Blazers torch Panthers on Homecoming Night

Florida Tech (1-4) had no answer for No.1 Valdosta State (4-0) Saturday afternoon at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

VSU running back Cedric O'Neal dodges defenders during Saturday's matchup. O'Neal finished with  97 yards and a touchdown.

The Gulf South Conference associate members couldn't spoil Homecoming Night losing 52-14 in their first-ever meeting against the defending national champions.

As expected, the Blazers quickly got on the scoreboard less than two minutes after kick-off following a Willie Downs 62-yard punt return touchdown.

VSU regained possession when the Black Swarm forced the Panthers to one of many three and outs on their ensuing drive.

The next drive took six plays before kicker Anthony Pistelli capped it off with a 42-yard field goal.

Despite the 10-0 lead, quarterback Cayden Cochran failed to get in a comfortable rhythm early on. 

Cochran was sacked four times and repeatedly under pressure in the first quarter (FIT came into Saturday's game with two sacks total this season).

“I think our offense lost a little focus and that's really disappointing,” head coach David Dean said. “On the flip side, I'm proud the way they came out in the second half, staying consistent on second/third and longs by doing that we were able to move the ball.”

Miscommunication between Cochran and his receiving core fueled the early frustration.

The Blazers' defense made up for the offensive hiccups scoring two of VSU's three touchdowns in the first half.

Defensive end Tevin Davis recorded the first defensive touchdown when he returned a 56-yard fumble recovery early in the second quarter.

FIT managed to keep VSU's offensive effectiveness to a minimum in the first half. Receivers Downs and Seantavious Jones were held catchless.

The Panthers tallied five sacks and roughly eight hits before halftime holding the Blazers' to a low eight rushing yards.

VSU led 17-0 at halftime. 

The Blazers' only had 71 total yards at intermission (averaged 216 yards in the first half going into Saturday's matchup).

After a few adjustments, FIT couldn't contain the Blazers in the second half.

VSU accounted for 278 total offensive in the third quarter including running back Austin Scott's 16-yard touchdown run five minutes after intermission.

Scott recorded 105 of the Blazers' 214 rushing yards in the third quarter.

Five minutes later, Cedric O'Neal broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run which gave VSU a 31-0 lead.

The Panthers finally responded when FIT backup quarterback Dan Masteller found receiver Aaron George for a 13-yard touchdown pass (VSU first touchdown allowed in prior 169 minutes).

The end of the third quarter was highlighted by Scott finding the end zone yet again for a 72-yard run (longest of his career) and linebacker Jeremy Grable return a 27-yard interception touchdown.

Freshman third string Blazer running back Nick Davis earned his first touchdown of his career in the fourth quarter.

The Panthers would score one more touchdown before the final buzzard in the final minutes.

VSU gets into the heart of their schedule next week facing No. 16 West Alabama on the road.

“I respect them very much,” linebacker Jeremy Grable said. “They probably give us our strongest fight every year.”

Notes: GSC leading receiver FIT's Xavier Milton was held to three catches for 26 yards. Attendance 7, 612. 

VSU ready for Homecoming game

Florida Tech (1-3) is looking to avoid its third straight Gulf South Conference loss when they compete against No.1 Valdosta State (3-0) Saturday at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

The Blazers conclude their four-game home stand playing their first ever meeting between the newly added associate GSC members.  

This marks the inaugural season for the Panthers which is been frustrating due to the rough start surrounded by injuries.

FIT quarterback Bobby Vega will make his second start of the season with normal starter Sean Ashley still recovering from a shoulder injury.

Despite throwing for 332 yards and a touchdown, the senior recorded two interceptions in last week’s 52-31 loss to Delta State.

“Florida Tech throws the ball a good amount and that’s what they do best, but hopefully we’re going to put pressure on the quarterback. It would be good to see our defensive ends get up field and get some sacks,” head coach David Dean said.

Nevertheless, preventing the Blazers from scoring should be more of a task for FIT than the Panthers’ offensive effectiveness.

With Blazer cornerback Dominique Wheeler coming off an award winning week, (assuming they matchup) it will be interesting to see how well the senior can contain GSC leading and FIT receiver Xavier Milton.  

FIT’s defensive injuries are crucial setbacks that make their chances of victory slimmer than before.

VSU is currently the second highest scoring offense in the GSC and the Panthers are giving up an average 36 points a game.

Cochran and Downs have yet to face a team to slow down the dangerous duo. Downs already has compiled 291 receiving yards and three touchdowns.  

VSU gets into the heart of its schedule next week starting with the first road game against 2012 Gulf South Conference champs West Alabama.

Kick-off is set of 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Blazers rout Shorter in home opener

Valdosta- No.1 Valdosta State (2-0) was tested early on but went on to shutout Shorter (0-3) 41-0 in its home opener Saturday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium

The Blazers opened up conference play with their newest rivals.

“I thought our guys played really, really well,” head coach David Dean said. “They created a lot of turnovers in the red zone area. We gave up some third downs which I wish we had not. As we continue on, there will be teams that are going to have more speed than that.”

Shorter came out with their antcipated speed however the Black Swarm adjusted quickly.

The closest the Hawks got to scoring early on was a missed 40-yard field goal during their first wave.

VSU squandered its first scoring oppourtunity when running back Cedric O'Neal fumbled on the 1-yard line.

Neither team could captalize resulting in a scoreless first quarter.

Quarterback Cayden Cochran got into a better rhythm in the second quarter despite troubles gripping the ball.

The senior captain linked up with wide receiver Seantavious Jones for a 22-yard touchdown early on.

On the enusing possession, linebacker Jermey Grable forced his first fumble of the year which placed the Blazers offense in scoring range.

It took only roughly two minutes for VSU to double its lead after running back Austin Scott tallied a 18-yard touchdown run.

With more than ten minutes left in the first half, the Blazers had a 13-0 lead.

The rest of the quarter was a stalemate for both teams as they swapped possessions constantly.

Shorter once again failed to points on the scoreboard in the final minute of the first half.

Hawks quarterback Eric Dodson conntected with wideouts Kareem Hawkins for 17 yards then Darius Turner for 29 yard compeletion.

Defensive tackle Doral White recoreded a sack forcing the Hawks to attempt another field goal.

Three yards shorter than his first try, Hunt missed his second from 37-yards out.

VSU led 13-0 at halftime.

Cochran started the next half refreshed after being affected by the rainy conditions.

“I think he let the weather play a little bit in his mind. They weren't covering the ball up, he was getting it a little wet so I think it played in his mind. We talked to him about it. We're going to play games like that, you're just going to have to adjust,” Dean said.”

He did just that.

Him and the Blazers needed less than a minute to extend their lead on their first drive of the next half.

Cochran tallied his second touchdown when he found fellow captain Regginald Lewis for a 65-yard touchdown.

The Hawks commited their second turnover when they fumbled and didn't recover on the ensuing drive.

Continuing what they've done all game, VSU took advantage of Shorter's mistakes.

The 47-yard drive was capped off by a short touchdown pass to fullback Trent McGuire.

Cochran finished with 177 passing yards and three touchdowns completing 11 of his 23 passes.

The Blazers weren't done.

After the Black Swarm forced yet another three and out following the score, the Blazers offense made their way back to the endzone.

Shorter had no answer for the offensive attack and proved once again when O'Neal broke several tackles on his way to a 38-yard touchdown run.

VSU went into the fourth quarter with a cosy 34-0 advantage.

Half way through the quarter, Scott went untouched down the sideline for a 45-yard touchdown run.

Blazers host Angelo State next Saturday. 

Willie Downs feels 'blessed' for new opportunity

Wide receiever Willie Downs during practice Wednesday night.

Willie Downs isn't much of a baseball player but with one out left, he's swinging for the fences.

After previously playing football for two junior colleges, the misunderstood standout thinks it’s safe to call Valdosta his final stop.

The Blazers' newly acquired wide receiver considers himself blessed to be granted another opportunity.

“I'm trying to make this a home run,” Downs said. “That's what I'm coming in for, to make this the best out of the three. It took a long journey. The position I'm in I just want to make the best of it. [My teammates] uplift me and I get a lot of support from them.”

A quintessential two-way performer (safety and receiver) at Amos P. Godby High (Tallahassee) earned him the chance to sign with nearby Florida State University in 2009.

According to Rivals.com, Downs was the third best college prospect in the nation.

Unfortunately the U.S. Army All-American couldn't qualify academically and subsequently took his talents to Pearl River Community College (Miss.).

If he didn't already have enough naysayers, they only increased after he surprising left the PRCC football program in the middle of the season.

"Willie left our program after the sixth game,” PRCC head coach Tim Hattan told ChantRant. “He had some personal issues and left campus. When he was here he had a good season for us. He was a really good player. But he's got issues I think he needs to resolve to be any kind of football player.”

The Tallahassee native got his second chance when he joined his older brother and former Delta State receiver Lavon Downs at Fullerton College (Calif.).

Before sitting out from football for a year, Downs managed to tally 11 touchdowns in his one and only season at FC.

That following summer, two years ago, he was charged with burglary, and a couple months later sentenced to six months in jail.

The chances of playing football again seemed doubtful.

Family and close friends helped Downs realize how much he missed the game he fell in love with during childhood.

The rugged game changer has disappointed his supporters before yet is grateful to still have them.    

Despite a drunken driving arrest in June, Downs vows that he has turned over a new leaf.

“I've been strictly business,” Downs said. “I'm trying to stay focused into school now. All the BS is to the side. I'm glad Coach Dean took a chance with me considering the path that I went on and certain circumstances I had to go through.”

After a year away from the gridiron, the Blazers hope Downs is the playmaker they need this season.

VSU head coach David Dean is a believer that third time will prove to be the charm.

“The big thing for him is learning what to do and I think he's starting to do that now,” Dean said. “He has fit in very well. He is one of those guys that it’s been a while since he had all that. He realized that he missed football. He's going to get a lot of time. He's a playmaker for us.”

Though Downs understands the NFL window is much slimmer than it once was, he also knows it hasn't completely closed either.

With the first game Saturday, Downs couldn't be more thrilled to step into the batter's box.

Five Burning Questions for VSU Football

The Valdosta State football team reported to preseason camp on Monday making the 2013 season officially underway.

The Blazers hope to become the first Division II football team to win back-to-back national championships since Grand Valley State in 2006.

13 returning starters are back yet the reigning champs will introduce several new faces this fall.

“I think for the most part we're in good shape,” said VSU coach David Dean, who enters his seventh season. “We're blowing some things but that's normal for early practice. I think our intensity and effort is all there. You can coach the mistakes but it's harder to coach the effort.”

The Blazers switch from split practices to full squad Friday and have twenty more left (including three scrimmages) before they suit up for the season opener September 7^th against Fort Valley State.

Camp is the time where new and unexperienced players are trying to make lasting impressions on coaches and teammates before preseason practice picks up the pace next week.  

“These guys who have gone through spring practice you know what they can do, it's time to give some of these younger guys a look,” Coach Dean said.

The few freshmen and transfer players who standout this month could earn substantial time this season as essential pieces to the puzzle.

West Alabama and VSU are preseason co-favorites to win the Gulf South Conference (first time in 19 years).

Due to the return of key playmakers, the Blazers have a fighting chance to take the GSC and make another postseason run.

Nevertheless, there are numerous questions circulating that will be answered sooner or later.

Here are five: 

1. How will the offensive line shake up?

Presumably the strongest offensive line in Blazer history is now gone and the vacancy draws doubt in this season's success. VSU goes into the season with five unproven starters upfront. Preseason camp will solidify who these five will be. Returning linemen Colin Glasco, Jesse Yancy, Jack Bradley and Alexander Brock are involved in the current position battle. Coach Dean expects last year's reserve center Mike Miller to step up not only on the field but as a leader too. Dean agreed that preparing this raw offensive line will be the most difficult task of all. Quarterback Cayden Cochran has already begun getting acclimated with his new protectors. Cochran and the new unit are working against time to mesh quickly or the beginning of the season could be a drag.

2. Can the Black Swarm make up from the loss of Matt Pierce?

You can ask any team and they'll tell you that replacing an All-American is far from easy. With Pierce and other former cornerback Alex Webster gone, corners like Manny Evans and Isaiah Gresham must step up more than ever. Not having much depth here, VSU cannot afford any injuries at this position especially facing plenty high-caliber receivers this season. It will benefit the Blazers immensely if a newly added cornerback could bring some much needed intensity.

3. Will Cayden go out with a bang?

In 2013, Cochran is still the most efficient quarterback in the conference and will have to lead once again by example. He is coming off a stellar season but unfortunately he most likely has to produce similar numbers again for the Blazers to fathom defending their title. Good thing for the senior quarterback is he comes back to all his receivers from last season and more. This last statement can be irrelevant if he doesn't have enough time to throw to them however. Depending on how the offensive line stands has great influence on how much of a bang his final season will be. When Cochran first arrived to VSU in 2011 and played with unfamiliar linemen,the result of that season was the Blazers falling short of even a playoff berth. It's vital that as much camaraderie as possible is gained upfront before September.

4. How will the running back tandem pan out?

Preseason All-Conference Cedric O'Neal and Austin Scott shocked the nation last season both rushing for over 1,000 yards. The two sophomores won't be nearly as much of a surprise for teams this time around so how they adapt plays a major factor into the season outcome. Although O'Neal is the starter, the two complement each other well. Obviously it takes some weight of Cochran's shoulders when the running game is fluid which ultimately sets up the passing game. If the duo can avoid specific defensive game plans the upcoming opposition will implement to contain them then I have little query that the Blazers won't win the conference and maybe more than that.

5. Who will be kicking for VSU?

Daniel Anderson's replacement is also assumed to be determined in the next couple weeks. Coaches will either decide to use sophomores Jake Walker or Dominic Demasi to kick field goals this season. Demasi mainly handled punting in 2012 and Walker was on kickoffs. If not those two, coaches may experiment and plug in GSC top newcomer Anthony Pistelli. This lingering question gets less attention and if taken too lightly could backfire later. The upcoming schedule includes some matchups that very well could end up being decided by three points.

Carolina Panthers draft Edmund Kugbila

Valdosta State former offensive guard Edmund Kugbila was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round (108^th overall pick) of the 2013 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Kugbila becomes the first Blazer drafted since 1997 and the highest drafted player in VSU history.

“It feels amazing,” Kugbila said. “I'm just so blessed right now, God just working magic. I can't describe the feeling but it's a honor because so many greats come out of VSU. Jessie Tuggle, Larry Dean, all those guys, to be drafted over them says a lot.”

Kugbila was back home in Atlanta with family and friends when he received a phone call from Panthers head coach Ron Rivera.

Several draft experts were expecting the Panthers to address the secondary with their 11^th pick instead left many shocked including Kugbila.

“Throughout this whole process you never know where you're going to go,” Kugbila said.

The 6'4, 317 pound guard worked out with Panthers as well as the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts.

Kugbila joins the only other Blazer in the league, undrafted Minnesota Vikings linebacker Larry Dean. 

He travels to Charlotte, N.C. on May 9^th for rookie camp.

“I'm ready to be in Carolina and get to work,” Kugbila said. “Just having another opportunity to play football again that's what I'm thankful for.”

Joe Robbins/Getty Images 

Blazer softball sweeps West Florida

Valdosta- The No.4 Valdosta State softball team completes the regular-season sweep against West Florida after winning both games (5-3,4-1) in a doubleheader matchup Saturday afternoon at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park.

Senior outfielder Morgan Johnson's two-run, walkoff home run lifted the Blazers in a come back victory in Game 1 and pitcher Brianna Hancock's career-high 12 strikeouts performance pushed them in Game 2.

In the first half of the doubleheader, the Blazers chances of winning looked slim heading into the bottom of the seventh, down 3-0.

Nonetheless, after the first two VSU batters of the side got on-base on singles, two at-bats later pinch-hitter Lindsey Hamlin came through with a clutch game tieing three-run home run late.

Then the Argos commited just one error of Game 1 but the dropped sure-out couldn't have come at a worst time.

The error by UWF outfielder Bianca Lopez allowed VSU infielder Courtney Albritton a double which kept the inning alive and Johnson went the distance in the next at-bat.

“Morgan has been rock soild on offense since she's been here,” coach Thomas Macera said. “Mo has had so many key hits for us, it's ridiculous.”

Gulf South Conference ERA leader and Game 1 starter pitcher Taylor Bailey kept the game scoreless after six inning however couldn't seal the deal in the final side.

The Argos starting pitcher was Jordan Ratliff in Game 2.

Ratliff struggled against the Blazers in the earlier meeting this season and the results were the same a month later.

Again, UWF got on the scoreboard first in the other half of the doubleheader.

Kasie Buckley hit a RBI-double early on giving the Argos a small lead however the Blazers responded in the fourth inning.

Johnson and Hamlin recorded their second homers of the day along with a solo homer by Shelby Altman to give VSU the three-run advantage over UWF.

Ratliff was taken out in the third inning during the last meeting and this time she was off the mound in the fourth after her shutout collasped.

VSU has won the last nine games between UWF.

The Blazers host West Alabama next Saturday at home.

“We're just looking for next week right now,” outfielder Morgan Johnson said. “We know that every single game from here out we want to win because it will put us in the best position. We're just taking it one game at a time.”

Brianna Hancock had a career-best outing to led VSU 4-1 over UWF.