By: Lloydrica Hudson, Sports Editor

After another slow start, No. 15 VSU found its rhythm on both sides of the ball Thursday night, with a 59-10 victory over Warner to improve to 2-0 on the season.

The Blazers entered their first-ever matchup against Warner coming off a 38-10 season-opening win over Emory & Henry. Through two games, VSU has outscored its opponents 97-20.

Head coach Graham Craig said the Blazers took some time to settle into the game before the offense began to find success and the defense created opportunities.

“We got off to a little bit of a slow start, really, both sides,” Craig said. “Offense and defense, really slow there in the first quarter. Got to find a way offensively to get started faster.”

The Blazers eventually broke through, with their defense helping with momentum by creating turnovers and giving the offense favorable field position.

Sophomore defensive back Curtis Janvier provided one of the biggest defensive plays of the night, returning an interception for a touchdown.

“That was just me doing my job,” Janvier said. “He threw it. My main focus was just catching the ball.”

VSU’s offense capitalized on the defense’s strong play, eventually putting 59 points on the board despite dealing with injuries in the backfield.

Running back Shawn Paschall left the game early, forcing the Blazers to turn to their depth. Junior running back Kenai Grier was among those who stepped up, scoring twice as VSU’s running backs combined for five touchdowns.

Grier said the mentality in the running back room was simple, next man up.

“I hated that he got hurt so early in the game,” Grier said of Paschall. “The running backs, we had a great day today. We had five touchdowns across the board, and really, just next man up.”

The production came one week after the Blazers rushed for more than 350 yards against Emory & Henry. Grier said the depth of the position group gives the offense confidence regardless of who is on the field.

“In my opinion, we got the best running back room in college football,” Grier said. “The coach could throw anybody out there. He trusts them with his life, for real. We all producing.”

Quarterback Champ Harris also continued to make plays with his legs. Craig said Warner’s defensive front created pressure, but Harris’ mobility helped extend plays and keep the offense moving.

“He was able to extend some plays and create some plays with his feet,” Craig said. “He runs really tough, did a really good job extending some of those plays.”

The large lead also allowed VSU to give younger players and backups valuable game experience. Freshman Quarterback Tyrieke Wade got into the action and threw the first touchdown pass of his college career on his former high school field.

“It was awesome for him,” Craig said. “He’s done a great job since he’s been here. We’re excited about the career he’s going to have here.”

Despite opening the season with consecutive home victories, Craig said the Blazers still have plenty to improve.

“I’m proud of our group for where we are right now, but a lot of growth still we gotta have,” Craig said.

The Blazers will now leave Valdosta for the first time this season as they prepare for their first road game. 

“It’s going to be a really tough test,” Craig said. “We gotta travel the right way, do all the things right here in the week.”

VSU will look to carry its 2-0 start onto the road and continue building on an offense that has scored 97 points and a defense that has surrendered only 20 through the first two games.