VALDOSTA – The No. 18 Valdosta State Blazers dominated Erskine in a 56-0 shutout victory on Saturday afternoon, putting them back in the win column after a tough road loss two weeks prior. The decisive performance marked the Blazers' first shutout and largest point differential of the season, improving their record to 4-1.
Sophomore running back Shawn Paschall was a key force, scoring the Blazers’ first three touchdowns. Valdosta State shook off a slow start to accumulate 42 points by halftime, and Paschall finished with 94 rushing yards, nearly achieving his third 100-yard game of the season. The Blazers' offense amassed 474 total yards, with the run game contributing 289 yards and six rushing touchdowns.
VSU head coach Graham Craig acknowledged the team's initial struggles, stating that the offense got off to a "really slow start offensively" with two three-and-outs before the run game found its rhythm. He noted Paschall's significant run helped spark the offense, which then got into a strong rhythm in the first half. Coach Craig also expressed satisfaction with starting quarterback Champ Harris, stating he "played well today" by operating effectively, managing tough looks early, and making plays downfield, along with a couple of big runs in the first half.
The Black Swarm defense played a crucial role, creating scoring opportunities and stifling the Flying Fleet. An interception from LaBarryon Moore led to an early 6-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 14-0. Following a forced three-and-out at the end of the first quarter, Paschall extended the lead to 21-0 with a 74-yard touchdown run with 14:39 left in the half. The Blazers' depth at running back was evident as Matt Wilson capped a 47-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown. Starting quarterback Champ Harris then connected with tight end Rowan Darnell for a 16-yard touchdown, giving VSU a 35-0 lead with 8:06 remaining in the half.
After another Blazers three-and-out, the Black Swarm continued its pressure. BJ Alston sacked Erskine's backup quarterback Ben Black for a 5-yard loss, and on the subsequent play, outside linebacker Julius Pascal pressured Black into an ill-advised pass that was intercepted by Jayden Bethea and returned to the Erskine 8-yard line. This turnover quickly led to more points as graduate running back Chance Black scored a rushing touchdown, the Blazers' fifth of the half, extending the lead to 42-0.
In the second half, VSU used its significant lead to provide valuable playing time for reserves, including backup quarterback Jameson Holcomb, Tyrieke Wade, and Haden Klees. Running back Logan Coldren scored a rushing touchdown early in the third quarter to make it 49-0. Holcomb later tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Zandae Butler for the game's final points with 12:04 left in the fourth quarter. Harris finished the game completing 10 of 15 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown, while Holcomb completed 6 of 8 for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Coach Craig praised his defense, noting they "did a really good job a couple times" when penalties put the team in difficult positions, and highlighted young players stepping up to make plays. The Black Swarm was relentless, holding Erskine to just 118 total yards and 1.7 yards per play. They recorded six sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and one fumble recovery. VSU scored 21 points directly off turnovers and limited Erskine to just 2 of 17 on third down conversions.
Jayden Bethea led the defensive effort with 10 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, and his aforementioned interception. Junior defensive back Rico Watkins and freshman Bentley Ware-Roberson also recorded interceptions. Sophomore Curtis Janvier forced a fumble that senior linebacker RJ Dardy recovered.
Reflecting on the win after a bye week, Coach Craig stated it "felt good" to play again. The Blazers will now be off for two weeks before returning to action for Homecoming on Saturday, October 24, at 3 p.m. against Shorter.
