The Valdosta State Blazers, ranked No. 9, suffered their first defeat of the season Saturday in Pembroke, N.C., falling to UNC-Pembroke in a high-scoring contest. The loss marks a significant setback for the team as they head into a bye week.
The Braves initiated scoring midway through the first quarter with a touchdown drive. However, the Blazers quickly responded, completing a six-play drive that culminated in a 36-yard touchdown run by Shawn Paschall.
UNC-Pembroke attempted to extend their drive on a fourth-and-8 play at the VSU 37, but Devin Ross batted away a pass intended for Josh Ehrlich, forcing a turnover on downs. With 40 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Blazers advanced to the Braves' 36-yard line. Early in the second quarter, Justin Franklin connected with Joel Houedenou for a touchdown, giving VSU the lead.
The Blazer defense then held the Braves to a three-and-out, allowing the offense to capitalize. Valdosta State quickly drove down the field again, where Champ Harris completed a pass to Jaheim Arnold for another touchdown.
UNC-Pembroke managed a field goal, reducing the Blazers' lead to 11 points. Momentum then shifted when the Braves recovered a fumble. Despite the Braves threatening in the red zone, Julius Pascal intercepted a pass on third down and returned it for a touchdown, extending Valdosta State's lead to 27-10. Before halftime, the Braves scored two more times, with a touchdown and a field goal, narrowing the deficit to seven points going into the locker room.
The third quarter saw limited scoring, with UNC-Pembroke adding a field goal to cut the Blazers' lead to four points entering the final quarter. In the fourth, the Braves scored first with a touchdown, taking a three-point lead. The Blazers answered swiftly, requiring only two plays for Champ Harris to find Jaheim Arnold for another touchdown, retaking the lead.
However, UNC-Pembroke immediately responded with a score of their own to regain the advantage. On the subsequent drive, Harris's pass was intercepted, which the Braves leveraged into another touchdown, extending their lead to 10 points. Needing to regain momentum, Paschall broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run, once again cutting the deficit to three.
As the Braves attempted to manage the clock, Rickey Ransom forced a fumble that Curtis Janiver recovered, giving the Blazers possession with 1:58 remaining. Valdosta State began driving down the field, reaching the Braves' 38-yard line. However, facing fourth down, Harris was sacked, resulting in a turnover on downs and sealing the first loss of the season for the Blazers.
Individually, Champ Harris completed 11 of 22 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Shawn Paschall rushed 11 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, Julius Pascal contributed nine tackles and a pick-six, while Jabari McMillan recorded eight total tackles and one tackle for loss.
The Blazers will now enter a bye week before returning home for a matchup against Erskine College on Saturday, October 3.
