By: Lloy Hudson, Sports Editor

VALDOSTA– No. 12 VSU Blazers opened their 2025 season with a 31-28 win over Clark Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. 

The teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter before VSU grabbed a slim lead in the second. CAU tied with 16 seconds left just before halftime. 

Both teams entered the fourth quarter tied, but VSU’s defense left CAU scoreless in the fourth quarter, securing the win with a 24-yard field goal. 

Quarterback Harris Boyd paced the Blazers’ offense, completing 14 of 24 passes for 235 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His longest completion was a 71-yard touchdown to Armani Hayes, who finished with two receptions for 120 yards. 

VSU also found success on the ground, rushing for 188 yards.  

Corey Reddick led the Blazers with 72 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Eric Watts added 68 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Jamontez Woods contributed 32 yards and a touchdown. 

Clark Atlanta kept the game tight behind its rushing duo. Alan Riggins rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while quarterback Zy McDonald added 56 yards and a touchdown. McDonald also threw for 234 yards and one touchdown. 

On defense, Tyler Morehead led VSU with 12 total tackles. Dallas Robinson added seven, and Jaden Dawkins recorded six tackles, including one for loss. 

The game was played in sunny conditions with a crowd of 1,263.  

VSU’s next game is on the road against Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 6 at noon.