No. 17 Valdosta State Football erased a 24-point halftime deficit Saturday, scoring 28 unanswered points in the second half to rally past West Alabama for a 28-24 victory.
The Blazers struggled offensively in the first half as West Alabama built a commanding lead behind its rushing attack. Dakarai Shanks opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter before Brayden Jenkins added two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter, giving the Tigers a 24-0 advantage at halftime.
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Valdosta State found its rhythm after the break. Champ Harris scored on a 2-yard run late in the third quarter to get the Blazers on the board. Harris then connected with Jaheim Arnold for a 5-yard touchdown early in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 24-14.
West Alabama had opportunities to put the game away but came up empty on two possessions, including a missed 29-yard field goal.
Valdosta State continued its comeback when Harris found Leon Washington Jr. for a 38-yard touchdown with 7:02 remaining, bringing the Blazers within three points.
After forcing another West Alabama punt, Valdosta State put together a go-ahead scoring drive. Harris moved the Blazers into the red zone with several completions and a pair of runs before Matt Wilson finished the possession with a 4-yard touchdown run with 1:45 remaining. Adrian Gonzalez converted the extra point to give Valdosta State its first lead at 28-24.
West Alabama had one final chance to respond, but the Blazers' defense came up with a stop. Luther Richesson's fourth-down pass to Cam Joseph fell incomplete with 42 seconds remaining, allowing Valdosta State to run out the clock and secure the comeback victory.
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9:04 PM
Final: Valdosta State 28, West Alabama 24
Valdosta State Rallies Past West Alabama In 28-24 Thriller
Valdosta State erases a 24-0 halftime deficit with 28 unanswered points in the second half, rallying to defeat West Alabama 28-24. Champ Harris accounts for 379 total yards and three touchdowns, while Matt Wilson scores the go-ahead touchdown with 1:45 remaining.
Statistical Leaders:
- Valdosta State QB Champ Harris — 23/38, 304 YDS, 2 TD; 16 CAR, 75 YDS, 1 TD
- Valdosta State RB Matt Wilson — 5 CAR, 39 YDS, 1 TD
- Valdosta State WR Davion Grant — 3 REC, 88 YDS
- West Alabama QB Luther Richesson — 22/35, 247 YDS; 4 CAR, -16 YDS
- West Alabama RB Brayden Jenkins — 17 CAR, 98 YDS, 2 TD
- West Alabama WR Madixx Morris — 6 REC, 109 YDS
9:00 PM
Valdosta State Completes 24-Point Comeback To Defeat West Alabama 28-24
Valdosta State completes a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 24-point halftime deficit to defeat West Alabama 28-24.
The Tigers get one final opportunity after Matt Wilson's go-ahead touchdown, but the Blazers' defense comes up with a game-sealing stop. West Alabama moves across midfield behind a 13-yard run from Brayden Jenkins, but Luther Richesson is sacked for a 5-yard loss before two consecutive incompletions end the drive.
Richesson's fourth-down pass to Cam Joseph falls incomplete with 42 seconds remaining, giving Valdosta State possession at the West Alabama 36-yard line. Champ Harris takes a knee to run out the clock.
The Blazers score 28 unanswered points in the second half to turn a 24-0 halftime deficit into a 28-24 victory.
8:52 PM
Valdosta State 28, West Alabama 24
Matt Wilson Scores Go-Ahead Touchdown As Valdosta State Takes 28-24 Lead
Valdosta State completes an incredible second-half comeback, taking its first lead of the game with a 4-yard touchdown run from Matt Wilson.
Champ Harris keeps the drive moving with a 10-yard quarterback scramble to the West Alabama 4-yard line. After a timeout by the Tigers, Wilson punches it into the end zone for the go-ahead score with 1:45 remaining.
Adrian Gonzalez converts the extra point, giving Valdosta State a 28-24 advantage. The Blazers erase a 24-point halftime deficit and score 28 unanswered points to take control late in the fourth quarter.
8:48 PM
Valdosta State Drives Inside West Alabama 15-Yard Line As Two-Minute Warning Arrives
Valdosta State continues its fourth-quarter rally, moving deep into West Alabama territory with a chance to take the lead.
The Tigers go three-and-out on their possession, and the Blazers take over at their own 12-yard line with 5:29 remaining. Champ Harris leads a strong response, completing passes to Zandae Butler, Jaheim Arnold and Joel Houedenou before adding two scrambles to move Valdosta State into scoring position.
Harris then connects with Leon Washington Jr. for an 18-yard completion to the West Alabama 20-yard line. Matt Wilson follows with a 6-yard run to put the Blazers at the Tigers' 14.
The two-minute warning arrives with Valdosta State trailing 24-21 and threatening to complete an impressive comeback.
8:38 PM
West Alabama 24, Valdosta State 21
Leon Washington Jr. Catches 38-Yard Touchdown As Valdosta State Pulls Within Three
Valdosta State continues its second-half comeback, scoring another touchdown to cut West Alabama's lead to 24-21 with 7:02 remaining.
Champ Harris sparks the drive with two completions to Davion Grant for a combined 30 yards before adding a 15-yard scramble to move the Blazers inside the West Alabama 35-yard line.
After a false start pushes Valdosta State back 5 yards, Harris delivers a 38-yard touchdown pass to Leon Washington Jr. Adrian Gonzalez converts the extra point, bringing the Blazers within three points.
Valdosta State has scored 21 unanswered points since halftime and suddenly has the momentum in the fourth quarter.
8:34 PM
Valdosta State Defense Forces Quick Three-And-Out
The Blazers move across midfield behind a 21-yard completion from Champ Harris to Zandae Butler, but three consecutive incompletions force a punt.
Valdosta State's defense answers the offense's stalled possession with a strong stop, forcing West Alabama to punt after just three plays.
Brayden Jenkins gains 2 yards on first down before Luther Richesson is sacked for a 7-yard loss by Logan Moulder. Richesson then throws incomplete on third-and-15, bringing out Eoin Walsh for the punt.
Walsh sends a 72-yard punt into the end zone for a touchback, giving Valdosta State possession at its own 20-yard line with 9:01 remaining.
8:28 PM
West Alabama Misses Field Goal After Big Plays From Madixx Morris
Luther Richesson connects with Madixx Morris for gains of 20 and 45 yards to quickly move the Tigers inside the Valdosta State 10-yard line. However, the Blazers' defense holds West Alabama to just one yard on the next two plays before Richesson throws incomplete on third-and-11.
Elijah Guyton's field goal attempt sails wide right, giving Valdosta State possession at its own 20-yard line with a chance to cut further into the 24-14 deficit.
8:18 PM
West Alabama 24, Valdosta State 14
Jaheim Arnold Hauls In Touchdown As Valdosta State Cuts Deficit To 10
Valdosta State opens the fourth quarter with a touchdown, continuing its second-half comeback attempt.
After an incomplete pass from Champ Harris on second-and-4, the quarterback connects with Jaheim Arnold for a 5-yard touchdown on third down. Adrian Gonzalez adds the extra point to make it a 24-14 game with 14:49 remaining.
The Blazers have scored twice since halftime and now trail by just 10 points.
8:12 PM
End of 3rd: West Alabama 24, Valdosta State 7
Valdosta State Builds Momentum, Reaches West Alabama 5-Yard Line
Valdosta State carries its momentum into the final quarter, putting together another strong drive to close the third quarter and moving within striking distance of the end zone.
West Alabama goes three-and-out after receiving the kickoff, giving the Blazers possession at their own 17-yard line. Champ Harris then connects with Leon Washington Jr. for a 29-yard gain on third-and-5 to move Valdosta State across midfield.
Matt Wilson follows with a 16-yard run, and Harris adds a 12-yard scramble to put the Blazers inside the West Alabama 15. Kenai Grier picks up 6 yards on the final play of the quarter, setting up first-and-goal at the Tigers' 5-yard line.
Valdosta State trails 24-7 heading into the fourth quarter with a chance to score.
7:58 PM
West Alabama 24, Valdosta State 7
Champ Harris Leads Valdosta State To First Touchdown, Cuts Deficit To 17
West Alabama goes three-and-out on its next possession, and the Blazers take over at their own 48-yard line after Leon Washington Jr. fumbles the punt return but Bentley Ware-Roberson recovers for Valdosta State.
After a 6-yard sack and a 2-yard loss, the Blazers face third-and-18. Harris delivers a deep pass to Davion Grant, who turns it into a 58-yard gain to the West Alabama 2-yard line.
Harris finishes the drive with a 2-yard quarterback keeper for the touchdown. Adrian Gonzalez converts the extra point, and Valdosta State trims West Alabama's lead to 24-7 with 4:30 remaining in the third quarter.
7:52 PM
Valdosta State Defense Forces Turnover On Downs To Open Second Half
West Alabama moves into Valdosta State territory on its opening possession of the second half but comes up empty after failing to convert on fourth-and-1.
Michael Dujon gets the drive going with a pair of runs for 15 yards, and Luther Richesson connects with Contravious Blanks for a 10-yard gain to move the Tigers across midfield. However, West Alabama stalls inside the Blazers' 35-yard line.
Brayden Jenkins is stopped for a 1-yard loss on fourth-and-1, giving Valdosta State possession at its own 32-yard line.
The Blazers cannot capitalize on the defensive stop, picking up just 10 yards before punting. West Alabama takes over at its own 22-yard line with 9 minutes remaining in the third quarter, still leading 24-0.
7:41 PM
West Alabama Receives Second-Half Kickoff With 24-0 Lead
The Tigers get the ball to open the second half, looking to build on their commanding 24-0 halftime advantage. Valdosta State's defense needs an early stop to give the Blazers a chance to get back into the game.
7:25 PM
Halftime: West Alabama 24, Valdosta State 0
West Alabama Piles Up 246 Yards In First Half
Statistical Leaders:
- Valdosta State QB Champ Harris — 7/14, 57 YDS; 7 CAR, 25 YDS
- Valdosta State RB Shawn Paschall — 4 CAR, 14 YDS
- Valdosta State WR Jaheim Arnold — 2 REC, 29 YDS
- West Alabama QB Luther Richesson — 13/19, 144 YDS
- West Alabama RB Brayden Jenkins — 11 CAR, 81 YDS, 2 TD
- West Alabama WR Madixx Morris — 3 REC, 43 YDS
7:20 PM
Valdosta State Comes Up Empty Before Halftime
Valdosta State puts together its best offensive possession of the first half but fails to get on the scoreboard before the break.
Champ Harris leads the Blazers into West Alabama territory with completions to Jaheim Arnold, Rowan Darnell and Matt Wilson. Harris also adds a pair of runs, helping Valdosta State reach the Tigers' 27-yard line with 20 seconds remaining.
However, two straight incompletions force a fourth-down field goal attempt. Adrian Gonzalez misses wide right from 44 yards as time expires.
West Alabama takes a commanding 24-0 lead into halftime.
7:10 PM
West Alabama 24, Valdosta State 0
Brayden Jenkins Scores Second Touchdown As West Alabama Extends Lead To 24-0
The Tigers move quickly after the two-minute warning. Michael Dujon breaks off a 16-yard run to bring West Alabama to the Valdosta State 6-yard line, and Brayden Jenkins takes over from there with a 5-yard run followed by a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Elijah Guyton converts the extra point, giving West Alabama a 24-0 lead with 1:45 remaining in the second quarter. Jenkins now has two rushing touchdowns as the Tigers continue to dominate the matchup.
7:06 PM
West Alabama Leads 17-0 At The Two-Minute Warning
Valdosta State puts together its most promising drive of the afternoon, moving into West Alabama territory behind a 16-yard completion from Champ Harris to Jaheim Arnold. However, the Blazers come up short on fourth-and-3 when Harris' pass falls incomplete, giving the Tigers possession at their own 34-yard line.
West Alabama responds with another big drive. Brayden Jenkins breaks loose for a 24-yard run before Luther Richesson connects with Madixx Morris for 19 yards to move the Tigers to the Blazers' 22-yard line.
The two-minute warning arrives with the Tigers in control and threatening to add to their lead before halftime.
6:48 PM
West Alabama 17, Valdosta State 0
Brayden Jenkins Breaks Free For West Alabama Touchdown
Valdosta State's offense struggles to respond after the defensive stop, going three-and-out and giving West Alabama another opportunity.
The Tigers take advantage, putting together a 71-yard scoring drive. Luther Richesson connects with Griffin McLean for 14 yards and Kaden Cupp for an 18-yard gain to move West Alabama deep into Blazers territory.
Brayden Jenkins takes over from there, breaking free for a 15-yard touchdown run. Elijah Guyton adds the extra point, and the Tigers extend their lead to 17 points.
6:38 PM
Valdosta State Defense Forces Turnover On Downs
West Alabama capitalizes on the fumble recovery by moving inside the Valdosta State 20-yard line, but the Blazers' defense comes up with a huge stop.
Luther Richesson connects with Madixx Morris for a 16-yard gain to move the Tigers into the red zone. However, Valdosta State forces two incompletions on the next three plays before a botched snap on a fourth-down field goal attempt sends kicker Elijah Guyton backward for a 6-yard loss.
The Tigers come away with no points and turn the ball over on downs, giving Valdosta State possession at its own 22-yard line.
6:33 PM
West Alabama Recovers Early Second-Quarter Fumble
Valdosta State's opening possession of the second quarter ends in a costly turnover. Champ Harris loses control of the ball on a quarterback keeper, and Nate Thomason forces the fumble before Levi Manson recovers for West Alabama at the Blazers' 35-yard line.
The Tigers take over in excellent field position with a chance to extend their 10-0 lead.
6:30 PM
End of 1st: West Alabama 10, Valdosta State 0
West Alabama Takes 10-0 Lead Into Second Quarter
Valdosta State gets one final play before the quarter ends, and Matt Wilson picks up 11 yards on a run to move the Blazers to their own 36-yard line.
West Alabama controls the opening quarter with a field goal and a touchdown, while Valdosta State looks to find its rhythm offensively in the second quarter.
6:25 PM
West Alabama 10, Valdosta State 0
Dakarai Shanks Extends West Alabama's Lead With Touchdown
Valdosta State puts together a promising drive behind a 27-yard scramble from Champ Harris, but the Blazers come up short of midfield and punt.
West Alabama responds with a lengthy scoring drive, marching 80 yards downfield. Luther Richesson connects with Griffin McLean for a 23-yard gain before finding TD Parker for 13 yards to set up first-and-goal.
Dakarai Shanks finishes the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, and Elijah Guyton adds the extra point to give the Tigers a 10-point advantage.
DAKARAI SHANKS TO THE ENDZONE
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) October 31, 2026
West Alabama takes a 10-0 lead. #GSC | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo 📺: https://t.co/ZTbUD6XiU3@GulfSouth | @uwa_football pic.twitter.com/C5ooJVDaib6:10 PM
West Alabama 3, Valdosta State 0
West Alabama Strikes First With Field Goal
Valdosta State goes three-and-out on its opening possession, and West Alabama takes advantage of favorable field position after a 32-yard punt return by TD Parker.
The Tigers move into scoring range behind a 15-yard run from Brayden Jenkins, but Valdosta State's defense forces a third-down incompletion. Elijah Guyton converts a 38-yard field goal to put West Alabama on the board.
Quick 3 For The Tigers
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) October 31, 2026
West Alabam strikes first. #GSC | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo 📺: https://t.co/ZTbUD6XiU3@GulfSouth | @uwa_football pic.twitter.com/9hYV7deqSL6:00 PM
West Alabama Kicks Off Halloween Showdown
The Tigers win the coin toss and elect to defer, giving Valdosta State the ball to start the game. The Blazers will receive the opening kickoff as the Week 9 matchup gets underway.
5:45 PM
Valdosta State Has Dominated Recent Series Against West Alabama
Valdosta State holds an 11-4 advantage over West Alabama in the teams' last 15 meetings, which have taken place over the past 16 years.
5:30 PM
West Alabama Tigers Football Schedule
- Nov. 7 (Sat), 1:00 p.m. ET – vs. Monroe
- Nov. 14 (Sat), 12:00 p.m. ET – at Northeastern State
5:15 PM
Valdosta State Blazers Football Schedule
- Nov. 7 (Sat), 2:00 p.m. ET – vs. North Greenville
- Nov. 14 (Sat), 3:00 p.m. ET – at Delta State
5:00 PM
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