POWDER SPRINGS – It was a slow start for the Valdosta State football team in the second annual Cobb County Clash on Saturday night in Powder Springs, but a strong second half and another solid defensive effort helped lead the Blazers to a 31-3 victory over regional opponent Winston-Salem State.

Valdosta State extended their unblemished record to 2-0 on the young season with the victory, while the Rams fell to 0-2 on the year.

The Rams struck first to take a 3-0 lead with a 43 yard field goal by William Johnson at the 4:34 mark in the first quarter, but the Blazers retaliated early in the second on Austin Scott’s second touchdown carry of the season.

Despite a slow start for Valdosta State with just 17 total yards in the first quarter, the Blazer offense pulled the cork in the second. Scott’s aforementioned touchdown rush gave the Blazers a 7-3 lead, and after an interception thrown by E.J. Hilliard at the 8:55 mark, the senior quarterback found his rhythm and threw for 100 yards in the second quarter alone, 22 of which came on a slant over the middle for a touchdown to Donovan Bolden that gave the Blazers a 14-3 lead with 3:01 to play in the first half.

Valdosta State ran away with the contest in the second half, as Hilliard added 96 additional passing yards, along with a 19 yard touchdown carry early in the fourth quarter. Hilliard’s rushing touchdown marked the first of his career, and came as a result of a nifty fake handoff to Cedric O’Neal.

One of the biggest highlights of the night came after Hilliard connected with Chris Anderson for a touchdown pass down the left sideline with 2:58 to play in the third quarter. The reception was one of seven for the veteran wide receiver, and the play accounted for 47 of Anderson’s 83 passing yards on the night.

Valdosta State finished the contest with 359 total yards of offense, while the Black Swarm held the Rams to just 178 total yards. The Blazers held the Rams scoreless following the first quarter field goal in yet another stellar defensive effort that was led by Sharmaine Washington, who tallied six tackles, five of which were unassisted.

The Rams repeatedly tested the Black Swarm with three different attempts at fourth down conversions, but the Blazers turned WSSU away each time, never allowing a successful conversion. Jaleel Brown and Cooper Lemonds chipped in with five and four tackles on the night, respectively, while Jordan Washington and Oneil Cohen each added a sack.

The Blazers will enjoy a bye week next week, before returning to action on September 26, for the 2015 home opener. The game is slated for a 4:00 p.m. start, and tickets are available for purchase at www.vstateblazers.com or by calling 229-333-SEAT.

VSU Athletics