Players growing out beards for wins

Josey's beard in August

VALDOSTA — San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel have two of the most iconic beards in today's sports world. And now, a few Valdosta State players are looking to challenge the two professional superstars in the ultimate beard face-off.

Four Blazer players — defensive tackle Tyler Josey, center Jake Thomas, quarterback Justin Roberts and captain Cam Short — all made a pledge to one another this summer that they would grow out their beards until the end of the season, which they hope isn't until Dec. 17 in Florence, Ala., the site of the Division II national championship game.

"We started growing them out July 1, all four us," said Short, who also sports his customary long locks of hair. "We haven't shaved yet."

Short's beard at picture day
in August.

The four close friends all came up with the idea during summer workouts and have managed to stick with it. Some other players have started to join in, like backup safety Davis Durham, defensive lineman Cooper Lemonds and even defensive coordinator Seth Wallace, who just recently started to grow out his facial hair. Other coaches have since started the trend, but not head coach David Dean.

"I had one the other day," Dean said. "I grew it Saturday and Sunday, but I had to shave it."

While the four players started this July, they said it is Kaylon Harrell, who started growing out his beard nearly two years ago.

"He is like the grandfather of beards," Thomas joked.

The group's devotion to the beard growing hasn't gone unnoticed either. While the Blazers were in Florence, Ala. for their game against rival North Alabama, the group of four tweeted a picture of their beards to Keisel, who in return retweeted their picture to his 72,000-plus Twitter followers.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Lewis adding to depth at WR

Receiver Regginald Lewis believes he is the best
receiver on the VSU roster this season.
(Bubba Thomas | Special to the Times)

VALDOSTA — If you ask him, Regginald Lewis thinks he is the best wide receiver on the Valdosta State roster.

Yes, Lewis believes he is better than all-conference wide out Gerald Ford and deep-threat Seantavious Jones, the only receiver in the conference to have four touchdown catches in a game this season.

"It is awesome competition, all of us (receivers) believe we are better than each other," Lewis said. "It is a privilege to play with guys that are on the same level or are better. You continue to have constant competition."

Lewis may not be far off, either. He is currently second on the team in receptions this season with 36 for 494 yards with three touchdowns. He has also ran for 82 yards and a score while serving as the team's wildcat quarterback.

A major factor in Lewis' production has been the dominant play of Ford and Jones, who have combined for 78 receptions for 1,332 yards and 19 touchdowns.

With Ford and Jones stealing the eye of most defensive backs, Lewis has emerged as a go-to target for the VSU quarterbacks. 

“Whenever (defenses) focus on me, (Seantavious) kills them or Regginald kills them or Quin (Roberson) kills them," said Ford last week. "Whenever they focus on them, I just try to utilize my chances. So pick your poison.”

Add in Lewis' stout play to go along with Ford and Jones and a powerful running game and the Valdosta State offense has been able to average 477 yards of total offense a game.

"It always feels good to have success, we feeling pretty good about it," Lewis said.

Valdosta State closes its regular season Thursday against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

VSU football moves up to No. 3 in region rankings

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State football team moved up one spot in the latest Division II Super Region II rankings, released Monday afternoon.

The Blazers moved from No. 4 to No. 3 in the rankings following a 37-6 win over Gulf South Conference newcomer Shorter.

Miles remains the top-ranked team in the region with an 8-1 record, followed by West Alabama, who clinched at least a share of the Gulf South Conference championship this past weekend.

Mars Hill, No. 2 in the first region rankings, moved down two spots to No. 4. Carson-Newman is fifth, followed by Lenoir-Rhyne, who moved up one spot from seventh.

Fort Valley State is down one spot to seventh, followed by UNC-Pembroke, Albany State and North Alabama.

If the playoffs were to begin this week, Miles and West Alabama would receive bye's, while Valdosta State would host Lenoir-Rhyne and Mars Hill would host Carson-Newman.

The final region rankings will be released Sunday, Nov. 11 and the top six teams in each of the four regions qualify for the playoffs, which begin Nov. 17.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Blazers back in Top 25

VALDOSTA — For the first time in a month and a half, Valdosta State is ranked.

The Blazer football team moved back into the American Football Coaches' Association's Top 25 Poll, released Monday morning. VSU is ranked 24th.

Gulf South Conference champion West Alabama, who secured at least a share of the GSC title with a win over Delta State on Saturday, also moved back into the Top 25; the Wolves are ranked 21st.


Seven Top 25 teams lost this past weekend, opening the door for reshuffling in this week's poll. The three spots remained the same, with Colorado State-Pueblo remaining as the nation's top-ranked team. Winston-Salem state (N.C.) is ranked second, followed by New Haven (Conn.).

The newest edition of the Regional Rankings will be released later on Monday. The Blazers are expected to be the fourth seed in the South Region, like last week's release.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Cochran named GSC Offensive Player of the Week

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State quarterback Cayden Cochran has been named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Cochran

Cochran completed 20 of 23 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns. He also added 15 yards on the ground and a first quarter rushing touchdown.

The redshirt junior from Cashion, Okla. scored VSU's first touchdown in last Thursday's 37-6 win over GSC newcomer Shorte when he sneaked into the end zone on a 1-yard QB keeper.

He threw his first touchdown of the night in the second quarter, connecting with junior Gerald Ford on an 8-yard passing score. In the third quarter, Cochran connected with fellow junior Regginald Lewis from 17 yards out, which put the Blazers in front 31-0.

So far this season, Cochran has completed 114 of 183 passes to lead the Blazers with 1,506 yards passing with 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Valdosta State hosts Texas A&M-Kingsville Thursday night in the regular season finale. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. from Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The game will be carried live on Mediacom channel 230 in Valdosta and online at ESPN3.com.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Football Notes

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State football team is off Saturday following Thursday's 37-6 win over Shorter.

Quarterback Cayden Cochran passes during Thursday's game.
(Ed Hooper | The Valdosta Daily Times)

The Blazers will still have plenty to cheer for Saturday night, though.

If rival Delta State (3-4) can knock off Gulf South Conference leader West Alabama (6-2) in Cleveland, Miss. it would earn the Blazers a share of the conference championship. The Blazers finished their GSC schedule with a 5-1 record.

The Blazers could win the outright conference championship with a Delta State victory over West Alabama and a UWA loss to North Alabama in two weeks.

Valdosta State split the conference championship with Delta State and Henderson State in 2010. VSU hosts Texas A&M-Kingsville in non-conference action Thursday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Looking back at Shorter

It was over when: Valdosta State took a 17-0 first quarter lead off a 17-yard fumble recovery by cornerback Dominque Wheeler. The Blazers added a score in the second quarter and two more in the third to cruise to the 37-6 win.

Behind the line: The Valdosta State defense recorded six tackles for a loss in Thursday night's game, including two by linebacker Ryan Smith, both of which were sacks.

Scooping up the loose ball: The Blazer defense recovered three fumbles in Thursday's win, all which led to VSU touchdowns. Dominque Wheeler recovered the first quarter fumble forced by sophomore linebacker Justin Williams; Ryan Smith recovered a second quarter fumble forced by defensive end Tevin Davis and defensive tackle Lawrence Virgil recovered a fumbled snap by the Shorter quarterback in the third quarter. Safety Chris Caspari also had an interception late in the fourth quarter.

Stat of the day: Quarterback Cayden Cochran completed 20 of 23 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns in Thursday's game. He also ran for 15 yards and a rushing touchdown to lead the Blazer offense, which racked up 355 yards of total offense.

Scott still not healthy; O'Neal carrying the load: After suffering a sprained ankle in the Blazers' 24-21 win over rival North Alabama earlier this month, freshman running back Austin Scott has totaled four carries for three yards. Scott did not play in VSU's win over Delta State a week ago and was given just four carries Thursday night. Instead, true freshman Cedric O'Neal has carried the load. O'Neal has rushed for 256 yards with three touchdowns in VSU's last two games.

GSC struggles for Shorter: In their first three Gulf South Conference games, the Shorter Hawks have been outscored 127-13. The Hawks close out their first GSC season with games against West Georgia and Delta State.

Up next: The Blazers host Texas A&M-Kingsville at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be televised as the Gulf South Conference Game of the Week.

VSU-Shorter post game reaction

VSU's Cedric O'Neal. (Ed Hooper | The VDT)

ROME — Valdosta State improved to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in Gulf South Conference play Thursday night with a commanding 37-6 win over conference newcomer Shorter.

The Blazers scored 17 points in the first quarter and added a second quarter touchdown and two third quarter scores to cruise past the Hawks.

Valdosta State was aided by four takeaways, including three fumbles.

Head coach David Dean post game

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Former Blazer Larry Dean on Pro Bowl ballot

Larry Dean

Former Valdosta State football player Larry Dean is on this year's Pro Bowl ballot and fans are encouraged to cast their vote for him, sending him to his first-ever professional all-star game.

Dean, a graduate of Tift County High School and a current Minnesota Viking, is a second-string linebacker special teams player for the Vikings. He is on the Pro Bowl ballot for the first time in his two-year NFL career.

Fans can vote for Dean by visiting http://www.vikings.com/team/pro-bowl-ballot.html.

Dean is in the midst of his second year of his three-year contract with the Vikings, which he signed as a free agent prior to the start of training camp in 2011. Dean set the Valdosta State career record for tackles (368) during his senior season in 2010, passing former Blazer and Atlanta Falcon great Jessie Tuggle, who finished his career in 1986 with 340 career tackles.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Blazers visit Hawks tonight in Rome

Wide receiver Gerald Ford has 9 touchdown catches
this season. (Ed Hooper | The VDT)

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State football team will close out its conference schedule tonight when it visits the Shorter Hawks at Rome’s Barron Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The game has been selected as the Gulf South Conference Game of the Week and will be broadcast live on CSS. Mediacom customers in the Valdosta area will be able to view the game on channel 230.

The game will also be made available on ESPN3.com and will be broadcast live to 6.5 million households.

The Hawks (4-4) are in their second year of a three-year transition process from the NAIA level to Division II and are competing against GSC teams, like Valdosta State, for the first time in school history. They are not eligible for postseason play this season, although the games do count towards conference records.

Blazers ranked fourth in first region rankings of season

VALDOSTA — In the first Division II Super Region 2 rankings of the season, the Valdosta State football team was tabbed fourth.

The Blazers are ranked fourth with a 6-2 overall record and a 5-2 record against Division II competition.

"I thought we would be about three or four," Valdosta State head coach David Dean said. "If you look at the national rankings, we are the third ranked team in the South Region. So I figured we would be somewhere in there around three or four."

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) leader Miles is ranked No. 1 in Super Region 2 with a 7-1 record against Division II schools. Mars Hill is ranked second with a 5-1 record against DII competition, followed by West Alabama, who is 4-1 record against Division II teams. Carson-Newman is ranked fifth (5-2 against DII), and Fort Valley State (5-2 against DII) is ranked sixth.

The top six teams in the final region rankings, set to be released Sunday, Nov. 11, will make up the playoff field with the top two-seeded teams receiving bye weeks in the first round. The three-seed will host the sixth-seed and the four-seed will host the fifth-seeded team. The playoffs begin Nov. 17.

"The thing is, it is going to change," Dean said. "We have three weeks left in the regular season, so a lot of those folks are going to play each other and have tough games yet to play. All we can do is take care of ourselves."


Lenoir-Rhyne (4-2), Wingate (5-3), Newberry (5-3) and Albany State (5-3) round out the top 10 of the rankings.

Valdosta State concludes Gulf South Conference play Thursday night when the Blazers visit conference newcomer Shorter in Rome. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be carried live on CSS.

– Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Jones, Andersen honored by conference

Jones

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State football players Seantavious Jones and Daniel Andersen were named the Gulf South Conference Players of the Week following dominating performances in the Blazers' 59-41 win over rival Delta State on Saturday.

Jones earned his first-ever award by being named the GSC's Offensive Player of the Week after hauling in a team-high nine catches for 210 yards and four touchdowns, all career highs. Jones' receiving totals were the most of any player in the conference this season and his four touchdown receptions were the most by a GSC receiver since the 2009 season.

Andersen was named the conference's Special Teams Player of the Week for the second straight time after he carried the Blazers in placekicking and punting. Andersen averaged 47.3 yards per punt, headlined by a 52-yard punt that pinned the Statesmen inside their own 20. Andersen also connected on eight extra points and a 49-yard field goal, which put the Blazers ahead 10-7 early in the first quarter.

Andersen

The first of Jones' touchdown catches came on the Blazers' opening possession when he hauled in a 74-yard pass from quarterback Cayden Cochran to give VSU an early 7-0 lead. The duo reconnected in the second quarter for two touchdowns of 14 and 20 yards.

After VSU blew an 18-point third quarter lead, Jones hauled in a 33-yard touchdown pass from Cochran to put the Blazers back in front 45-41.

A strong case for Offensive Player of the Week could have been made for Cochran. The redshirt junior quarterback finished with 412 yards and a career-high five passing touchdowns. He also ran for 30 yards and a 1-yard rushing touchdown on VSU's first possession of the second half.

Due to Jones' performance, Cochran was not nominated for the award.

Of course, all eyes will be on the Blazers Thursday night when they visit the Shorter Hawks in the GSC Game of the Week. The game will be carried live on CSS.

– Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Blazers need help from rivals to win GSC

VSU's Cedric O'Neal rushed for 160 yards with 2 touchdowns
in Saturday's win over Delta State. (Ed Hooper | The VDT)

VALDOSTA — In order to qualify for the Division II playoffs, the Valdosta State football team controls its own destiny. If the Blazers can win the final two games of the season, they will be one of the six teams from Super Region II that will be postseason bound.

As for winning the Gulf South Conference? The Blazers still need help.

With West Alabama still undefeated in GSC action this season (3-0), the Blazers trail the Tigers by one-game in the conference standings, following their 39-28 loss earlier this season. Now with the season quickly winding down, the Blazers find themselves in a position of rooting for a rival team, like Delta State or North Alabama.

With no tie-breakers being used in the Gulf South Conference, it will take a VSU victory Thursday night over conference newcomer Shorter and one West Alabama loss for the teams to be crowned Co-GSC champions.

The Tigers visit Delta State Saturday afternoon in Cleveland, Miss. The Blazers just beat the Statesmen 59-41, ending a six-game losing streak to their rival. If the Statesmen can't do it, the Blazers will find themselves rooting for rival North Alabama Nov. 8, when the Lions visit the Tigers in the regular season finale for both teams.

Valdosta State last won the conference championship in 2010 when it was named Tri-Champions, splitting with Henderson State and Delta State. The Blazers were eliminated from the playoffs with a first round loss to North Alabama.

While the Blazers can't control their own destiny in the conference race, they can when it comes to qualifying for the playoffs. That push towards securing a seed in Super Region II continues Thursday night when they visit Shorter in Rome. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The game will be televised locally on CSS.

Valdosta State-Delta State post game reaction

VALDOSTA – The Valdosta State Blazers ended their six-game losing streak to rival Delta State by winning a shoot out over the Statesmen 59-41 on Saturday afternoon in Valdosta.

The victory was the first over the Statesmen for head coach David Dean. Quarterback Cayden Cochran tossed five touchdown passes, wide receiver Seantavious Jones hauled in four TD catches and 210 yards. Freshman running back Cedric O'Neal finished with a career-high 160 yards and two touchdowns.


David Dean


Cayden Cochran


Seantavious Jones


Cedric O'Neal


- Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper

Delta State-Valdosta State preview

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State football team will host rival Delta State today at 3 p.m. Here is a preview of today's game.

Series history
Six. That is how many consecutive games the Valdosta State football team has lost to in-conference rival Delta State.

Today, the Blazers (5-2) will look to end the long losing streak to the Statesmen (3-3) when the teams meet for the 2012 Valdosta State homecoming game at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

“Hopefully we can get the monkey off our back,” Valdosta State head coach David Dean said.

Tennis' Boehm excelling in cross country at VSU

VSU tennis player and cross country runner Juliana Boehm.
(Brandon Powers | The VDT)

VALDOSTA — Juliana Boehm moved from her hometown in Germany to Valdosta State to play tennis for head coach John Hansen.

While she is still an active member of the women’s tennis team, she is also making a rather large impact on the Blazer cross country team this fall.

After joining the team in August, Boehm has competed in four meets with the Blazers, winning two of them and placing in the top 20 in all four. She has also been named the Gulf South Conference’s Runner of the Week on two separate occasions.

Not too bad for someone who had never run in a competitive race before joining the team.

Blazers looking to end painful six-year losing streak to Statesmen

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State quarterback Cayden Cochran said there is nowhere he or his teammates can turn inside the football team facility without being reminded of the Blazers’ six straight losses to rival Delta State.

“Coach (David) Dean brings it up a lot,” Cochran said. “It is plastered all over the locker room, on every locker, on the doors and everything like that. We know. We are aware.”

Coach Dean said going to the measure of reminding his players isn’t necessary, but he wants his team to remember the losses and what is at stake Saturday when the teams meet at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for the 2012 VSU homecoming game.

Dean not pleased with Tuesday practice; Blazers host Statesmen Saturday afternoon

Photo by: Ed Hooper | The VDT

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State head coach David Dean said Tuesday's football practice "not good", saying the team looked lethargic during the two-plus hour practice.

Dean said fall break at the university might be to blame for the lackluster practice, as players were off from classes on Monday and Tuesday.

"We did not have a very good day of practice today," Dean said following Tuesday's practice. "We were just very lethargic. I just think that always happens when we are on fall break. They are out of their routine — they don't go to class and they stay around the apartments or dorms a long time and get kind of lazy. And that is kind of the way we practiced today."

One thing that could benefit the Blazers in Saturday's game against rival Delta State, who they have lost to six straight times, is the 3 p.m. start. Saturday will be just the third time and final time all regular season the Blazers will play an afternoon game. In their two previous afternoon games, the Blazers went 2-0 and outscored their opponents 85-17.

"I think the two best games we've played this year have been Angelo State and West Georgia, both of those, ironically, are afternoon games," Dean said. "That is when we practice. We are use to that time frame of progressing through and practicing at that time and I think it helps us. So I am looking forward to playing in an afternoon game and I think our kids are as too."

RB Austin Scott "doubtful" for Saturday
Freshman running back Austin Scott is doubtful for Saturday afternoon's game against Delta State with a high-ankle sprain, according to Dean.

Scott was in a protective boot at Tuesday's practice and "it doesn't look very good" for him to play Saturday, says Dean.

"He felt a little bit better today, but he will have to feel a lot better than what he does right now," Dean said. "He probably won't be able to go."

Homecoming events this week

Bubba Thomas | Special to the Times

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University will celebrate homecoming Oct. 17-20 with a number of activities for students, alumni and members of the community.

Wednesday, Oct. 17 — Wild Adventures Night
VSU students can enjoy a night at Wild Adventures. Bus will leave VSU Oak Street parking lot (west end) beginning at 5:30 p.m., with last pickup at 9:00 p.m. The bus will also return students to same location at various intervals. (Only students with a valid VSU ID will be admitted)

Thursday, Oct. 18 — Community Pep Rally
VSU's annual homecoming pep rally begins at 7 p.m., in the P.E. Complex.

Friday, Oct. 19 — Alumni Golf Tournament
Valdosta Country Club is the site for this year's annual golf tournament. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for this four-person scramble, with a 9 a.m. shotgun shot. The tournament is open to all VSU alumni and friends. Participants will receive lunch and an assortment of prizes will be given away. Pre-registration is required, golfers may register online at www.valdostastate.org or call the Office of Alumni Relations at (229) 333-5797. Cost is $75 per person or $300 per team of four.

Homecoming Parade
Show your Blazer spirit and join your friends on Patterson Street for the parade, which begins at 6 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Drive, and will head south to conclude at Brookwood Drive.

Photography Exhibit by Jason Miczek
The College of Arts and Sciences is sponsoring a fundraising event featuring the photography of Jason Miczek, who received a bachelor’s degree in English from VSU in 2001. Miczek’s work has appeared in the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Time, and USA Today. The event is 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Annett Howell Turner Center for the Arts, cost is $20 per person. To register and pay in advance, visit the website at www.valdostastate.org/COAS

Saturday, Oct. 20 — Alumni Tailgating
Tailgating activities for alumni will take place beginning at noon, in front of the Student Union, located at the intersection of Oak Street and Baytree Road. Register online at www.valdostastate.org.

VSU Chamber Singers
Former VSU Chamber Singers are invited to perform in the singing of the national anthem at the homecoming football game at 3 p.m. There will be a 2 p.m. rehearsal with Dr. David Johnson in the University Center North. For more information and to register, visit online www.valdostastate.org/alumnichoir

Blazer Walk
Show your school spirit by cheering on the Blazers as they enter Bazemore-Hyder Stadium prior to the game against Delta State. Starting at 1:30 p.m., the football team and cheerleading squad will walk from Ann Street down Williams Street on their way to the stadium.

Blazers vs. Delta State
Blazers football takes on Delta State at 3 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Tickets are available online at http://www.vstateblazers.com or call the ticket office at (229) 333-SEAT (7328).

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Analysis: Valdosta State 24, North Alabama 21

Wide receiver Gerald Ford stiff-arms a UNA defender.
Ed Hooper | The VDT

The Valdosta State Blazers improved to 5-2 on the season with a 24-21 win over rival North Alabama. The Blazers sprang out to a 24-0 lead early in the third quarter, only to give way to North Alabama’s 21-point surge in the second half.

Valdosta State was led by Cedric O’Neal’s 123 yards rushing, Gerald Ford’s 134 yards receiving and quarterback Cayden Cochran’s 236 yards passing. The Blazers finished the day with 423 yards of total offense, while North Alabama finished the day with 354 yards, including 232 through the air.

It was over when: Valdosta State’s Cedric O’Neal rushed for the Blazers’ third first down inside three minutes. O’Neal’s final first down run came with less than 45 seconds remaining on the clock.

Quick start to the half: Two plays. That is all it took Valdosta State to score in both the first and second half. Quarterback Cayden Cochran connected on an 81-yard touchdown pass with Gerald Ford on the second offensive play from scrimmage for VSU in the first quarter. He then connected on a 71-yard TD pass with Seantavious Jones on just the second play of the third quarter, which gave the Blazers a 24-0 lead.

Story of two halves: The Blazers forced the Lions to five straight punts and two missed field goals across their first seven drives to begin the game After that, North Alabama scored three touchdowns and punted just twice to close out the game. Meanwhile, Valdosta State scored on four of its first seven possession to begin the game and then turned the ball over on downs and punted four straight times before running the clock out at the end of the game.

Passing Lions: North Alabama entered Saturday night’s game as the worst passing team in the Gulf South Conference. You wouldn’t be able to tell that by looking at the Lions’ passing numbers at the end of the game. UNA finished the day with 232 yards passing, over a quarter of what they had in their first six games of the season.

O’Neal or Scott, it doesn’t matter: Whether is Cedric O’Neal or Austin Scott, the Blazers can run the football this season. The duo combined for 220 yards on the night (O’Neal finished with 123 and Scott with 97). Scott left the game early in the second half with an ankle injury he suffered in the first half, opening the door to O’Neal’s big second half performance. Both freshman, O’Neal and Scott have already combined for over 1,100 yards rushing this season.

Limiting the penalties: The Blazers were flagged just four times Saturday night, the lowest of any conference game this season. Three of VSU’s four penalties were in the first half. Valdosta State was flagged 13 times in a loss to West Alabama earlier this season.

Up next: The Blazers host Delta State at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The game will serve as VSU’s 2012 homecoming game. Valdosta State head coach David Dean has never beaten the Statesmen since taking over the program in 2007, the year Dean guided the Blazers to a national championship.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Postgame reaction — North Alabama

FLORENCE, Ala. — The Valdosta State Blazers raced out to a four possession lead Saturday night against rival North Alabama, only to see their lead be reduced to three points with 3:56 remaining.

Luckily, the Blazers (5-2, 2-1 GSC) were able to convert three first downs with running back Cedric O'Neal to ice the game and secure the 24-21 win over the rival Lions.

Following the game, Valdosta State head coach David Dean held a postgame interview with The Valdosta Daily Times and local Valdosta radio.




—Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Blazers that played in the Winnersville Classic

VALDOSTA — Friday night, the two high schools that call the city of Valdosta home will clash at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

The Lowndes Vikings (6-0) will visit the Valdosta Wildcats (3-2) in the annual Winnersville Classic.

Here is a list and a few notes of current Blazers that have played in the annual showdown between the Vikings and Wildcats.

Greg Reid (LHS) — Cornerback Greg Reid was a member of the Lowndes football team between 2005-08. He never lost a Winnersville Classic, as the Vikings won by an average of 12.25 points per game during that stretch. Lowndes won two state championships during Reid's four-year high school football career. Reid has not played a down for the Blazers. He joined the team in August and then suffered a season-ending knee injury just a week before the start of the season.

Justin Williams (VHS) —Valdosta State sophomore linebacker Justin Williams was a member of the Valdosta High football team from 2007-10. He never beat his crosstown rival Vikings, although he did lead the Wildcats to the state quarterfinals in 2010.

Michael Miller (LHS) — An offensive lineman for the Vikings between 2007-10, Miller helped the Vikings win a state championship in 2007 and he never lost a Winnersville Classic.

Others:
Troy Braswell (LHS) — Braswell is ineligible this season due to academics. He played for Lowndes from 2007-10.

Terrance Foster (VHS) — A true freshman at VSU this year, Foster is a redshirt this season for the Blazers. Foster and his Valdosta teammates ended a 7-year losing streak to Lowndes last season with a 21-17 win at Lowndes' Martin Stadium. Foster was also a basketball player for the region champion Wildcats.

Roberson not frustrated with limited catches

Quin Roberson

VALDOSTA — Last year, Gerald Ford was sitting in the grandstands watching the Valdosta State Blazers finish with a 6-4 record. In his absence, the Blazer receiving corps featured three players rise and lead the team in receptions, all of whom finished the year with over 30 catches. Another player finished with 24 One player led the team in receptions, while another led the team in yards and touchdowns.

It was a balanced receiving corps, and Quin Roberson was a big piece to that balanced attack.

Now that Ford is back with the Blazers this year, and now that he has regained his old form,  the balance is somewhat gone and some Blazer receivers that made impacts last year are seeing their numbers decline this season. One those of those players is Roberson, who finished the 2011 season with 31 catches for 382 yard with four touchdowns.

This season, Ford has been the go-to target for Blazers quarterbacks. He leads the team in receptions (28), yards (476) and touchdowns (8). With Ford's production up and the emergence of Regginald Lewis, Roberson's numbers are down. He still has faith that he can have a big game and he isn't getting too concerned about it, as long as the Blazers (4-2, 1-1 in Gulf South Conference) keep winning.

"It would be nice to have a break out game," Roberson said. "I feel good out wide, but right now I am just playing my role, as well as anybody else."

Roberson's role has been limited this season. He has just 14 catches for 182 yards with a pair of touchdowns, both of which have come late in blowout victories. He isn't frustrated, though. If anything, he is enjoying his time playing next to a wide receiver like Ford.

"It can't be too frustrating when you have a player like Gerald Ford next to you," Roberson said. "It is not very frustrating to me. You know, in games, I get the thought in the back of my mind, 'hey, throw me the ball.' But it is not too big of a deal."

While his receiving numbers are down, Roberson has still been able to make an impact this season, though. He is the Blazers' starting punt returner,  a position he solidified when Greg Reid was injured during a preseason scrimmage.  In 12 returns this season, Roberson is averaging 17.42 yards per return and he has a school-record 94-yard return under his belt.

"I have other opportunities, as far as returning kicks," Roberson said.

-Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

The last time the Blazers faced Bobby Wallace

Bobby Wallace

VALDOSTA — It was supposed to be his going away party. It was at West Alabama, but not from college football.

The last time the Valdosta State Blazers faced head coach Bobby Wallace, it was his final game as head coach at West Alabama. Following the game, Wallace was supposed to end his long and victorious coaching career and ride off into the sunset for retirement.

That didn't last long.

After one season away from the game, Wallace was hired as the head coach at North Alabama, a school where he won three straight national championships in the 1990's. In his return, he has guided the Lions to a 5-1 record with a game against Valdosta State looming Saturday night in Florence, Ala.

When speaking with media Tuesday, Valdosta State head coach David Dean was asked about that going away game for Wallace in 2010. Dean remembered the game, which ended with the Tigers beating the Blazers, who entered with the No. 1 ranking in the region, 24-21. The loss cost the Blazers the outright Gulf South Conference championship and the night was filled with controversy, at least from Valdosta State's standpoint.

“Yeah, I do (remember),” Dean said. “It was supposed to be his retirement night. It was over in Livingston, Ala. and they beat us....the whole night was questionable. But, yes I do remember that game.

“I told him, ‘I don’t think you can stay away from it,’” Dean continued. “I thought if North Alabama ever opened up, he would go back and coach again. So it didn’t surprise me. Honestly, I am glad. He is a great guy, a great person. He is good for Gulf South Conference football, just because of the legacy he brings, all the national championships he has won there. He is a great coach...It is always fun to coach against a guy like that.”

In the loss, the Blazers had their chances to win, including at the end of the game when quarterback Austen Roberts heaved the ball into the end zone where cornerback Stevie Harden, who was on the field as a wide receiver, stood. Harden looked as though he was pushed in the back just prior to making the catch. No flag was thrown and the game was over.

The Blazers were eliminated from the playoffs the following week by North Alabama, which was under the direction of then-head coach Terry Bowden, who built his team each year on Division I transfer players. 

Since taking over the North Alabama program this season, Wallace has turned the program around back around, recruiting freshman to fill out the roster. The Blazers have been able to notice the difference between the two teams by watching film.

"They are a team this year," VSU defensive end Tyler Josey said. "They aren't just a bunch of individuals brought in as transfers. These guys have been together, they have been through the spring and they have a little bit of a bond in them. You can tell they are getting along as a team than they have in the past."

-Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper. 

Analysis: Valdosta State 42, West Georgia 7

Tevin Davis (46) makes a tackle during the first quarter
of Saturday's game. (Ed Hooper | The VDT)

CARROLLTON — Last year, the Valdosta State football team watched the West Georgia Wolves celebrate at midfield, hoisting the Peach Basket following a 23-20 upset win in the final-minute over the Blazers.

It was the Blazers' second straight loss, which turned into four straight losses and eventually four straight GSC losses. It also ended the Wolves' five-game losing streak to VSU.

Everything went back to normal on Saturday in Carrollton. The Blazers dominated the Wolves, 42-7, ending a four-game conference losing streak, reclaiming the Peach Basket and proving who the best team in the state of Georgia, at the Division II level, truly is: Valdosta State.

It was over when: Valdosta State took a 28-0 lead with 10:58 remaining in the third quarter on a 6-yard run by Austin Scott. The touchdown capped off the Blazers' opening drive to the second half. Following Scott's second of three rushing TDs, the home crowd at University Stadium started to flock to the nearest exit. Valdosta State later added to its lead with two more touchdowns in the second half.

Game ball goes to: It is hard to give out just one game ball, but if we had to it, Austin Scott seems to have the edge. Scott finished with a career-high 132 yards and three rushing touchdowns. More importantly, Scott carried the rushing load after fellow freshman Cedric O'Neal left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.

Some other notable performances: QB Cayden Cochran threw for 141 yards with two touchdowns and ran for 65 more yards. After dislocating his finger on the Blazers' opening drive to the second half, Cochran missed just a few plays before returning back to the field. Lance Holder intercepted two UWG passes to set up one Blazer touchdown. Holder recorded four tackles on the afternoon after his sat out last week's game with an injury.

Stat of the day: Between their 12 offensive possessions on the day, the Wolves were held to seven punts, including five-straight to begin the game, two interceptions, one turnover on downs and an expired half. West Georgia managed two impressive drives, a 13-play, 48-yard drive that ended in a punt and a 12-play, 67-yard drive that ended with their lone touchdown of the game, which came with 2:11 remaining.

Turning point: With Valdosta State leading 7-0 off a second quarter touchdown pass from Cochran to Gerald Ford, the Blazers scored on four straight offensive possessions between the end of the second and start of the third quarter to built a 35-0 lead.

Setting the tempo early: It took one whistle for the Valdosta State Blazers to set the tempo in Saturday's game. On the opening kickoff, the Blazers attempted on onside kick and recovered. The Blazer sideline erupted and the tempo to the football game set, although the Blazers did not score on their opening two possessions.

Running wild, again: 297. That is how many yards the Blazers racked up on the ground in Saturday's win. Led by redshirt freshman Austin Scott's career-high 132 yards and three touchdowns, Valdosta State continued its season of running. Quarterback Cayden Cochran rushed for 65 yards, Regginald Lewis finished with 32 yards. Five other players carried on the day, too.

Valdosta State-West Georgia postgame

Valdosta State players celebrate with the Peach Basket
following Saturday's 42-7 win over the Wolves.
(Ed Hooper | The VDT)

 

CARROLLTON — The Valdosta State Blazers improved to 4-2 on the season and 1-1 in Gulf South Conference play Saturday with a commanding 42-7 win over in-state rival West Georgia.

The Blazers out gained the Wolves 507-217 as the Valdosta State offense scored on six of 14 offensive possessions, while the defense forced seven punts and two interceptions on the afternoon.

With the win, the Blazers reclaimed the Peach Basket, which they lost with a final-minute loss to the Wolves last season.

David Dean postgame interview


More on the Blazers' win will be available in Sunday's edition of the Times.

-Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Former Blazer Bailey now at West Georgia

CARROLLTON — Saturday, the Valdosta State football team will play in its biggest game of the season, thus far. The Blazers will also be facing a former teammate, running back David Bailey.

David Bailey

Bailey was dismissed from the Valdosta State football team during the offseason. He later joined West Georgia. On Friday, Bailey sent out a "BeatValdosta" tweet, which was retweeted by various members Blazers.

Bailey said the tweet was in no way meant to disrespect VSU and that "it is all love" and just a "competitor."

In four games with the Wolves this season, Bailey was rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries.

Bailey led the Blazers with 516 yards and two touchdowns in eight games last season before a torn ACL cost sidelined him for the final two games of the season. He was then dismissed from the team.

Valdosta State is looking to end a four-game in-conference losing streak, the longest in school history since the 1980's. A one-point loss to West Georgia last season was the second of the four Gulf South Conference losses for the Blazers.

— Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Short: O-line learned from penalty filled game with UWA

Cam Short

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State offensive line entered 2012 as one of the most highly touted offensive line in recent memory. With three players standing above 6-foot-4, all of whom have potential to play at the professional level, the Blazer O-line outmatches nearly every defensive line in the nation, at least at the Division II level.

But after the Blazers' loss to West Alabama to open Gulf South Conference play nearly two weeks ago, the Blazer offensive line has been under heavy scrutiny due to the number of penalties called against them in the loss.

The Blazers were flagged a season-high 13 times for 124 yards, the majority of which was called against the offensive line for various holding and clipping penalties. Nearly every call against the Blazers' front-five brought back big plays by the offensive skill players.

"That can be frustrating as offensive lineman," VSU captain and starting left tackle Cam Short said. "Everybody is trying to play very physical. You are trying to know guys on the ground, you are trying to push them off the ball. And when you are pushing guys to the ground, they are gradually going to break away from you. And us, from a mental standpoint, it was tough and mentally demoralizing."

Heading into the conference opener against West Alabama, the Blazers had been flagged just 18 total times in the three games to open the season, sparking Coach David Dean to say his team went from be one of the least penalized teams out of conference to the most penalized team in conference.

Regardless of whether Dean is right, this weekend's game with West Georgia will be officiated by a GSC crew.

"We mentally have to get better," said Short, the 6-foot-3 senior. "We have to come out and let go and push. Mentally that is going to help us this week and work on where we have to be. It is an advantage for us, it keeps us mentally at peak. If we wouldn't have had those penalties we would have just been sitting there acting like we know what we are doing. Now, the most positive part is, we are going to have our heads on and we are going to be ready."

Saturday's GSC road opener will also be the first and only time the Blazers will play on a natural playing surface. VSU's first five games were all played on artificial surfaces and the last four games of the season will also be played on artificial surfaces.

"I think it will be neat to switch it up," Short said. "We have been playing on a lot of turf, especially since everybody is going to it. So I think grass will be good. It will be a good switch for us. Actually, I think it will allow us to dig a little better and move some guys out. So I am really looking forward to it."

 — Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.

Tailgating procedures at West Georgia

Carrollton, GA — Tailgating has long been a tradition with sporting events, especially on the collegiate level. Nothing is better than gathering with other Wolves fans, fellow classmates, alumni, friends, or family before home athletic events.

Tailgating is permitted on campus in parking lots and green space in and around designated campus facilities. Please follow all guidelines related to food/grilling, clean-up and risk management policies. For the purpose of this policy, consumption of alcohol is governed by procedures described in Section 5 of this policy.

2. RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT
Tailgating is a lively and family-friendly environment. While we want you to have an exciting experience, we ask that you be respectful of those surrounding you, being mindful of your choice of language and activity. Groups are personally responsible for making sure their guests act appropriately. Individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of the nature and character of the university. Persons acting in a disruptive, disrespectful or disorderly manner may be asked to leave the premises or be subject to citation. Students may also be charged with a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Please keep all music and audio at a volume level that is respectful of your tailgating neighbors. We want the tailgating experience to be enjoyed by all.

3. TAILGATING LOCATIONS
ATHLETIC COMPLEX (Football, Softball, Soccer) - The University of West Georgia invites and encourages our fans to enjoy a great tailgate atmosphere prior to each Wolves’ home intercollegiate game. Tailgating in designated parking spaces, which limit other spaces from being occupied by a vehicle, is not permitted. Tailgating in any traffic lanes or pedestrian pathways is not permitted. Registered Tailgating Events by UWG Student Groups - All student groups or organizations must complete a tailgate reservation form no later than 7 days prior to kickoff to secure a desired location in our Student Zone Tailgate Party area. Tents may be leased by student groups from UWG Athletics for $25 per tent per game by completing the Tailgate Reservation Form.
Tailgating Captains-Student Groups Only (limited to home football games) - Each student group wishing to participate in the Student Zone Tailgate will designate a minimum of two “Tailgate Captains” to attend each event (being on site at all times). Tailgate Captains will represent their group throughout the season and be responsible for working with their group to uphold university policies. If a group expects more than 100 participants, they must have at least a third Captain on site at all times. All tailgate captains will attend an informational/training session prior to each game.

Tailgating by Individuals (Students or Others)
Students, faculty, staff, and guests may tailgate even if they are not a part of registered group. Individuals who choose to do so are responsible for following all parts of this policy.

4. OPENING/CLOSING
Tailgate areas for home football games will be open for individuals to enter the Athletic Complex at advertised times on the day of the game. Typically, the Athletic Complex will open for parking and tailgate enjoyment 4 hours prior to kickoff. All UWG organized events and activities must end 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Stadium public bathrooms will not be accessible until the ticket gates open 90 minutes prior to kick-off. A limited number of portable toilets will be on site.

5. TENTS
Tents with stakes shorter than 12-inches may be set up at any time prior to kickoff. Permits are required for any tent with stakes that are 12-inches or longer. Tent permit requests may be obtained from UWG Athletics at 678-839-6533.

6. SPECIAL PERMITS
Special permits are required for outdoor entertainment events with amplified sound. Permit requests must be submitted at least 14 days in advance and must include a list of required information for the request to be approved. Amplified sounds permit requests may be obtained from UWG Athletics at 678-839-6533. The outdoor entertainment permit will specify the location and other requirements to ensure that the event is conducted in a safe manner. If the event also requires a tent with stakes 12-inches or longer, a tent permit must be obtained first as outlined in the previous section. Special event permits are not site reservations.

7. COLISEUM AND COLE FIELD
Tailgating for basketball and baseball is permitted in parking lots and green space in around these facilities. All general polices, procedures and guidelines are to be followed.

8. GENERAL GUIDELINES THAT APPLY TO ALL TAILGATING
a. CLEAN-UP - Please keep UWG beautiful by placing all trash and recycling in the proper bins located throughout the tailgate areas, RV lots, and facilities for your convenience. All groups are responsible for making sure their assigned tailgating area is cleaned prior to departing for the game. Immediately at the conclusion of tailgating (30 minutes prior to the start of the game):
All trash/recyclable items must be picked up and sorted into proper receptacles. This includes trash around your assigned area. Trash should be closed in bags or trash containers.
While tobacco use is strongly discouraged, all cigarette butts must be picked up.
All leftover food/beverages must be placed in proper containers and stored.
All clean-up procedures must be completed before entering the stadium.
Tailgating spaces not completely cleaned prior to the start of an event could result in the group’s loss of future tailgate privileges.

FOOD/GRILLING
All UWG guests with smokers and grills equipped with axles, and towed behind a vehicle, and parking in the Athletic Complex lots other than WGAF Lot B, must position their smoker or grill in the designated spaces provided in the gravel Lot A. Reservations must be made in advance by contacting the UWG Athletic Department at 678-839-3962. This area is conveniently located in Lot A and designated by signage
Groups may bring their own picnic items and food to their football tailgating area. Grilling is permitted, but all grills must be elevated securely and situated on level surfaces other than parking lots and pedestrian walkways. All fires must be contained within grills. Extinguish charcoal fires thoroughly with water before leaving them unattended. Please remove extinguished charcoal from campus for disposal. Do not dump charcoal on the ground or in dumpsters. Please be advised that grilling may be prohibited in a time of drought or extremely dry conditions. Should this be a consideration, proper announcements will be made on University websites and in the local media during the week preceding an affected game date.
Visiting team guests have a designated area for grilling adjacent to the East entrance of University Stadium. This area is located on the ridge just outside the entrance gates and is clearly marked by signage.
Propane and charcoal grills are the only permissible sources of heat for cooking. Burned coals and/or residue from cooking may not be permitted to make contact with the paved surface of the parking lot. Hot coals must be completely extinguished with water prior to leaving the tailgating site.

-Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper