It almost became a game that could have cost Valdosta State their homecoming game and their postseason dreams, but five forced turnovers and six rushing touchdowns allowed the Blazers to beat Shorter by a score of 41-31.

The Blazers started off hot, taking a 14-0 lead over the Hawks. After some bad plays on special teams, Shorter was able to get the upper hand on the game taking a lead of 24-14. The Blazers would respond by half time after giving up 17 unanswered points and cutting the deficit to three.

“We had to just stay calm was our biggest talk. We were playing good football; we had been dominating,” quarterback Champ Harris said when asked about staying focused.

With six touchdowns on the ground, VSU was able to run for 293 yards. Shawn Pascall ran for 111 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. Champ Harris also ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Harris threw for 13 out of 22 for 165 yards. Matt Wilson rushed for 77 yards and one TD. Leon Washington caught six receptions for 72 yards.

VSU held the Hawks scoreless during the third quarter allowing them to take control of the game.

The Blazers picked off Shorter up five times with Curtis Janvier picking up two interceptions. Julius Pascal, Rico Watkins, and Thomas Johnson each had one interception.

Pascal ended the game with six tackles as well.

“We had to communicate with each other,” he said. “After that just stay calm and trust each other.”

The Blazers allowed Shorter to throw for 201 yards and three touchdowns. They only allowed them to rush for 57 yards on the day.

Valdosta finished with 458 total yards and 28 first downs.

“We’re in a position that we have to win every game to make the playoffs,” Champ Harris said.

Valdosta will be traveling to play West Alabama this Saturday. They must keep winning for the Blazers to make a postseason run.