Blazers to host Rams in season opener

A rivalry in South Georgia will be renewed Saturday.

Valdosta State hosts Albany State in the season opener as the two teams square off for the first time since the Blazers’ 30-27 victory in 2011.

With both schools constantly crossing recruiting paths and being less than 100 miles apart, the upcoming matchup will surely revive the bare-knuckle rivalry that spans over 30 years.

Florida International transfer quarterback Jake Medlock has won the starter competition and will lead the Blazers’ offense in Game 1 against the tenacious Rams’ defense.

For Medlock, he’ll start his new chapter at VSU – where transfer quarterbacks have prospered before.

“It’s going to be good to get out there with my new teammates,” Medlock said.  “When you go against a fast defense (in ASU), you go right at them. Don’t try to run east and west with them, you go north and south. We’ve been grinding – blood, sweat, and tears – it’s going to be fun.”

The new quarterback will also be the punter as he did last season for the Panthers.

The Rams hold a talent of their own at quarterback with senior and preseason SIAC Player of the Year Frank Rivers.

Rivers threw for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.

“We can’t let him get outside the pocket, and if he does he’s going to hurt you,” VSU Head Coach David Dean said. “The whole thing is keeping him in the pocket, and not letting him use his athletic ability outside. We know he’s going to get some pass yards. The thing is that we can’t let him beat us with his legs.”

VSU’s young defense will be tested against the speedy and experienced ASU offense, which returns eight of eleven starters from last season.

The Black Swarm will be tested against
ASU's Frank Rivers (Albany Herald)  

The Blazers only return twelve starters on offense and defense.

Seniors Isaiah Grasham,Tevin Davis, and Justin Williams are three of the twelve returners expected to lead the Black Swarm starting this Saturday.

“I think we’re prepared for anything they throw at us,” Williams said. “I been really exciting since I turned on the film, I was ready to play. I heard we sold nine thousand tickets so it’s going to be a big crowd. I am really looking forward to the atmosphere.”

The Blazers are 7-2 in season openers in the last nine seasons with two of those wins coming against ASU. 

The last time VSU opened its season with a victory over ASU, they went on to become national champions (2007).

“Everything is in the bag now, hopefully we’re ready to play,” Dean said. “I know they’re excited about getting out on the field for the first time as a team.”