VALDOSTA — The Gulf South Conference is often revered as one of the top leagues at the Division II level, a claim which was backed this week in the American Football Coaches Association Division II Football Preseason Poll after West Georgia, Delta State, North Alabama, and Valdosta State were all voted into the nation’s top 25.

Head Coach David Dean’s program earned 286 points and a position at No. 16 in the preseason poll. Just ahead of Valdosta State in the poll were GSC rivals North Alabama and Delta State, who picked up 358 and 369 points, respectively, to claim the No. 15 and No. 14 spots. At No. 4, West Georgia also represented the GSC with 632 points.

The Blazers will kick off a tough non-conference schedule right away this season with an opening matchup against an Albany State squad that received votes in the poll, followed by a week two showdown against Winston-Salem St., who found themselves at No. 20 after receiving 142 points.

Valdosta State’s preseason schedule continues this week around the class schedules of the student-athletes, with 3:45 p.m. practice times scheduled throughout the week and capped off on Saturday by a 9:00 a.m. scheduled scrimmage game at the VSU football practice fields located at the VSU Athletic Fieldhouse.

Also, Blazer Athletics encourages fans to join the Valdosta State football team for our annual Meet the Blazers event, scheduled for Saturday, August 29. The event is designed for kids ages kindergarten through eighth grade and allows young Blazer fans photo and autograph opportunities with their favorite players. Games on the field at Bazemore-Hyder stadium will also take place at the 9:00 a.m. event, and season and single game tickets will also be available for purchase.

Valdosta State Athletics