VALDOSTA, Ga. — The University of West Alabama Football team fell to the Valdosta State Blazers, 45-35, at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Another slow start hurt No. 21 UWA (5-3, 0-3 GSC) on Saturday as the Tigers faced a 24-7 deficit at halftime, before accumulating 295 yards and 28 points in the second half. West Alabama's second half effort wasn't enough to overcome their 17-point deficit at the break, catapulting the Blazers to their first GSC win of the year.
West Alabama turned the ball over on their first possession which led to a Valdosta State touchdown to begin. Later in the quarter, UWA responded as
Tyler Smith found the endzone with a one-run score as the game remained tied at the end of the period.
West Alabama opened the second quarter with a 24-yard rush by
Brayden Jenkins, advancing to midfield, but a series of incomplete passes and a penalty halted their drive, resulting in a turnover on downs. After a VSU field goal, The Blazers extended their lead as Eric Watts broke off an 80-yard TD run that put the Tigers behind 17-7. After an unsuccessful drive for UWA, VSU scored again with Jameson Holcomb connecting with Xyre Wilson for a three-yard score, making it a 24-7 game. Despite a productive 36-yard pass from
Spencer Arceneaux to
Houston Johnson in the final minute, West Alabama's drive ended with a fumble, leaving the score at 24-7 in favor of VSU at halftime.
The Tigers controlled the third quarter with an impressive ground game, accumulating 107 rushing yards while maintaining possession for nearly nine minutes. Jenkins led the charge with several key runs, including a 13-yard gain, which facilitated converting three out of three third-down attempts. Despite the Tigers rushing totals in the quarter, both defenses held firm and kept the opposing offenses out of the end zone as we reached the fourth quarter with a 24-7 score.
UWA opened the fourth quarter with a 28-yard touchdown run by
Dearrius Nelson, closing the gap to 24-14. After VSU responded with a 43-yard rushing touchdown by Corey Reddick Jr., West Alabama continued to press, with Jenkins scoring from four yards out, trimming the lead to 31-21. Arceneaux connected with Nelson for a seven-yard touchdown, further narrowing the margin to 31-28. The two teams continued to trade punches, leading to the Tigers possessing the ball, down three, with 1:59 left in the game. Starting the drive at their own seven-yard line, Arceneaux completed a pass to Nelson before the ball was ripped out of his hands and returned for a Blazers touchdown. That VSU score virtually ended the game as West Alabama fell, 45-35, despite a strong offensive fourth quarter.
Nelson played a pivotal role, rushing for 28 yards and a touchdown on one carry while also catching seven passes for 62 yards and a score. Jenkins led the ground attack with 127 rushing yards on 24 carries, scoring one touchdown. Arceneaux contributed significantly through the air, completing 22 of 34 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 104 yards on seven attempts. Smith added two touchdowns on the ground with 67 rushing yards over 10 carries.
West Alabama will return home next weekend for a matchup against Lincoln University that is set for 1:00 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.
