Valdosta State and Winston-Salem State have met twice in the past three seasons, but neither has been on the other’s campus.
The first meeting was two seasons ago in the 2012 Division II championship game in Florence, Ala., won by Valdosta State, 35-7. On Saturday the Blazers and Rams met again at McEachern High’s Cantrell Stadium, in what was called the “Cobb County Clash.”
Different location, same result, albeit a lot closer this time. Valdosta State, ranked No. 23 in the Division II polls, rode a balanced offensive attack and a swarming defense to upset No. 12 Winston-Salem State 22-17.
The game was made possible by the fact that both teams needed a home game to complete their schedules. Valdosta State athletic director Herb Reinhard contacted Winston-Salem State and once the date was agreed upon, a site needed to be located. When Kennesaw State’s stadium was determined to be unavailable, Reinhard, who consulted with his staff as well as coaches who recruit in metro Atlanta, turned to McEachern.
“We have a large alumni base here in metro Atlanta, and so we have talked about having a game here for years,” Reinhard said. “We were very impressed when we visited, and the people here have gone out of their way for us. It’s been wonderful.”
On the first drive of the second half, Winston-Salem State, which had gained only 31 yards rushing after two quarters, moved 60 yards in 12 plays and cut the lead to 15-10 after a 21-yard field goal by Alejandro Suarez.
But the Blazers responded with a 12-play drive of their own on the ensuing possession. Valdosta State moved 81 yards, with running back Cedric O’Neal, covering the final five yards to make the score 22-10.
Winston Salem moved to within 22-17 early in the fourth quarter, when Marcel Caver capped a 14-play, 99-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Phil Sims.
The Rams then recovered a muffed punt at the Valdosta State 45 with a little less than seven minutes left in regulation. Later in the possession, Winston-Salem State quarterback Rudy Johnson appeared to have given the Rams the lead by scoring from 2 yards out. But a Rams offensive lineman was called for holding, which took the touchdown off the board and made it first-and-goal from the Valdosta State 12.
On the next play, Johnson fumbled on a quarterback keeper, and defensive end Tevin Davis recovered with three minutes left in regulation.
Winston-Salem State’s defense forced Valdosta to punt. But punter/quarterback Jake Medlock boomed a school-record 75-yarder, pinning the Rams on their 2-yard line. The Rams moved to midfield, but a desperation pass on the final play of the game was batted down by the Blazers secondary.
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