The VSU Blazers defeat the West Florida Argonauts 28-7 to claim the Gulf South Conference championship in the regular season finale.  

The win saw several significant milestones achieved as the Blazers go back-to-back in GSC championships; it is the first GSC title won since 2019 and is also the first win against the Argonauts in Valdosta since that same 2019 season.

This is the 11th GSC championship in school history and the win improves them to 10-0 on the season for the 3rd time in school history.  

After a scoreless first quarter, the Blazers broke down the Argonauts’ defense. The Blazers’ offense began to be effective on the ground and finished with over 200 yards on the ground led by Blake Hesters’ 117 yards. Hester also had a rushing touchdown to go with it. 

Quarterback Sammy Edwards had another efficient performance as he had 154 yards passing and two passing touchdowns.   

The Blazers defense once again displayed dominance. Although they did not force a turnover, they were relentless in the game, shutting down one of the most potent offenses in Division II and the GSC.  

After being dossed with a signature Gatorade bath and posing with the GSC trophy, Head Coach Tremaine Jackson spoke to the Spectator about the team’s resolve this season. 

 “Our time has come; we have worked so hard to get to this point,” said Coach Jackson 

Although the Blazers shared the conference championship last season with Delta State, the Statesman coach, Todd Cooley, talked about how he wanted his team to win it right. 

 “All this offseason, it is preached to them to win this (GSC championship) outright and they went out and executed,” said Cooley. 

VSU will finish the 2024 regular season at 10-0 and have now secured the first seed and first-round bye. They will have the week off before facing the winner of the first-round matchup, Carson Newman University and Miles College at Bazemore– Hyder Stadium on Nov. 30. Meanwhile, West Florida’s season comes to an end, as the loss eliminates them from the playoffs. 

Written by Christopher Mercer, Sports Editor. Photo by Christopher Mercer.