By: Lloydrica Hudson, Sports Editor

 VSU rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, but its final drive ended on a sack in a 44-41 loss to UNC Pembroke on Saturday, Sept. 19. It was the Blazers’ first loss of the season.

Running back Shawn Paschall rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns, including a 45-yard run that pulled VSU within three points with 6:52 remaining.

The Blazers got the ball back when Rickey Ransom forced a fumble and Curtis Janiver recovered it with 1:58 left.

VSU reached the UNC Pembroke 38-yard line, but quarterback Champ Harris was sacked on fourth down, ending its chance to tie or take the lead.

The Blazers led 27-23 entering the fourth quarter. UNC Pembroke moved ahead on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Josh Ehrlich to Jonathan Barnett, but VSU answered in just two plays. Harris found Jahiem Arnold for a 37-yard touchdown that put the Blazers back in front, 34-30.

The Braves responded with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Ehrlich to Don Nez Alford. After an interception gave UNC Pembroke the ball back, Ehrlich scored on a 6-yard run to stretch the lead to 44-34.

Paschall’s second touchdown run and the late fumble recovery gave VSU two more chances, but the Blazers could not complete the comeback.

VSU had built a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter. Paschall scored on a 36-yard run in the first quarter, Justin Franklin connected with Joel Houedenou for a 27-yard touchdown pass, and Harris threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Arnold.

UNC Pembroke cut the lead to 21-20 before halftime, but Julius Pascal intercepted Ehrlich and returned the ball 94 yards for a touchdown.

The Braves scored again before the break, leaving VSU ahead 27-20 at halftime.

Harris finished 11 of 22 passing for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Pascal led the Blazers’ defense with nine tackles and the interception return.

VSU has a bye week before hosting Erskine on Saturday, Oct. 3 which will be Family Weekend with a Pink Out theme.