Shorter University Athletics

VALDOSTA, Ga.- The Shorter Football team put up a strong fight against No. 13 Valdosta State on Saturday afternoon, ultimately falling 41-31 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The loss drops the Hawks to 2-6 overall.
 
 
The Hawks fell behind early as the Trailblazers found the end zone twice in the opening quarter to take a 14-0 advantage. Shorter's offense began to find its rhythm as Devin Edmonds connected with Kyree Jenkins for a 27-yard reception to put the Hawks in scoring position. Shorter continued to march down the field, capping off a 12-play, 67-yard drive with an 18-yard field goal from Edgar Bermudez to get on the board.
 
 
Shorter's special teams quickly shifted the momentum as David Hill recovered a muffed kickoff at the Valdosta State 25-yard line to give the Hawks another opportunity. Shorter capitalized on the turnover as Edmonds connected with Sky Niblett for a 25-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-10. The Hawks struck again on special teams moments later when Nahzir Turner forced a fumble near the goal line that was recovered by Jatavious Gray for a touchdown, giving Shorter a 17-14 lead to close out the opening quarter.
 
 
After several empty possessions from both sides to begin the second quarter, Valdosta State began to move down the field, advancing into the red zone. The Hawks' defense delivered another momentum-changing play as Haneef Muwwakkil recovered a fumble at the two-yard line and returned it 63 yards to put Shorter in scoring position. The Hawks took advantage of the turnover as Edmonds found Jenkins for a 23-yard touchdown to extend their lead to 24-14.
 
 
The Trailblazers responded on the ensuing possession, using a 51-yard reception to move deep into Shorter territory before punching in a nine-yard rushing touchdown. Despite the late score, the Hawks entered halftime holding a 24-21 advantage over the nationally ranked hosts.
 
 
Valdosta State seized momentum early in the third quarter, intercepting a pass on Shorter's opening possession of the half. The Trailblazers capitalized on the turnover with a rushing touchdown to regain the lead at 28-24. The hosts continued to apply pressure defensively, recording another interception on Shorter's next possession and returning it 37 yards to set up another scoring opportunity.
 
 
Despite the turnover, Shorter's defense held strong, forcing Valdosta State into a fourth-and-nine situation. Bray Williamson delivered a crucial play on special teams, blocking the ensuing field goal attempt to keep the Hawks within striking distance. However, Shorter was unable to capitalize on the stop, going three-and-out as the Hawks entered the final quarter trailing 28-24.
 
 
The Trailblazers extended their advantage early in the fourth quarter with another rushing touchdown to take a 34-24 lead. Valdosta State's defense continued to create problems for the Hawks, intercepting another pass and returning it deep into Shorter territory. The hosts wasted little time capitalizing, breaking free for a 40-yard rushing touchdown to push their lead to 41-24.
 
 
Shorter refused to go away, as Edmonds connected with Jenkins for their second touchdown of the afternoon on a 27-yard strike to cut the deficit to 41-31. The Hawks' defense followed with a much-needed stop, giving the offense another opportunity to mount a comeback. Shorter began to march down the field, but Valdosta State came up with a late interception to halt the drive and seal the 41-31 defeat.
 
 
Offensively, Edmonds led the Hawks through the air, completing 19-of-36 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Jenkins finished with three receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns, while Niblett added three catches for 38 yards and a score.
 
 
Defensively, Shorter forced three turnovers, with Conrad Hussey leading the way with eight tackles. Andrew Waldrep, Bray Williamson and Brandan Ridley each recorded seven tackles, while Williamson also contributed a blocked field goal.


UP NEXT
Shorter will return to Rome next weekend as they have their home finale against Barton for a noon kickoff on Saturday. 


FOLLOW THE HAWKS
For complete coverage of Shorter football, follow the Hawks on X and Instagram at @ShorterUFB or visit the official home of Shorter Athletics at goshorterhawks.com.