By: Tahmira Fryson, Sports Reporter 

On Halloween Day, the Blazers crept into West Alabama with one thing on their minds: haunting the Tigers’ home field and stealing another victory. 

On Saturday, Oct. 31, VSU secured a road victory against the University of West Alabama, finishing the matchup with a 28-21 win. 

The Tigers came off strong, winning the coin toss dictating the first two quarters of the game.  

West Alabama kicker Elijah Guyton made a 38-yard field goal which gave the Tigers an early 3-0 advantage in the first quarter.

After a Blazers’ punt, West Alabama drove 80 yards in 15 plays. Followed by running back, Dakarai Shanks, who scored a 3-yard touchdown, moving the score to 10-0 with 19 seconds remaining in the first quarter.  

By the second quarter, West Alabama continued to apply pressure, increasing its lead to 17-0 with 6:43 remaining in the half. 

The Tigers began the third quarter with an eight-play drive, pushing their way downfield to the VSU 31-yard line. 

On the opening play of the second half, quarterback Champ Harris was stacked with two more yards, bringing up third-and-18. However, Harris hit Davion Grant for a 58-yard completion before finding the end zone himself, making it 24-7.  

That was only the beginning. Harris appeared to throw an interception, but a holding penalty gave the Blazers a first down.   

On third-and-4, Harris connected with Jaheim Arnold for a 5-yard touchdown to finish a nine-play drive.  

VSU continued to build momentum as Harris connected with Leon Washington on a deep 38-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Blazers within three points at 24-21. 

Harris picked up yardage, while Washington caught an 18-yard reception. Following a West Alabama timeout, Wilson scored a touchdown. Adrian Gonzalez also contributed to the score with another touchdown.  

With 1:44 remaining, the Blazer defense sacked the Tigers’ quarterback. This resulted in a 5-yard loss, pushing West Alabama further back.  

With that, the Tigers then turned the ball over, giving possession back to the Blazers.  

Quarterback Champ Harris took the field, caught the snap, and kneeled with 42 seconds remaining, officially sealing the Blazers’ victory.  

Harris really made an impact on last week’s win. Showcasing his ability to think quickly, make smart decisions, and execute efficiently when it mattered most. 

He also earned the GSC Offensive Player of the Week.  

“It’s awesome to be the GSC Offensive Player of the Week, but nothing feels better than getting that win at West Alabama for my teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t have received that award.” Harris said. 

This Saturday at 2 p.m., VSU faces North Greensville University at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Fans are encouraged to dress in black. It is Senior Day, Military, & First Responders Appreciation Day