VSU Blazers to host rival North Alabama Saturday

Still elated from last week’s comeback rally yet the Blazers know they must execute early if they expect to tame the streaking Lions.

No. 11 VSU looks to build upon its 35-30 victory over West Georgia when they welcome conference foe, North Alabama, this Saturday.

This is the 37th all-time meeting between two of Division II’s more prestigious programs, combining for six national championships, 13 regional titles, and 15 Gulf South Conference titles.

Though this year’s Lions are not as talented as previous teams, the upcoming contest shouldn’t be anything less than the usual barn burner.

VSU squeezed out a 24-21 win over the Lions last season in Florence, Ala.

Incumbent quarterback Cayden Cochran will be the starter Saturday despite a tender right ankle which was aggravated during last game before backup Kaleb Nobles replaced him in a poised fashion.   

Cochran and company are up against the top scoring defense in the conference, holding their opponents to 17 points a game on average. 

The Lions defense returns nine starters from last season and is led by GSC tackle leader and Defensive Player of the Week, Tavarius Wilson.

Bobby Wallace is 1-5 in six meetings against David Dean (twitter.com)

On the other side of the ball, Blazer wide receiver Willie Downs was confirmed as ‘probable’ for Saturday after missing last week - he likely won’t be fully-healthy nonetheless his presence itself will spread out the field more in a favorable way for VSU.   

UNA quarterback Luke Wingo has been efficient in six games after winning the starting job this past spring.

The sophomore has rushed for seven touchdowns and thrown seven along with only two interceptions for 878 passing yards.

Regardless of losing, during the last meeting Wingo had a sound game as a freshman finishing with 221 yards (17-31). 

Dissecting the Black Swarm however will be his greatest challenge this season.

“We got to get our minds right here at practice and get excited,” linebacker Chris Pope, who is three tackles shy of Jessie Tuggle for second on career all-time tackles list, said. “I feel like that’s us this year. Last year we weren’t a big excited team, we play off emotion this year. When emotions run high that’s when we play well. It starts at practice then carries over to the game.”    

 UNA is led by Hall of Fame coach Bobby Wallace, who returned as head coach in 2012 (1988-1997), making his first visit back to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium with the Lions in nearly two decades this weekend.

Wallace is responsible for establishing UNA as one of the nation’s best as well as restoring West Alabama’s program during his tenure there (2006-2010) with a Division I stint at Temple in between.

“He’s a guy I respect tremendously,” Dean said. “We’re very good friends. We talk in the offseason quite a bit. He’s had a tremendous amount of success everywhere he’s gone. It’s been a long time since he’s been down here in Valdosta. It will be good to see him.”

 Dean leads 5-1 in six meetings between the two accomplished head coaches.

Kick-off is set for 2 p.m.

Note: UNA leads VSU 20-15-1 in all-time meetings. VSU’s Chris Pope is 21 tackles shy of tying Minnesota Vikings linebacker Larry Dean for No.1 on all-time career tackles. Saturday marks the annual Zeta Tau Alpha Pink Out game.

Ex-Albany State star April Thomas transfers to VSU

Last time April Thomas took the floor under the beamy P.E. Complex lights, she stunned spectators by dropping 27 points during a sensational performance that grabbed the attention of many, especially her new team.

The former Albany State star made an unforeseen decision this past summer to transfer to rival South Region school, Valdosta State, which continues to be both equally supported and chastised.

The Bainbridge native says that her fondness for red and black didn't happen overnight, in fact, her bottled yearning for VSU has been alive since as long as she can remember. 

April Thomas says even as a Ram she deep down always wanted to be a Blazer. (VSU Athletics)

'AP' as her friends call her, credits that love and the chance of national exposure the main reasoning behind her departure.

 “Honestly I've just always wanted to come here after high school,” the All-SIAC selectee said. “[VSU] was that school that really had my attention and theres a lot of great players here. I'm just happy to be a part of a team with so much talent.”

The daughter of Sharlyn Smith and Lawrence Thomas, began assembling her arsenal on a dilapidated, cracked basketball court outside of her grandmother's house at six years old. 

Older cousins and friends were her first naysayers; they pronounced her too small to be a helpful teammate.

She normally found herself not being picked before pick-up games; this is when she developed the chip on her shoulder that inflames her today.

Thomas began playing basketball competitively in the sixth grade at West Bainbridge Middle School.

She has started every game since.

Basketball wasn't the only game that she could display her elusive quickness and speed.

After arriving at Bainbridge High School, she soon found fulfillment testing her limits and participated  in cross country, field and track, softball and soccer.

The juggling required to balance playing four sports while excelling in school became second nature to her.

Thomas, once a starting center-fielder for BHS, was a major contributor on the softball team tying a school record for 15 wins.

The 2010-2011 BHS female senior athlete of the year also led the Lady Cats basketball team to a 21-7 record and a Region 1-AAAA Sub-Region championship.

VSU did recruit Thomas, however, didn't feel that a player of her 5'1 stature would be
versatile enough to earn a scholarship. 

The time came for Thomas to make a choice where she would be suiting up next: she chose ASU over Fort Valley, Savannah State, and FAMU.

ASU head coach Robert Skinner is busy trying to refresh his squad for this upcoming season after the crucial loss.

He claims Thomas was the purest scorer he's had under his 23 year tenure.

Thomas admits her and Skinner's relationship still is cordial but undeniably altered.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he's upset about the situation,” the junior transfer said. “We still have a strong relationship. I talked to him when he came over here when they played us in volleyball. He hugged me and everything. We had a nice conversation.” 

Skinner's heart is one of many broken following her startling decision.

“I was really upset with myself for hurting him like that then, on top of that, having these other people like 'why are you leaving?' or 'what's so different from here and over there?',” Thomas said. “The only person that knows what's going to happen is God. My dad always told me before you make a decision, pray to him because he won't lead you down the wrong path.”

Returning Blazer starting guard Kourtnee Williams originally introduced Thomas to her former coach Skinner.

The two sparked an instant friendship in high school after competing against each other in an All-Star game together.

Now reconnecting with her pal in the backcourt, Thomas arrives to VSU truly qualified for her new mission. 

Her freshman year at ASU she garnered the SIAC Freshman of the Year honors averaging 18.5 points a game.

Also, that season she was the only freshman named to the Daktronics All-South Region team.

Thomas finished fifth in the nation in scoring last season (20.2) which heightened her buzz, echoing her name in talks regarding the nation's best.

VSU women's basketball head coach Kiley Hill couldn't help but crack a smile when he got a phone call from Thomas out of the blue this past summer.

“I was very surprised they released her,” Hill said of ASU allowing Thomas to transfer without penalty.
“She has a heart of lion. Her work ethic is incredible and she is a major competitor. With a personality like that, it's good for the culture, that's why we wanted to embrace her.”

 Both of Thomas' seasons as a Ram concluded in the same fashion: being bounced out the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.

The Lady Blazers hope their newly added play maker was the missing remedy to cure them from their own recent postseason queasiness.

VSU fell short last season falling in the Division II Sweet Sixteen game. 

Hill has twiddled his thumbs, trying to conjure up the best ways to defend Thomas; now he's thrilled to coach someone who garners such talent.

The same mind-boggling talent that he once struggled to suppress.

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.