VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Blazers played a complete game and where able to take down the Hawks on Saturday afternoon. Shorter Head Football Coach, Zach Morrison stated, "There were so many opportunities that were missed, we had the QB pinned down 7 times for a potential sack and we just weren't able to keep contain and they found a way to get a first down; of the 7 potential sacks 5 were on 3rd and medium to long and 4 were drives that ended up in a score. We fix that and we get 28 points off the scoreboard for VSU. We do that and we are right there in the game. Don't get me wrong there positives to promote on all sides of the games, but there were also some major issues that need to be addressed going into the rest of the season." The Hawks finished the day with just under 375 yards of total offense with 190 yards on the ground. The Hawks offense was able to find the endzone twice, but Coach Morrison stated, "we left points on the field with a couple of missed assignments, misreads, or execution errors." Defensively the Hawks knew they would be up to a challenge with playing one of the top offenses in the GSC.

Quarterback Josh Brown was able to spark the offense by using his feet and arm to move the ball down the field on multiple drives. The red shirt freshman quarterback finished the night with 9 carries for 40 yards as well as going 16-18 for 158 through the air.

Leading the receiving group was Bo Mosteller with 4 receptions for 28 yards and Jaylin Marshall with 3 catches for 48 yards. Lanear McCrary was also able to play some plays catching 2 passes for 29 yards. One of the positives from the game was the 20 first downs, showing that even on a top ranked defense that the Hawks can move the ball on anyone. Offensive Coordinator Blake Robles said of the Shorter Hawks offense, "It was good to see our guys play at a high level, but we must finish more drives and the players know that as well. We need to finish these remaining games executing at a high level on offense."

The Shorter Offensive Line really helped open some holes for the running backs with Price Campbell fishing with the highest grade from the game, but the whole unit playing well! Coach Morrison said of the OL, "It was great to see the big guys finishing blocks and never giving up! I am proud of the unit for the long drives and protection they were able to give Josh." The offensive line unit includes ZyMarrion Starrling, Price Campbell, Clay Baker, Demetri Singleton, and Alan Herron. The OL were able to create some great movement for leading rusher Justus Durant who finished the day with 17 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown. Durant is 31 yards shy of 1,000 career rushing yards.

Defensively there were a few standouts in the game with Jashiem Henry and Tony Bethea on the Defensive Line. Defensive Coordinator, Harlen Jacobs said of the game, "We didn't give offense a chance, I am going to need the guys on defense to step up this week. I am interested to see how we will respond and prepare for our in-state rival West Georgia." The linebacker group continues to play well and lead the Hawks in tackles with Devonn Lane finishing with 14 tackles and leading tackler in the Gulf South Conference Marc Harris ended the day with 11 tackles and 2 QB pressures. In the back end

Defensive Back Coach Cornell Washington wants more out of his unit stating, "I really think we have a special unit, but we need to play better across the board."

"At the of the day we glorified Christ for giving us the opportunity to play this great game, and we will continue to trust his plan for this team. I shared Proverbs 3:5 with the team because there is a reason behind the outcome and we will see how the team responds on a short week when we play West Ga," proclaimed Coach Morrison. The Hawks will regroup for another conference game next week against West Georgia. The Hawks play in Rome, GA at Historic Barron Stadium on Oct. 26th (Thursday) at 7:00 PM.