER FOOTBALL

Academic excellence and a leadership role in NCAA’s Division II make the Gulf South Conference (GSC) something special. Entering its 51st year, the GSC is a charter Division II member that prides itself as one of the first conferences to be created and administered by its CEOs. We take pride in our 50-plus National Team Championships in 13 sports, one individual men’s cross country champion, five men’s golf individual champions, and one track and field champion, as well as more than 150 regional titles, especially because there is no sacrifice on the academic side, where GSC student-athletes graduate at a much higher rate than the general student body. The conference saw all 13 full-time institutions either earn a conference title or advance to NCAA Championship action in 2021-22. The GSC sponsors 19 sports, including 18 championship events. Official sponsored sports include baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, and volleyball. Prior to the 2020-21 academic year, the conference officially added women's lacrosse after three seasons as an emerging sport. In the summer of 1970, six college presidents met to discuss athletics and when the meeting ended, a new league emerged—the Mid-South Conference. Delta State, Florence State (now North Alabama), Jacksonville State, Livingston (now West Alabama), Tennessee-Martin (UTM) and Troy State (TSU) were the charter members, but scheduling problems for the 1970-71 academic year limited the conference to only football. Southeast Louisiana (SELA) and Nicholls State (NSU) joined in 1971 and the league opened an office in Hammond, La., changed its name to the Gulf South Conference, and began championships in nine men’s sports. Mississippi College (MC) and Northwestern Louisiana (NWLA, now Northwestern State) joined in 1972 and two years later, NWLA left for Division I, followed by SELA and NSU in 1979. The conference continued with seven teams until 1981, when the CEOs admitted Valdosta State and West Georgia (1983). In 1991, UTM and TSU went Division I, briefly dropping the GSC back to seven members, but an aggressive expansion resulted in 10 new members: Lincoln Memorial (1992-93); Alabama Huntsville, Henderson State, Central Arkansas and Mississippi University for Women (MUW, 1993-94); West Florida (1994-95); and ArkansasMonticello, Arkansas Tech, Montevallo and Southern Arkansas (1995-96). Jacksonville State moved to Division I at the end of 1992-93. MC dropped to Division III at the end of 1995-96, and was replaced by Christian Brothers to keep the conference at 16 schools. In July 2000, the GSC welcomed Harding University and Ouachita Baptist University, making it the largest NCAA-playing conference at any level with 18 schools. MUW dropped its athletics program at the end of the 2002-03 season, decreasing the membership to 17. Central Arkansas reclassified to Division I and Lincoln Memorial moved to the South Atlantic Conference following the 2006-07 year. Montevallo’s departure for the Peach Belt Conference dropped the number to 14 in 2009-10. North Alabama completed its final year with the GSC in 2017-18, as the Lions accepted an invitation to go Division I and join the Atlantic Sun Conference.

The GSC moved away from divisional play after the 2010-11 season after its six Arkansas members broke away, dropping the membership to eight. The league implemented a five-year expansion plan in 2012 resulting in the addition of new members Shorter University (2014-15), Union University (2014-15), Lee University (2015-16) and Auburn University at Montgomery (2019-20) along with the return of Mississippi College (2016-17) and Montevallo (2017-18). Auburn Montgomery became a provisional member in 2017-18 as they advanced through the NCAA membership process. The Warhawks are on track to be a full member, eligible for all awards and postseason opportunities, in 2019-20. The conference also adopted affiliate memberships to boost its ranks, resulting in sportspecific members, Flagler (women’s lacrosse), North Greenville (football), Spring Hill College (men’s and women’s soccer and women’s golf), and Chowan (football).

FOOTBALL PARTICIPATING MEMBERS

GSC National1971-2023Championships (54)

Baseball (6)

West Florida (2011)

Delta State (2004)

Jacksonville State (1990, '91)

Troy State (1986, '87)

Men's Basketball (3)

North Alabama (1979, '91)

Jacksonville State (1985)

Women's Basketball (7)

Delta State (1975, '76, '77, '89, '90, '92)

Southeastern Louisiana (1977)

Football (13)

Valdosta State (2004, '07, '12, '18)

Delta State (2000)

West Alabama (1971)

West Florida (2019)

North Alabama (1993, '94, '95)

Jacksonville State (1992)

Troy State (1984, '87)

Men's Golf (5)

West Florida (2001, '08)

Troy State (1976, '77, '84)

Lee (2022)

Women's Golf (3)

Troy State (1984, '86, '89)

Women's Gymnastics (2)

Jacksonville State (1984, '85)

Men's Hockey (2)

Alabama-Huntsville (1996, '98)

Women's Soccer (2)

West Florida (2012)

Christian Brothers (2002)

Softball (2)

Valdosta State (2012)

North Alabama (2015)

Men's Tennis (6)

West Florida (2004, '05', '14, '17)

Valdosta State (2006, '11)

Men's Track and Field (1)

Southeastern Louisiana (1975)

Women's Volleyball (1)

North Alabama (2003)

* Mississippi College vacated national title in 1989 / Men's Hockey not GSC Sponsored Sport

2023 GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE STANDINGS...

THIS WEEK IN GSC FOOTBALL...

ON THIS DATE

The Blazers are 3-2 all-time on Oct. 7 and are 2-1 in Valdosta on this date. VSU last played on this date in a 42-13 loss at West Georgia in 2017, while Delta State won on Oct. 7 in 2000, in Valdosta with a 45-35 victory for the only meeting in the series on this date.

AGAINST RANKED TEAMS

VSU is 69-64-2 all-time against ranked teams and are 59-33-1 all-time when both teams are ranked. VSU is 34-14-1 at home when both teams are ranked, while it is 39-27-1 at home against ranked teams.

SAMMY AND THE 6

Edwards threw a career-high six touchdown passes last week in the 51-36 victory at Chowan. Edwards’ six touchdowns went to five different receivers as he has 15 touchdown passes this season for for 15th nationally and second in the GSC behind Delta State’s Patrick Shegog (16).

THIS WEEK IN THE GSC

Conference play is in full swing and there are three undefeated teams in league play, including VSU (5-0, 2-0 GSC), West Florida (4-1, 2-0 GSC) and Delta State (5-0, 3-0 GSC), with both VSU and Delta State playing each other in the GSC Game of the Week. This week, North Greenville (2-3, 1-3 GSC) travels to Chowan (0-5, 0-3 GSC), while Shorter (2-3, 1-2 GSC) visits West Florida and West Alabama (2-3, 1-2 GSC) travels to West Georgia (2-2, 1-1 GSC).

WITH THE BLOCK

The Blazers have blocked two kicks this season for 30th nationally and tied for first in the GSC. Redshirt freshman defensive back Theron Stroops had a blocked kick against Keiser, while junior defensive lineman J’Quan Hicks had a blocked kick against Chowan last Saturday

ABOUT DELTA STATE

The Statesmen enter as one of the top teams over the last year-plus in Division II with star quarterback Patrick Shegog under center. Delta State ranks in the top ten nationally in third down conversions (8th / .529), kickoff returns (5th / 29.75), net punting (9th / 40.53), passes had intercepted (7th / 1), punt return defense (3rd / 0.00), scoring offense (8th / 45.6), total offense (9th / 469.2) and turnovers lost (6th / 3). Shegog has accounted for 21 total touchdowns (16 passing and five rushing) and has not turned the ball over this season. The DSU defense is allowing just 16.3 points per game and has ten takeaways this season. Shegog leads the nation in passing efficiency at a 195.6 clip, while he is fourth in passing touchdowns (16) to lead the league and he leads the nation in points responsible for (126). His five rushing scores ties him for tops in the GSC, while he is fifth nationally in pass yards per attempt (10.08). Alfonso Franklin is ninth nationally in combined kick returns (378), while he is 16th nationally in kickoff returns at 29.1 per return for second in the league. DSU had five players named to the GSC Preseason team, while it was picked to win the league. Head coach Todd Cooley is 64-40 in his 11th year at Delta State. He is 3-6 all-time against VSU.

A VICTORY OVER DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY WOULD . . .

• Give VSU a 6-0 record this season overall and a 20-21-1 record all-time against Delta State

• Give VSU a 4-2 record all-time on October 7 and a 3-1 record at home on this date

• Be the 327th victory in program history (326-135-4)

• Give Blazer head coach Tremaine Jackson his 21st career coaching victory (20-9) and his 11th at VSU 11th-6)

• Be the 181st home victory (180-57-1) and the 172nd victory at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium (171-53-1)

• Be the eighth time VSU has started a season 6-0 and the fourth in the last five playing seasons

• Give VSU its seventh-straight victory dating back to last season

• Be the 211th GSC victory (210-93-3)

• Give Tremaine Jackson his first win over Delta State (0-1)

• Be the 70th victory over a ranked team in program history (69-64-2)

• Give VSU its 125th victory in October (124-49)

• Give VSU its third win of the season during the day and 20th (19-4) since 2018