The Sept. 22 meeting between the Valdosta State Blazers and West Alabama Tigers will serve as the Gulf South Conference opener for both teams. The Blazers own a 28-2 all-time record against the Tigers, including a one-time 24-game winning streak (1986-2009). VSU lost to West Alabama, 24-21, in 2010, but rebounded with a narrow 22-21 victory at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in 2011.The Tigers are coached by Will Hall, who went 8-4 in his first season.
2011 recap
The Tigers finished the 2011 season with an 8-4 record, having played 11 regular season games — 2 versus Division I-FCS teams — and one playoff game (a 43-27 loss to North Alabama). The Tigers averaged 30.1 points per game and allowed just 22. Offensively, Matt Willis was the workhorse, finishing the season with 1,606 yards and 18 touchdowns. In the 22-21 loss to VSU, Willis rushed for 219 yards and a touchdown, but a pair of interception returns for touchdowns by VSU corner Matt Pierce proved to be the difference in the game.Tigers' quarterback Kyle Caldwell was just a freshman in 2011 and he took his lumps but showed plenty signs of a positive future. He completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,499 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Caldwell also rushed for 388 yards and a pair of scores.
Caldwell's favorite target was wide receiver Gerald Worsham, who caught 74 passes and 6 touchdowns. Ken May caught a team-high 7 touchdowns.
Defensively, Deon Lacey recorded a team-high 94 tackles; Gabe Poe was second with 81 tackles. Otha Foster finished with a team-high 4 interceptions.
2012 preview
The Tigers' biggest offensive weapon in Willis returns for his senior season, while Caldwell returns as the teams signal caller. Caldwell's top two receivers (Worsham and May) have graduated, making senior Curt Amacker the team's leading returning reciever. Amacker finished the 2011 season with just 15 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns.The offense will surely run through Willis, who is a Harlon Hill Trophy candidate.
Dean Lacey returns to lead the defense.
The Tigers open regular season play Sept. 1 at Clark Atlanta in Atlanta. West Alabama visits Division I-FCS members Samford Sept. 9, before welcoming Division III member Mississippi College to Livingston, Ala. Sept. 15. The Tigers then visit VSU (Sept. 22), before four-straight home games against West Georgia, Midwestern State, College of Faith and Shorter.
The Tigers visit Delta State Oct. 27, Abilene Christian Nov. 2 and close out the season Nov. 9 at home against North Alabama.
