Shorter no match for #3 Valdosta State, loses 59-6

By HENRY DURAND, The Christian Index

Sunday, October 6, 2024

ROME, Ga. — Valdosta State University, ranked third in the nation among Div. II schools, dominated Shorter University on Saturday to go to 5-0 as the Blazers won 59-6. VSU scored two touchdowns in each quarter plus a late field goal, as Shorter, which lost for the first time this season, managed only a pair of field goals in the second quarter.

VSU amassed a total of 557 offensive yards (146 rushing and 411 passing), while their defense held the Hawks to 195 yards. The Blazers extended their streak of games without allowing a touchdown to three.

VSU quarterback Sammy Edwards threw for 348 yards with two touchdowns, and Blake Hester led the ground game with 62 yards on seven carries with a touchdown. For Shorter, Harold Cook threw for 163 yards with one interception, as Lanear McCrary Jr. rushed for 33 yards on 12 attemptst.

Valdosta State will visit North Greenville next Saturday. Shorter will try to get back to its winning ways with a trip to Chowan University.

 

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Caption: Valdosta State safety Jordan Billups (32) interferes with Shorter University wide receiver Cobie Bates in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Shorter University cornerback Trey Thomas breaks up a pass intended for Valdosta State wide receiver Rodney Bullard, right, in the third quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State linebacker Joko Willis (40) drags down Shorter University running back Charles Alia for a loss in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State running back Bud Chaney (24) loses his helmet as he is tackled after a short gain in the second quarter against Shorter University, Saturday, Oct. 5, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Shorter University head football coach Zach Morrison encourages his players during a game against Valdosta State University, Saturday, Oct. 5, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State wide receiver Rodney Bullard, right, hauls in a pass in corner of the end zone behind Shorter University cornerback Trey Thomas in the third quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. The pass was ruled incomplete. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State quarterback Sammy Edwards rushes for a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter against Shorter University, Saturday, Oct. 5, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State safety Larry Elder (9) intercepts a pass behind Shorter University wide receiver Trevon Dirden in the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Shorter University wide receiver Jaylin Marshall eludes a diving tackle attempt by Valdosta State safety Montae Boyd (27) for a 29-yard reception in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Shorter University cornerback Trey Thomas tackles Valdosta University wide receiver Rodney Bullard (1) after a 10-yard reception in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State defensive lineman Daunte Boudy brings down Shorter University running back Charles Alia after a 6-yard rush in the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Shorter University quarterback Harold Cook is chased from the pocked by Valdosta State defensive lineman Jemarrlowe Sykes (96) and linebacker Sterling Roberts (33) in the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. Cook was sacked for a loss of 3 yards on the play. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State cornerback Rance Connor keeps Shorter University wide receiver Jaylin Marshall from making the catch late in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. No penalty was called on the play. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Shorter University wide receiver Jaylin Marshall hauls in a pass behind Valdosta State cornerback Rance Connor in the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. The pass was ruled incomplete as Marshall landed out of bounds. (Index/Henry Durand)

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Caption: Valdosta State wide receiver Tyler Ajiero hauls in a 9-yard touchdown pass behind Shorter University defensive back Hugh Barbee III in the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Rome, Ga. (Index/Henry Durand)