The Valdosta State Blazers shut out the Fayetteville State Broncos 34-0. 

The Blazers dominated the Broncos in this game from start to finish as they moved to 3-0 on the season and continued their dominance early in the season. This is the first time the Blazers had shut out an opponent since 2021 when they demolished their Gulf South Conference Rival, the Delta State Statesmen, at home 55-0. 

 It was a balanced offensive for the Blazers, as they totaled 502 yards in the game and had the upper hand since the opening kickoff.  

Senior Blazer quarterback Sammy Edwards had a stellar game, going 23 for 33 for 290 yards and a touchdown, but the big story is the play of running back Blake Hester.  

Hester had just six carries in the game but used them effectively; he had 102 yards and three touchdowns. His first touchdown came on a two-yard rush on the Blazers 7 play 85-yard opening drive of the game. His second touchdown was a one-yard run in the second quarter that capped off a five-minute 70-yard drive for the Blazers. 

  His third touchdown was the longest rush for a Blazer this season as he broke off a 73-yard run that capped off his monster performance. After the game, he spoke humbly about his opportunities in this offense. Coach Jackson noted that the running game is “run by committee.”  

The Blazers defense was able to fly around the field, making the Broncos’ nights miserable. The Broncos were not able to have one play inside of the red zone all game. Despite the Blazers not forcing a turnover, the defense was able to pitch the shutout. For the Broncos, they will fall to 1-1 on the season after yesterday’s game.  

The only sour note for the Blazers was a scary moment late in the 4th quarter as the game was near its conclusion when, on 3rd down, Broncos quarterback Joe Owens threw the ball in the direction of two Blazers players that ended up clinging with each other head-on. 

 One of the players involved was sophomore defensive back,  Ricky Ransom, who got up on his power after being looked out for by the Blazers’ training staff. However, the other player involved, junior defensive back, Abe Nyang, who unfortunately was unable to move after the hit. 

 After several nerve-racking minutes , where hush came over the stadium, Nyang was then carried off the field, surrounded by his fellow teammates and transported to the nearest hospital.  

Head coach Tremaine Jackson gave some updates at the end of the game. “I believe he is going to be okay. He was able to say to us that he was in more knee pain than anything else and we hope nothing will be the best for him because, as a team, we love him,“ said Jackson.  

It was a truly sour end to what was a great day for the Blazers as a team. Coach Jackson would commend his players for how they responded to the injury. “Everyone throws out the word love a lot, but here, we mean it, and to see the players come out to show compassion to a fallen teammate shows our love for one another as a team, said Jackson. 

The Blazers will begin conference play next week. They will travel to South Carolina to take on the newest member of the GSC, the Erskine College Fleet. The Broncos will return to action next week to take on the Elizabeth City Vikings.  

Written by Christopher Mercer, Sports editor. Photo by Ibec Francis, Photo editor.