By: Lloydrica Hudson, Sports Editor

 After a weather delay and a closely contested first half, VSU found its rhythm in the second half, using explosive plays and a strong defensive performance to defeat Emory & Henry 38-10 in the Blazers’ season opener.

The matchup marked the first time Valdosta State hosted Emory & Henry. The Blazers entered halftime with a narrow 14-7 advantage before outscoring the Wasps 24-3 in the second half.

Head coach Graham Craig said he was pleased with the way his team responded after an uneven start.

“I really like the way we came through in the second half,” Craig said. “But still, a lot of things to clean up.”

Neither offense found much room early, but VSU eventually broke through late in the first quarter. Quarterback Hezekiah “Champ” Harris connected with Rowan Darrell for a 3-yard touchdown with 1:22 remaining in the quarter.

Harris, who earned the starting quarterback job after competing throughout the spring and fall camp, made an impact with both his arm and legs. He accounted for three touchdowns in his first start for the Blazers.

“I was extremely grateful,” Harris said of earning the starting role. “I just wanted to do the best I could for my team.”

The Blazers extended their lead in the second quarter when Harris scored on a 12-yard run, making it 14-0 with 2:57 remaining before halftime.

Emory & Henry responded before the break. Mason Iovino scored on a 1-yard run with 48 seconds remaining, cutting VSU’s lead to 14-7 at halftime.

The Wasps carried that momentum into the third quarter when Bryant Nottingham connected on a 47-yard field goal, trimming the Blazers’ advantage to 14-10.

VSU responded with a scoring drive capped by Harris’ 3-yard touchdown pass to Bo Tallevast. The Blazers’ defense continued to limit the Wasps, including a sack by Jayden Bethea that helped force Emory & Henry into a fourth-down situation.

Then came the play that broke the game open.

Backed up at its own 11-yard line, VSU running back Shawn Paschall broke free for an 89-yard touchdown run, extending the Blazers’ lead to 28-10.

“The run right there by Shawn was awesome,” Craig said. “We needed it.”

For Paschall, the run was an opportunity to show that his freshman season was only the beginning.

“I’m just taking it from high school, bringing it to college, and it’s up from here,” Paschall said.

VSU’s rushing attack became one of the biggest stories of the night, producing more than 350 yards on the ground. Paschall credited the offensive line and the team’s emphasis on everyone handling their assignment.

“Y’all boys just give me blocks. Just do your job,” Paschall said of his message to the offensive line. “We’re going to get it done.”

The Blazers wasted little time adding to their lead in the fourth quarter. On the first play of the period, Leon Washington Jr. took the snap and raced 71 yards for a touchdown, pushing VSU’s lead to 35-10.

Craig said getting Washington involved was intentional.

“I wanted to get the ball in his hands,” Craig said. “I just wanted to give him a chance to make a play.”

Brett Fitzgerald added the final points with a 44-yard field goal with 6:04 remaining.

While VSU’s explosive rushing plays helped turn a four-point game into a blowout, the defense provided stability throughout the night. The Blazers held Emory & Henry to fewer than 250 yards of total offense and allowed just three points after halftime.

Craig was particularly pleased with his defense’s physicality and tackling, especially with younger players being called upon because of injuries.

“For the first game, I was pleased with the way we tackled,” Craig said. “We had some young guys playing in the secondary that made some plays.”

Harris said watching the defense battle through the early portions of the game motivated the offense to eventually return the favor.

“They inspired me and the rest of the offense, just how hard they were fighting for us,” Harris said. “I just told them, ‘I got y’all boys.’”

The 38-10 victory gives VSU a strong start to the season, but Craig said the Blazers still have plenty to correct, particularly penalties and missed opportunities.

“We’re still figuring out who we’re going to be,” Craig said. “I thought we did a better job in the second half.”

The Blazers will remain at home for another Thursday night matchup, hosting Warner at 7 p.m at home at Bazemore- Hyder Stadium.