VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State Blazers open Gulf South Conference play Saturday against West Alabama. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. On Tuesday, Blazer Sports Beat had a 1-on-1 phone interview with West Alabama head coach Will Hall.
The Blazers and Tigers were picked to finish 1-2 in the conference this season. Last year, the Blazers edged out a 22-21 win over the Tigers.
BSB: Have you brought up the finish to last year's game and how close it was?
WH: "Last year, it was disappointing we lost. As far as bringing up last year's game, I think our team is obviously well aware of last year's game and Valdosta State. I think we have to bring it up that much. We want to get where we are a perennial power that Valdosta has been for a long time. That is what we are trying to get to."
BSB: Would a win Saturday over Valdosta State put your team in that elite class?
WH: "Well we would be 1-0 in the conference. If you're 1-0 in the conference and you've beaten Valdosta, you have to feel good about your chances moving forward. Certainly it isn't going to make your season, if you win it or lose it, but taht would put us in a really good situation."
BSB: Last year, Matt Willis was able to dominate with 219 yards on 31 carries with a touchdown. This year, VSU has been able to hold opponents to 97.3 yards per game. Are you going to try and give Matt the ball early and see if the Blazers can slow him down?
WH: "Well Matt is our best player. So we are definitely going to hand him the ball. I will try to get him as many touches as I can. I think, in big games, you have to think about calling the right players, not the right plays. So we are definitely going to get Matt the ball. We definitely don't want to be driving home from Valdosta and Matt Willis hasn't touched the ball enough.
BSB: Speaking of big players, Valdosta State has a wide receiver who didn't play last year. Gerald Ford has come out extremely hot this year with 16 receptions. What are your plans to slow down Gerald this weekend? He has five touchdowns the past two games,. Is there something special you do to slow him down?
WH: "Gerald is a really good player. We've known about him for some time. He had to sit out last year, but he has been a great player in this conference for a long time. One reason I think he has been able to have a big season is because the quarterback play has been much-improved than the past two years. Cayden (Cochran) is really playing well and (Graham) Craig played well when he got to play. I think that has been the biggest reason for the improvement in their team this year over the last two years, is they are just really better at quarterback."
BSB: These two teams were tabbed to finish 1-2 in the conference this year. Is this the conference championship game?
WH: "Well it is too early to say that. I haven't seen anybody else in the conference, on tape. So I couldn't tell you. It is so early. I tell you, in this league, everyone is going to be pretty good. That is the way it always is. Obviously, us and Valdosta have the most returners coming back. It is a big game. Like I said, it sets you up to be in the driver's seat moving forward for the rest of the year."
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