The 10 Best Blazer Moments of 2013

No day parades -- no halftime commemorations -- no new championship banners in the rafters. Perhaps this is why 2013 appears to have a lingering gray cloud hovering above it. Superb years like 2012 make most Blazer fans wish each year could be as exciting, unfortunately they simply aren't. But hey, there's always next year, right? For zealous fans especially in Titletown, that expression is harder to swallow than horse pills ~ yet it's oh so true. 2014 is around the corner so I figured I'd try to find a silver lining in the lousy gloom. It's natural to remember the moments that caused headache; consider this a reminder of the times that made you crack a smile.

Lee to host undefeated Valdosta State Thursday night

When: Thursday, December 19, 2013 

Where: Paul Dana Walker Arena (Cleveland,Tenn.) 

Audio: Talk 92.1 

Live Stats: Sidearm Sports

Both No.25 Valdosta State and Lee are riding notable winning streaks, but only one team will extend theirs Thursday night.

Corey Billingsley (20) is third in the conference in scoring. 

The Flames (5-2) hope to extend their 22-game home win streak by handing the visiting Blazers their first defeat of the season in what will be the first-ever meeting between institutions.

One more victory for VSU (7-0) ties for the best start in school history since the 2010 season, that year's team reached the Elite Eight of NCAA national tournament.

The Blazers have high hopes and thanks to their offensive prowess – they have a reason to be.

VSU has averaged 88.6 points per game, including a 107-80 victory over Carver Bible. The deep ball has been helpful too; the Blazers are shooting 36 percent from three-point range.

The entire Blazer starting line-up (Justice, Murray, Leonard, McKay, Crawford) is averaging double-figures.

Both squads are coming off their first conference victories over West Florida. The Flames beat the Argos 82-76 Monday night.

VSU is the No.2 scoring team in the Gulf South Conference and could be headache for a LU squad that barely squeezed past UWF while the Blazers won convincingly.

"They are bigger and stronger than West Florida," Flames coach Tommy Brown said in a release. "We are going to have to play a lot of zone because of our size disadvantage against most teams in the GSC, and we have to learn how to rebound out of the zone."

LU once again will look to Corey Billingsley to carry them to triumph for the third straight game.

The junior guard leads his team averaging 19.3 points a night. He has scored over 20 points in four of seven games.

The Flames also get plenty of production out of their freshman point guard, Stedmon Ford.

Ford is third on the team in points (10.4) including a 22-point performance against Truett-McConnell and leads the team in steals (3.0) and assists (2.7).

LU is undefeated at home with wins over Johnson University, Tennessee Wesleyan, Bryan College, TMC, and UWF.

The Blazers' first two games on the road have ended in dramatic fashion, both games have been decided in overtime.

VSU is making its first appearance in Paul Dana Walker Arena; tip off is at 8 p.m. 

Blazers improve to 7-0 on the season

14 days since the last time the Blazers took the floor and you could tell they were excited to return to action Saturday night.

Valdosta State had four players finish in double figures and led by as much as 28 en route to a 80-70 victory over conference foe West Florida to improve to 7-0. 

“It looked like we were hungry for game action,” head coach Mike Helfer said. “I thought we started incredibly well. We played great the first half and the first 35 minutes then we kind of just loss focus at the end. You just can't do that if you're going to be a good basketball team.”

Forward Jarod Leonard had a season-high 14 points Saturday night. 

Coach Helfer was infuriated during the last 10 minutes of the game as his team allowed UWF to cut the deficit severely.

Despite his frustration with the conclusion of the game, Helfer had plenty to cheer about with his team dominating since tip-off.

Five minutes into the game and the Blazers went on a 17-1 scoring run which included four three-pointers made in a row.

The winless Argos couldn't cool off the Blazers, who shot 48.6 percent from the field in the first half. Defensively, VSU was also sound forcing UWG to 21 points at intermission.

A collective effort from all the starters helped the Blazers get comfortable early but transfer Jarod Leonard was a force to be reckon with inside the paint. 10 of his 14 total points came in the first half. Leonard finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds.

The Argos (0-5, 0-1) outscored the Blazers 49-40 in the second half but it wasn't enough to overcome such a large deficit.

UWF's Terrence Townes (22 points) and Nate Johnson (19 points) did what they could, both combining for 40 of their 80 points.

Blake Justice finished with 12 points, David Murray had 13 points, and Jeremy McKay had 16 points.

“Their kids showed a lot of pride down the stretch to make plays. I just thought we lost focus and when you lose focus if you're not careful, bad things can happen. A lot of credit still goes to our kids – probably the best stretch we've played the entire year,” Helfer said.

Blazers head to Lee on Dec. 19. 

Lady Blazers outlast Argos 51-48 Saturday night

Trailing by three points with only four seconds left in regulation, West Florida had one more chance.

Upon a quick inbound, Argos guard Tessah Holt had a fair look from the top of the key. Her potential game tying trifecta clanked off the rim as time expired.

The Lady Blazers outlasted the Argos 51-48 Saturday night in the P.E. Complex, which improves them to 5-1 and 1-0 in Gulf South Conference play.

Valdosta State came out victorious coming off a two-week hiatus and they did it without senior starter Maylisa Johnson (ACL).

Guard Courtney Sprague, who started all 27 games last season, cracked the starting rotation for the first time this season in her absence.

Throughout the contest the score never favored either team for too long and it came down to the final siren – the typical GSC nail-bitter.

“I think it was a nail-bitter because we had two teams that had been off for 14 straight days. I give some credit to [UWF] we got flustered and we didn't counter that really well. But eventually we grind[ed] it out and made some tremendous hustle plays. A team effort of role players did great things,” head coach Kiley Hill said.

VSU guard April Thomas led the way with a game-high 15 points and Kamiya Smith added 13 points and 9 rebounds.

Both teams battled in the first half; the lead changed seven times.

Kamyia Smith finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds. 

Following an Amy Duke jumper, VSU gained a 25-18 lead, which was its largest of the first half.

Intermission came three minutes later – UWF trailed 25-20.

Lady Blazers sixth-woman and leading scorer Thomas struggled to produce in the first period (4 points 4 turnovers). Yet, her 11 point performance after halftime was exactly what her team needed to help secure their first win in nearly three weeks.

During the second half, the Lady Blazers made great attempts to run away with game as they had a couple of scoring spurts.

Ten minutes remaining and VSU had its largest lead of the game at 43-32.

The Argos wouldn't surrender without a fight though. In the next couple minutes, UWF rallied going on a 11-3 run to give themselves a viable chance at a comeback win on the road.

Less than two minutes left in the game, the Lady Blazers held a three-point lead after Argo guard Toynetta Johnson sank two free throws.

Smith was stripped on the ensuing VSU possession but UWF guard Katie Bobos missed a crucial wide-open layup on the turnover fast break.

Another late turnover by April Thomas and the Argos would take advantage this time.

Thirty seconds later from missing a layup, Bobos took a shot of redemption as she drove through the lane.

This attempt was more contested than her last but she made the bucket anyway and was fouled in the process. Her three-point play tied the game up at 48 with a minute left to play.

On VSU's ensuing possession, Smith was fouled and drained both from the charity stripe.

Smith was sent to the line again after rebounding Johnson's desperate heave. Smith made the first and missed the second.

The Argos were left with 17 seconds to make something happen.

Fresh out the timeout, Bobos tried to come up with another clutch play when she pulled up for the game tying three-pointer.

Luckily, her shot bounced off rim into the hands of her teammate. T. Johnson snapped a pass to Holt for another shot from behind the arc. Holt missed but again the Argos came up with another vital offensive rebound.

The Argos finished with 10 more offensive rebounds than the Lady Blazers, which assisted in their rally late.

The clock stopped at four seconds left and UWF coach Stephanie Yelton called a timeout to draw up one final scheme – but to no avail.

VSU hits the road next week when they take on Lee Dec. 19. 

West Florida (5-1) at Valdosta State (4-1) Preview

Second-year UWF coach Stephanie Yelton looks to earn her first career win against VSU



When: 6:00 p.m. ET



Where: P.E. Complex (Valdosta)

 

Live Streaming: US Education TV (VSU)

Live Stats: Sidearm Sports

Tickets: www.ticketrun.com

Conference Matchup: Saturday’s contest marks the first in-conference game for both squads. VSU swept UWF last season. In the most recent meeting, the Lady Blazers held on to beat the Argonauts 68-65 last February. A month prior, the Lady Blazers managed to outlast their rivals 62-59.  VSU leads the all-time series 23-13 against UWF.   

Breaking down the Lady Blazers: After first five games, the Lady Blazers have looked promising. They are shooting 44 percent from the field and three of their four victories have been decided by at least 20 points. VSU, nonetheless, is coming off a sobering loss to Saint Leo. SLU forced VSU to a season-low 52 points. Lady Blazer transfer forward Amy Duke has been solid thus far – she has led the team in scoring the last two games and is shooting fine from three-point range (43 percent). Besides SLU, every team VSU has faced struggled to defend the Lady Blazers’ secret weapon: April Thomas. The Albany State transfer leads the team in points (14.8 percent) coming off the bench. Coach Kiley Hill certainly has received a helping hand from his handful of summoned transfers so far this season. The upcoming schedule only gets tougher with contending conference teams around the corner.

Breaking down the Argos:  UWF is on fire after extending their winning streak to five this past Saturday. The Argos’ second-half surge against Southwest Baptist was good enough for 81-76 victory at home. Now, UWF tries to continue the same success when they hit the road for its next two games. First stop will be in Valdosta. UWF features multiple scorers and sound defenders, which could potentially be problematic for the Lady Blazers. VSU will be tested defensively again competing against one of the better backcourts in the conference this weekend. Senior guards Tessah Holt (12.7 points per game) and Toynetta Johnson (12.0) are both averaging double figures. Johnson finished last game with 20 points and six assists. The Argos are averaging more rebounds (40.4-43.8) than VSU (5 more offensive) also. This stat line could make all the difference in the game’s outcome.

Eric’s pick:  80 West Florida 71 Valdosta State

Top 10 Valdosta State Quarterbacks of All-Time

With the Cochran era over now and another beginning next fall, I thought I would share my top ten quarterbacks to sport the red and black. Since the program's inception in 1982, VSU has produced a plethora of talented leaders behind center. The position has garnered 3 Harlon Hill trophies, national championship winners, and All-Americans. I based my selection off four key areas: statistics, historical significance, talent and success. Whenever anyone makes a 'top ten' list, it's always subject to altercation. So let me say remind you that this was complied through a combination of facts and of course, my subjunctive opinion. Prior and post accolades were considered, but this list reflects the quarterbacks' careers primarily as a Blazer.  So without further ado, here are my top ten VSU shot-callers. 

Honorable mentions: Mark Dace (1984-87), Chris Hart (2007-09), and Lewis Kuffuor (2005-06)

10. Fabian Walker 

Reign: 2004

First of all, any quarterback that brings a title to Valdosta State must be taken into consideration. Walker was only around for the 2004 season but boy was it special. In his lone season, he threw for over 3,000 yards and tallied 23 touchdowns. VSU's offense averaged 416 yards and 35 points that year en route to the program's first national championship. The Florida State transfer was one of the most instinctive players to ever suit up for the Blazers which made him a joy to watch. Walker was the starting quarterback for the Seminoles in the 2003 Sugar Bowl.

9. Kellen Lewis

Reign: 2009

He could do it with his accurate arm or overwhelming speed. The All-Big Ten selectee was a star for the Hoosier for three seasons. Lewis set16 school records at Indiana. He still holds the single-season passing yardage and percentage records along with career completions, and is second behind Antawn Randle El for career total offensive yards.Unfortunately, off-the-field issues led to his dismissal from the team prior to his senior season. He subsequently transferred to VSU after hearing about the school from a former teammate. Fortunately for the Blazers, the ensuing season he anchored an exciting offense that was ranked 12th in the nation in highest total offense. He finished with 14 touchdowns in 2009 but the Blazers failed to make the playoffs after going 6-4.

8. Tye Cottle 

Reign: 1987-90 

The program's first coach Jim Goodman lasted three seasons before VSC hired coach Mike Cavan. Cavan decided to name a freshman, who starred at Tift County prior, as his starting quarterback. Cavan assembled an effective tandem with quarterback Tye Cottle and All-American wide receiver Randy Fisher that opponents struggled to disrupt. Cottle started all four seasons and led the team to winning seasons in his first two. His senior year he led the GSC in passing yards. He is sixth all-time on VSU's career passing yards (5,593) and seventh in completions (427).

7. Cayden Cochran 

Reign: 2011-13 

Cayden Cochran comes in at No.7 on this list. Two of his three seasons as a Blazer were injury-plagued and displeasing.  Both those seasons (2011, 2013) resulted in missing the playoffs. Nonetheless, in 2012, things couldn't have turned out any better for the Oklahoma transfer.  Cochran was ranked 19th in the nation in passing efficiency last year. And efficient he was. The All-GSC selectee completed 64 percent of his passes and 26 of his 46 total career touchdowns were celebrated on the way to coach Dean's first championship title won with his own groomed players. Cochran ends his career seventh in career passing yards (5,191) and sixth in career passing touchdowns (46).

6. Willie Copeland 

Reign: 2006-08

After a fruitful career at Fort Valley State, transfer Willie Copeland arrived at camp in 2006 in middle of a heated quarterback battle. Once Coach Hatcher fell in love with Copeland's pocket feet and the ability to learn his system quickly - the decision was made. Copeland beat out veteran Barrett Wilkes for the starting job. Wilkes was apart of the 2002 runner-up squad and led VSU to a 9-3 record in 2005. To say the least, Willie was damn good. Copeland averaged 266 passing yards a game his first season at VSU, which was good for sixth in the nation. Copeland, a Colorado Ice quarterback today, finished fifth in career total offensive yards (5,823) and fourth in career passing touchdowns (44). Like Fabian Walker, Copeland earned a national championship title in his final game.  

5. Buster Faulkner 

Reign: 2001-03

No other walk-on has had more significance on the program than Buster Faulkner. He stepped foot on campus and quickly made a name for himself. His freshman year he was back-up quarterback to Dusty Bonner. The Blazers didn't lose a step when Faulkner replaced him the following season. The second quarterback of the Hatcher regime led the Blazers to a 14-0 record before a 31-24 loss to Grand Valley State in the title game.Faulkner threw just shy of 4,000 yards and accounted for 41 touchdowns that year. He loss the starting job to emerging redshirt freshman Barrett Wilkes the next season. Faulkner would likely rise on my list if wasn't ousted during the 2003 pre-season. He transferred to Texas A&M Commerce his senior year (where he broke several records). Both Bonner and Faulkner were successful operating under the infamous 'Hatch Attack'. 

4. Barrett Wilkes 

Head Coach Chris Hatcher talks to Wilkes during a blood drive.

Reign: 2002-2007

Coach Hatcher yet again found a new engineer for his offense - this time his guy was a local name. The Valdosta native still holds the Lowndes career touchdowns record. Wilkes beat out presumed starter Faulker for the starting quarterback job after studying him as backup in 2002. And he didn't make his coach regret his decision. Wilkes threw for 3, 269 yards and 26 touchdowns. His efforts were good enough to lead the Blazers to their fourth-straight 10 win season (10-2) all under Hatcher's tutelage.  Wilkes took a redshirt after an impressive sophomore season to nurse a sore shoulder and to make room for FSU transfer Fabian Walker. Wilkes re-earned his starting spot coming off his redshirt season but loss in the NCAA playoffs his junior year (Willie Copeland won the starter duties Wilkes's senior year). Wilkes spent two seasons as the starting quarterback for VSU and recorded 6,296 passing yards, fourth-most in school history and fourth in career total offense yards (6,333). He played on teams that advanced to four postseason appearances. 

3. Lance Funderburk 

Reign: 1992-96 

The 6'5 good ole Christian boy from Blackshear, Ga is shining product of the coveted Air Raid offense directed by one of its pioneer's coach Hal Mumme. Mumme is responsible for giving the Blazers their first taste of success. VSU made the playoffs for the first time in 1994 with Hatcher as quarterback. Funderburk surely followed Hatcher's efforts once he graduated. Funderburk's senior season was capped off with the program's second playoff appearance. That season he threw for a VSU record 4,226 passing yards with 38 touchdowns. He still holds the record for single-season passing yards and total offense. The 1996 Harlon Hill runner up had an outstanding career at VSU that was topped with the program's first ever Gulf South Conference title. A career so remarkable that Funderburk was honored as the first Division II player to participate in the East vs. West Shrine game, a contest that features the nation's best. 

2. Dusty Bonner

Reign: 2000-2001

Dusty always wanted to play SEC ball so he accepted his only offer from the conference - he signed to Kentucky. Coach Mumme (then UK head coach) gave the former Valdosta Wildcat a shot behind center once Tim Couch left for the NFL. During the 1999 season, Bonner threw for 3,266 yards and 26 touchdowns. In 12 starts at UK, he led the SEC with a 137.0 quarterback efficiency rating. After a controversial decision to start Jared Lorenzen over Bonner in the summer of 2000, Bonner took his talents elsewhere. That elsewhere was a future powerhouse near his childhood home in Valdosta. The former VHS Wildcat had a hell of a homecoming too. Bonner reunited with former UK quarterbacks coach Chris Hatcher and won back-to-back Harlon Hill trophies in his two only seasons (the only QB to do so), amassing 8, 163 passing yards and 107 touchdowns (second all-time highest). He currently holds the Blazer score record for passing yards in a game, touchdowns thrown in a game, and total offense in a game. Bonner failing to make a deep playoff run, considering the talent around him, was the deciding factor that landed him at No.2. One thing is certain though, Coach Hatcher's promotion couldn't have come at a better time for Blazer Nation. 

1. Chris Hatcher

Reign: 1991-94

No surprise here. Chris Hatcher reached Division II highest levels as a player then later as a coach. He forever goes down as one of the most prolific passers in college football history. It's hard to say this would be possible without the direction of Hal Mumme. Hatcher's passing attempts doubled when coach Mumme replaced coach Carvan in 1992. Mumme taught and administered a system that Hatcher soon thrived in. Coach Mumme's first season was spent adjusting, polishing the blemishes in the scheme, VSC finished 5-4. However, the next season, everything clicked. Hatcher's stellar play during his upperclassmen years lifted the Blazers to the national spotlight. At career end, Hatcher set 29 VSU passing and total offense records. He broke Doug Williams's Division II career touchdowns record and also set 10 national career records.Mr. Hatcher, in my opinion, is the founding father of Blazer quarterbacks. I say this not because he led VSU to its first playoff appearance nor because he was a Harlon Hill winner, but mainly because his career passing touchdown (121) and yardage (11, 363) records are untouchable. 

Lady Blazers improve to 2-0 on the season

It was a tale of two halves for the Lady Blazers Saturday afternoon.

A second-half surge was led by transfer guard April Thomas, who knocked down three trifectas in-a-row after going scoreless before intermission. Thomas went 0-7 in the first half and finished with 13 points.

Valdosta State guard Maylisa Johnson added with a game-high 15 points en route to a 75-44 victory over Webber International (2-3) in the P.E. Complex.

WIU leading scorer Yesenia Lora was held to 10 points. The senior came into the contest averaging 17 points a game.

VSU (2-0) doubled its first-half points less than eight minutes into the second-half.

The Lady Blazers shot 70.8 (17-24) percent compared to the Lady Warriors 25.9 (7-27) after halftime.

VSU head coach Kiley Hill is proud the way his squad adjusted defensively in the second-half.

However, the Lady Blazers for the second consecutive game began flustered offensively.

WIU got off to a hot start taking an early 10-0 advantage four minutes into the game.

Lady Warriors forward Sarah Dileonardo and guard Jasmine Singleton accounted for 14 of the Lady Warriors 21 first half points.

Poor three point shooting (1-9) and missed opportunities by VSU kept the game close until halftime.

“I give credit to Webber International. When they got the lead, they had a lot enthusiasm, energy picked up. We didn't match that until halfway through the first half,” Hill said.

VSU managed to gain the lead with four minutes left in the first-half following Ivana Domljanovic's put-back making the score 20-18.

The Lady Warriors hit the locker room at halftime trailing 23-21 after VSU transfer Amy Duke recored two of nine total points in the final seconds.

VSU, fresh out the gates, went on a 21-2 scoring run.

It wouldn't take any time for them to put the game ultimately out of the reach following the early surge.

VSU out-rebounded WIU 47-36 and led by double figures for the remaining 17 minutes of the game.

The Lady Blazers host Georgia Southwestern next Saturday before they hit the road for their first away games.

"I think so far our chemistry is there a lot more than other teams,” transfer Jordan Waugh said. “ We're still getting a lot of people back from injuries. We just have to continue to play together. These road trips always catch you off.”

Lady Blazers tip off season with a blowout win

Former Albany State star April Thomas dropped a game-high 26 points off the bench in her Valdosta State (1-0) debut as the Lady Blazers coasted to 96-50 rout over Trinity Baptist College (0-3) on opening night.

Thomas entered the game less than 10 minutes into the game after sitting out the starting lineup.

The transfer guard drained three shots in a row from three-point range to push VSU's early lead to a demanding one.

“I honestly didn't even expect that,” Thomas said. “I always go out there and give it my all. After being out of practice [injury] for two months, it's been hard.I had to come back and try to focus and learn all the plays.”

The Lady Blazers flat out couldn't miss Monday night. 

VSU shot 93 percent from behind the arc (12-13) and 55 percent (34-62) from the field.

It took no time for the Lady Blazers to build a commanding lead.

Either team could get into any offensive groove during the first few minutes.

VSU was sparked once role players Courtney Sprague and Georgia Southern transfer Maggie Davis checked in seven minutes into the game.

The Lady Blazers quickly went on a 20-6 scoring run following the substitution.

TBC didn't have an answer on how to slow down VSU's new-look offense.

It only got worse for the Eagles when Thomas caught fire.

Thomas's buzzer beater concluded the first half - VSU had a 58-29 advantage at halftime.

The Eagles failed to adjust in the second half – their shooting percentage from field decreased from 45 percent to 20 percent.

Meanwhile, VSU stretched its lead as much as 59 points in the second half on the way to sealing a overwhelming victory.

Lady Blazers Kamyia Smith and Courtney Sprague along with newcomers Jordan Waugh, Maggie Davis, and Reshaundra Owens all finished in double figures.

"This is only game one,” head coach Kiley Hill said. “We have a lot of kids I feel confident about. I think this was a great confidence builder. If we can stay healthy, we'll have a chance to be pretty good. Again, this is only game one."

Former Albany State star April Thomas dropped a game-high 26 points off the bench in her Valdosta State (1-0) debut as the Lady Blazers coasted to 96-50 rout over Trinty Baptist College (0-3) on opening night.

Thomas entered the game less than 10 minutes into the game after sitting out the starting lineup.

The transfer guard drained three shots in a row from three-point range to push VSU's early lead to a demanding one.

“I honestly didn't even expect that,” Thomas said. “I always go out there and give it my all. After being out of practice for two months, it's been hard.I had to come back and try to focus and learn all the plays.”

The Lady Blazers flat out couldn't miss.

VSU shot 93 percent from behind the arc (12-13) and 55 percent (34-62) from the field.

It took no time for the Lady Blazers to build a commanding lead.

Either team could get into any offensive groove during the first few minutes.

VSU was sparked once role players Courtney Sprague and Georgia Southern transfer Maggie Davis checked in seven minutes into the game.

The Lady Blazers quickly went on a 20-6 scoring run following the substitution.

TBC didn't have an answer on how to slow down VSU's new-look offense.

It only got worse for the Eagles when Thomas caught fire.

Thomas's buzzer beater concluded the first half - VSU had a 58-29 advantage at halftime.

The Eagles failed to adjust in the second half – their shooting percentage from field decreased from 45 percent to 20 percent.

Meanwhile, VSU stretched its lead as much as 59 points in the second half on the way to sealing a overwhelming victory.

Lady Blazers Kamyia Smith and Courtney Sprague along with newcomers Jordan Waugh, Maggie Davis, and Reshaundra Owens all finished in double figures.

"This is only game one,” head coach Kiley Hill said. “We have a lot of kids I feel confident about. I think this was a great confidence builder. If we can stay healthy, we'll have a chance to be pretty good. Again, this is only game one."

VSU hosts Webber International on Saturday. Tip off is set for 4 p.m. 

Column: Injury bug ruins the repeat

These days it’s tough being a Blazer football fan. It’s even tougher to be a Blazer quarterback.

Cayden Cochran again had a perplexed look on his face after Saturday’s loss – the same defeated expression he’s worn the last five weeks.

He stood there on his ginger right ankle solemnly holding himself upright with the help of two crutches.

Not quite the ideal Senior Night.   

The unpredictable injury bug stung the Blazers early on and ultimately led to the demise of their season.

VSU couldn’t avoid the bug two seasons in a row.

Coming off a stellar junior season, Cochran’s senior season was highlighted by more irritating plays than joyful ones.

Not only was he forced to compete injured, but a banged-up receiving core didn’t help his chances to defend a national championship title.

He gives kudos to his offensive line for their effort this season – however there is no denying it was difficult to replace last season’s blockade with five inexperienced guys.

Cochran did mention that the play-calling played a part as well. 

Possibly he favored former quarterback coach Robby Brown’s direction over first-year coach Adam Froman’s.

Who knows? But the obvious is clear.

VSU’s defense looked nothing like the ‘Black Swarm’ of the championship season.

The Blazers are giving up 47 points a game since losing to West Alabama a month ago.

VSU suffered its third-straight loss this past Saturday, and another one this week will be the icing on the cake.

It is a bitter tasting cake, served with slices of dissatisfaction and frustration.

Coach David Dean admitted the upside of missing the playoffs is gaining the opportunity to get a head start on the recruiting trail. 

Now it’s time for the coaching staff to go back to the drawing board with an imperative task of figuring out how to replace key players as they failed to do well last season in the midst of a short offseason.

The Blazers really missed that dominant o-line and defensive playmakers like Matt Pierce, Tyler Josey, and Ryan Smith more than I think they expected to this season.

And more firepower is lost now with 14 senior starters moving on.  

If the right adjustments aren’t made beginning this winter, Blazer fans can expect another long season next fall.

UNC-Pembroke spoils Senior Night at VSU

UNC-Pembroke (8-1) quarterback Luke Charles threw for 408 passing yards along with three touchdowns, running back Rontonio Stanle added 103 yards on the ground in a 34-23 win over Valdosta State (5-4) Thursday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Blazer linebacker Chris Pope became the school's all-time tackles leader on Senior Night surpassing Minnesota Viking Larry Dean and Atlanta Falcons legend Jessie Tuggle.

“It's a great honor because so many great players have been through Valdosta,” Pope said. “Once the game got started I didn't really think about it (breaking the record) until they finally announced that I had broke it, then it hit me.”

Unfortunately for VSU, the Black Swarm didn't make enough tackles to slow the Braves offense down.

UNCP got on the scoreboard on its first drive of the night which was capped off with a 24-yard field goal by Connor Haskins.

Both teams swapped possession twice before the Braves extended their lead in the final minutes of the first quarter.

The 57-yard scoring drive ended when Charles hooked up with receiver Te'vell Williams for a 14-yard touchdown catch.

The Braves had a 10-0 advantage heading into the second quarter.

UNCP made its lead more comfortable on its first possession of quarter when Charles and Williams linked up yet again from 10 yards out.

VSU quarterback Cayden Cochran, who has been bothered by a injured right ankle, struggled to get his offense in a consistent flow.

The first four Blazer drives ended with a punt, failing to keep the chains moving.

UNCP took advantage of their opponent's stale offense once again tacking on to its lead toward the end of the first half.

Haskins knocked down his second of the night on that drive – this one from 25 yards out.

It took the Blazers until four minutes away from intermission to reach the Braves territory, nonetheless, they would capitalize after arriving.

Cochran found his number one receiver, Seantavious Jones, on a 69-yard bomb which cut the deficit to 20-7.

VSU managed to get another shot on offense with two minutes left in the first half.

On a fourth down and long situation, Cochran scrambling to his left and found receiver Willie Downs open yet his pass sailed too high to give him a chance to snag it.

Cochran aggravated his tender ankle on that final offensive play for VSU which very possibly could have been the senior's last.

Backup quarterback Kaleb Nobles started the rest of the second half.

UNCP led 20-7 to start the third quarter.

Blazer linebacker Justin Williams forced a fumble less than a minute in and cornerback Manny Evans recovered.

Nobles and company took advantage.

The offense needed just four plays before running back Cedric O'Neal danced his way into the end-zone on an impressive 37-yard touchdown run.

UNCP now had a slender 20-14 lead.

The ensuing drive Stanle recorded 39 of his total 103 rushing yards. Stanle ended the 75-yard drive following a 19-yard touchdown run.

An ideal punt by VSU's Dom Demasi placed UNCP on its own goal-line to start the next drive, but VSU linebacker Jeremy Grable dragged Stanle down in the end zone to force a safety on the first play.

With less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Braves were up 27-16.

The Braves turned the ball over again on their next drive when Charles made a bad read under-throwing his intended receiver and VSU cornerback Dominique Wheeler was there to return the interception for a touchdown.

VSU got as close to 27-23 before things slowly slipped away.

Charles wouldn't disappoint on his next drive.

The senior quarterback found Stanle for a 87-yard touchdown just two offensive plays later from his ill-advised throw.

UNCP went up 34-23 going into the final quarter.

Both teams traded possession without any score for the majority of the fourth quarter.

The Blazers eventually got themselves back into scoring position yet it was under a minute left in the game when they did so.

After a 5-yard toss to Reggie Lewis in the end zone, Nobles was sacked on the 2-point conversion attempt.

VSU luckily recovered its onside kick to make things interesting in the final seconds.

All hopes of a rally evaporated quickly when Nobles first pass of the potential game-winning drive was intercepted to seal the Braves victory.

VSU will play its final game next week at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

“It's a learning experience for everyone returning next year,” head coach David Dean said. “We have to travel well over to A&M Kingsville and find a way to win that ball game. Send these guys out the right way with a winning season. And go into the offseason with a win and be positive.”

The wool of a black sheep - Blazers' newest guard has NBA pedigree

Jalen Crawford prepares for his first season as a Blazer.

Jalen Crawford slides off a down screen to find some wiggle room in the corner of the floor during practice.

After inhaling a crisp pass from one of his new teammates, Jalen doesn't hesitate.

At the peak of his leap the ball releases off his fingertips almost picturesquely- he assuredly stares at the ball in mid-air as it sails toward the rim.

 Swoosh.

 That's what the Crawford brothers call playing “unconscious”.

 The trigger-happy offensive method was authenticated by three boys from the Westside of Detroit.

“You see a shot you like and you take it. You see a good pass you take it, and you don't think about it. If it doesn’t go how you planned [then] move on to the next play,” Crawford said.

The Bradley University transfer is grateful for finding another route on his quest to be the final Crawford to play professional basketball.

Jalen is trying to iron out a few more wrinkles in his game before the season starts Monday night.

There's no doubt that his tenacious work ethic derives from his lifelong thirst of reaching the NBA eventually like his older brothers Joe and Jordan - but mainly from his beloved passion for the game as he patiently awaits his own destiny.

His destiny perhaps could rest nowhere near a basketball court.

Don't tell that to him though. Even a steeled barricade can't stop him from accomplishing his primary goal.

“I'm never going to stop chasing my dream,” Crawford said. “If I play here for two years and don't get an offer somewhere immediately, I'm going to keep chasing that dream, until I can't no more. Right now I'm just focusing on my time here in Valdosta.”

Jalen so far is enjoying the southern hospitality he has never experienced – a change of scenery from his previous stomping grounds of Peoria, Ill.

“He comes down here and doesn't have an ego, doesn't have an attitude,” VSU head coach Mike Helfer said. “He's treating this like an opportunity; he's trying to make the most of. He hasn't played a game yet but you can already tell. As a coach you can tell if a player is getting it or not. He gets everything. I don't even have to finish my sentence.”

Jalen arrives to south Georgia with plenty critics to match his supporters – the same folk who consider him a disappointment - the ones who can't accept that he's not going to miraculously wake up someday with his brother Jordan's uncanny scoring ability or Joe's paralyzing crossover.

This notion is outright unfair - unfair being an understatement. 

There are no bones to be made about Jalen coming from a basketball family.

The Crawford boys first drew attention in the bustling neighborhoods of the Motor City, where numerous distinguished ballers first got their start.

A city so nourished by the sport that its dwellers were excited to elect mayor and former Detroit Piston great Dave Bing in 2009.

Ironically, the brothers' mother and biggest supporter, Silvia, is a former publicist for the city who worked under the Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

Joseph Sr and Silvia Crawford's first of the trio was Joe Crawford II.

The former standout at Kentucky went on to play in the NBA with brief stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.

The swingman has recently played overseas for the Beijing Ducks and Maccabi Rishon.

Joe, 27, garnered McDonalds All-American honors at Renaissance High School before graduating in 2004.

Meanwhile, three miles north, middle brother Jordan starred at neighboring magnet school, Detroit's Communication and Media Arts School, where he too electrified crowds night in and night out.

Jordan attended prep school, Hargrave Military Academy, following high school.

While Joe's NBA career was struggling to blossom, Jordan became the most popular of his brothers once he transferred to Xavier in 2008 from Indiana.

The former first round draft pick generated national attention the following summer of 2009 when a video featuring Crawford dunking on LeBron James at a Nike mini-camp surfaced.

Rumors stating that the recorded videos of the action were confiscated by Nike under the request of James added to the significance of the account.

Jordan currently plays for the Boston Celtics. 

If you need any greater example of the kind of confidence this family breeds, Jordan made headlines once after publicly claiming that he was a better baller than Michael Jordan.

The statement was so blasphemous that Jalen seconded it then declared himself better than MJ too.

“When you come from where we come from, nobody is better than you. You never let someone say they better than you,” Crawford said.

“JC” as his friends tagged him with, was born July 2., 1992, and he says it feels like yesterday when he reminisces on his earliest basketball memories.

The communications major says balling with his brothers in the harshest conditions, where fights and disputes were common, is a major reason for his aggressive, physical style.

Joe and Jordan were the typical bully big brothers that refused to let baby brother win – at any cost.

Nowadays, Jalen is sending his game tapes back and forth to his siblings for constructive criticism.

“They're three peas in a pod,” Dave Amata, Director of Basketball Operations at Impact Academy, said.“They're always joking with each other. They're always looking out for each other and giving each other advice. If Jordan or Joe have any opportunity to be around Jalen, they're going to be at his game.”

The transfer's career began 15 minutes north of the Detroit River at Oak Park High School, where he displayed raw talent his brothers refined -  he averaged 21 points a night his senior year.  

Three year varsity lettermen for the Knights, Jalen followed Jordan's prep school route and attended Impact Academy (Las Vegas) after high school for a shot at more exposure.

He finds his time in Sin City to be an essential step that “molded” him into the player he is today - from getting into the finest shape to tightening up his handle in transition.

Crawford subsequently took his skills to BU over TCU, Pepperdine, Providence, and Northeastern with confidence of eventually being the program's cornerstone.

The twenty-one year old played in 65 games for the Braves as a reserve role player in two seasons.

Tired of riding the pine, the junior guard decided to go somewhere he could showcase.

Despite things never panning out the way he wished at BU, the 6'2’’ combo guard truly believes he has found a home under coach Helfer.

“I was getting the college basketball experience at Bradley, but not playing is not the same,” Crawford said. “I've always wanted to be in those late game situations and being a key player to the team. At Bradley I wasn't getting what I've always dream of.” 

Sigh.

Jalen can dream again.

He may not be as gifted as his brothers.

But guess what?  He's perfectly comfortable with that.

Regardless of what happens in two years or twenty, the brotherly trio will forever flock together.

Anyone who knows the close-knit family will agree that the clan could never stamp Jalen as a black sheep – they love him too much for that nonsense.

VSU Football faces a 'Do or Die' game Saturday at DSU

The Statesmen can put the defending champions’ repeat chances in jeopardy with a win on Homecoming Saturday at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.

Valdosta State (5-2, 3-2) makes its longest drive of the season to Cleveland, Miss. as they try to bounce back from a 57-7 catastrophe to North Alabama – a third in-conference loss makes a chance of a South Region playoff berth slender.

Depending on the result of the No. 20 West Alabama/UNA game, Delta State (5-2, 3-1) could take the top spot in Gulf South Conference standings if they can record its third straight win over a struggling Blazer team.

The last meeting at DSU in 2011 ended with VSU quarterback Cayden Cochran sprawled out after being sacked on a crucial fourth down play that squandered a potential comeback drive in the final seconds.

Cochran lands an opportunity to revitalize himself from last week’s tribulations, and is also aiming to earn his first career win at DSU.   

“It doesn’t matter who we play - we’re coming in here do or die,” Cochran said regarding the importance of the game. “It’s about going out and winning to make the playoffs. We only got one game left in our minds.”

The senior quarterback is still nursing a delicate right ankle injured a couple weeks ago. Nonetheless, he will start his eighth game of the season.  

Coach Dean maintained at practice this week that his team has recently lacked the intangibles needed to succeed.

“The only thing I encourage them to do is to go out and play. Play this game like they want to play it, it’s like playing in the side yard. Get out there and have fun,” Dean said.

Dean credits senior wide receiver Reggie Lewis as a shining example of the kind of intensity he is craving from the Blazers. 

It’s vital that the Blazers establish the running game that has elevated VSU to its prior wins.

UNA held VSU to a season-low 168 rushing yards last Saturday.

Similar to their previous opponents (UNA), the Statesmen operate a dual-quarterback system featuring junior starter Travis Champion and Tyler Sullivan.

Champion leads the Gulf South Conference in passing yards (1,628) and completion percentage (71.2)

“We’ve got to put pressure on the quarterbacks – that’s the thing we haven’t done in the last two games,” Dean said. “We get back there sometimes but don’t wrap up the quarterback. We got to play better pass defense. We’ve got to close the cushion.”

DSU’s defense is led by arguably the best pass rusher in the GSC, defensive end Diego Lubin.

The Statesmen are holding opponents to 32 points a game on average.

 “I told them we start the first round of the playoffs today. They know it so we don’t have to put a lot of emphasis on it,” Dean said.

Note: DSU leads 17-13-1 in all-time meetings. 

Conference foe North Alabama rout Valdosta State

Backup quarterback Kaleb Nobles stepped in for a second-straight week though it didn't matter as North Alabama (5-2) cruised to a 57-7 thrashing on No.11 Valdosta State (5-2) Saturday afternoon.

The defeat sets a new school record for the worst loss in VSU history topping the 45-0 loss to the Lions in 1985.

Nothing could go right for the Blazers.

A bevy of turnovers and constant hiccups on routine plays kept a modest but normally jubilant home crowd to a dull roar.

While the Lions executed using their one-two punch in sophomore quarterbacks Luke Wingo and Jacob Tucker, Blazer quarterback Cayden Cochran statistically played his worst game since transferring to VSU.

Head coach David Dean defended the incumbent, who was benched early in the fourth quarter when the game was ultimately out of reach.

“They weren't his fault,” Dean said about Cochran's career-high four interceptions. “He was playing very well. He put the ball where it needed to be. From a wide-out standpoint, we just weren't making the plays.”

UNA jumped on the scoreboard first following its second drive of the game.

The six-play scoring drive was set up by Wingo's 62-yard pass completion to wide receiver Cade Oliver.

UNA kicker Will Craig capped off the drive with a 20-yard field goal half-way through the first quarter.

The Blazers answered right before the second quarter when Cochran hooked up with wide receiver Chris Anderson for a 28-yard heave caught in the back of the end zone.

Anderson ended with a game-high nine catches.

Immediately responding, the Lions regained the lead three minutes into the second quarter and would never look back scoring 54 unanswered points.

Wingo found wide receiver Korey Jones for a 20-yard touchdown (missed one-point conversion).

Twelve minutes until halftime the Lions had a slim 9-7 advantage.

The Black Swarm allowed its second of seven touchdowns on UNA's next possession after a 3-yard scramble touchdown by Wingo.

With the score now 16-7, Craig knocked down his second of three field goals with seconds left in the first half (45-yard).

UNA led 19-7 at intermission.

VSU failed to adjust in the second half - never collecting enough offensive momentum to be effective.

A demoralizing fumble by Anderson on the Blazers' first drive was recovered by UNA defensive back Lamar Smith and returned down the sideline for a 83-yard touchdown.

On their next possession,Wingo and company marched down the field to set up Craig's 27-yard field goal.

UNA now had a commanding 29-7 lead.

VSU's ensuing drive once more resulted in a three-and-out.

Though the Blazers' front seven did a fair job containing the run-oriented Lions Saturday, the Black Swarm had no answer to subdue the opposing passing attack.

Wingo tallied 22 of his total 231 yards by connecting with wide receiver Lee Mayhall which placed running back Chris Coffey in position to burst through a gap on his way to a 37-yard touchdown.

The Blazers' trailed 36-7 entering the final quarter.

That lead was quickly extended to 44-7 on a Tucker quarterback sneak from five yards out.

Finally, coach Dean had seen enough and Nobles was summoned.

After Nobles' second unsuccessful drive, Tucker recorded his second of the game following a six-yard keeper.

Tucker and Wingo combined for a total 345 yards.

Backup UNA running back Diamond Simmons finished off the 'nail in the coffin' scoring drive on a 31-yard touchdown run with a few minutes left in regulation.

UNA forced five turnovers to VSU's zero.

Wallace improves his all-time record of 2-5 in seven regular season meetings against his good friend Dean.

“We don't come to Valdosta and this happen very often,” Wallace said. “[Valdosta State] is a great football team and that score is no indication of that. I don't take any pleasure in beating David. I'm just glad UNA won the game.”

Note: VSU linebacker Chris Pope finished with six tackles surpassing Jessie Tuggle for second on VSU's career tackle list. 37 meetings between VSU and UNA makes most played rivalry in school history.