By Tahmira Fryson, Sports Reporter 

Following an impressive performance, the Blazers secured a 41-31 victory over Shorter University in their previous matchup. 

The Blazers will hit the road Saturday, Oct. 31, to face the University of West Alabama. VSU aims to extend its winning streak and carry its momentum into another competitive matchup. 

VSU is now 5-1 on the season after defeating Shorter University last week. The Blazers are ranked No.13 in the D2 poll, No.17 in the AFCA poll, and No.16 in the FloCollege poll. 

VSU’s offensive line produced 457 total yards. They dominated the line and truly controlled the game, averaging 5.9 rushing yards and 184 passing yards through the air.  

Quarterback Champ Harris followed Shawn Paschall’s 2-yard touchdown run with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, capping off a 75-yard scoring drive for the Blazers. Giving them a 14-0 lead.  

Solomon Locke’s kickoff fumble gave the Hawks an opportunity to take a 17-14 lead. However, Paschall responded before halftime, powering his way into the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown run to cut the shortfall to 24-21. 

Wide receiver Zandae Butler led the team with 79 receiving yards, highlighted by an impressive 51-yard reception.  

Butler emphasized the importance of executing assignments correctly during practice, including blocking schemes, running routes at the proper depth, and maintaining the right tempo during pre-snap motions.  

The player credited his big play before halftime to recognizing the defensive coverage, taking advantage of the leverage, and executing a play the team had practiced throughout the week.  

He explained that mastering these small details will be crucial to the team’s performance in Saturday’s matchup. 

Blazer’s defense has also made a great impact against Shorter University.  

Defense came up with five interceptions. Defensive back, Curtis Janvier had two picks for 50 yards also including the game-seal at the 5-yard line.  

VSU’s defense played a crucial role in securing the victory for the Blazers, working together to limit the opposing team’s offense and create opportunities for their own offense to advance the ball into the end zone. 

VSU leads the all-time high against UWA 10-5, while West Alabama enters Saturday at 5-3 for the 2026 season after their loss to Delta State University.   

The Tigers are currently averaging 22.63 points per game and their total offense per game is 115 rushing yards and 194.13 passing yards. Defensively, West Alabama has demonstrated its ability to penetrate the backfield and put pressure on opposing offenses. The Tigers allowed 24.25 points and 367.8 total yards per game.  

Quarterback Luther Richesson has recorded 1,524 passing yards and completed 114 passes this season.  

TD Parker leads as this team’s wide receiver, averaging 300 yards and 4 touchdowns.  

Defensively, UWA has demonstrated its ability to penetrate the backfield and put pressure on opposing offenses. The Tigers allowed 24.25 points and 367.8 total yards per game.  

 VSU leads the all-time high against UWA, 10-5.  

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m at the UWA Tiger Stadium in Livingston, Alabama