Choctaws Lose to Valdosta State as Offense Sputters
Mississippi College lost to Valdosta State 21-10, dropping their record to 2-4.
In a game fraught with offensive struggles, the Mississippi College Choctaws (2-4, 1-3 GSC) fell to the Valdosta State Blazers (6-1, 3-1 GSC) 21-10. The Blazers only outgained the Choctaws 383-352; however, mistakes and turnovers halted multiple promising Choctaw drives.
Valdosta State opened the game strong, driving all the way down the field and capping the drive off with a four-yard G’Mone Wilson touchdown. The Choctaw offense responded with a long drive of their own. However, Ron Craten fumbled the ball at the end of a five-yard run as he tried to stretch into the endzone.
Later, following another Valdosta State touchdown, Cameron Davis overthrew a receiver and the Blazers’ Kyle Cass was there to make the interception. On the next play, Eric Watts bolted down the field for a 46-yard touchdown run, pushing the Blazers’ lead to 21-0. Ben Pledger scored the Choctaws’ first points of the afternoon with a 40-yard field goal on the next drive. The 21-3 score would hold until halftime.
In the second half, the Choctaw defense came to play. The Blazers drove deep into Choctaw territory twice in the third quarter and were turned away both times – the first with a crucial fourth down stop at the MC 11-yard line, and the second on a forced fumble by Zach Hamman, recovered by David Brown at the seven.
Following the fumble, the Choctaw offense made fans hopeful. RJ Wilson and Marcus Williams made strong runs. The Choctaws were soon facing fourth and three at the VSU 47; Vee Williams picked up all that and more, taking a short completion 47 yards for a touchdown. The play put the score at 21-10 at the end of the third quarter, and seemingly, put the Choctaws right back in the game.
Unfortunately for the Choctaws, the score stayed on the board. Neither offense could make anything happen in the fourth quarter. The quarter did not lack controversy, however: several calls contentiously went against the Choctaws. A potential late hit that left Vee Williams rolling on the turf went uncalled, and later, a play where Cameron Davis’ helmet was apparently pulled off by nobody.
Running backs G’Mone Wilson and Eric Watts led the Blazers on the afternoon, combining for 24 carries, 193 yards, and two touchdowns. Quarterback Sammy Edwards went 24-29 for 185 yards and ran in another touchdown.
On the Choctaws’ side, Marcus Williams had another good game, carrying the ball 24 times for 132 yards. RJ Wilson also stood out, carrying the ball 13 times for 65 yards. Quarterback Cameron Davis went 15-30 for 161 yards, a touchdown, and his first pick of the season. Veontai Williams was the leading receiver for the Choctaws, making three receptions, including the 47-yard touchdown, for 80 yards.
The Choctaws are back in action next week, facing Chowan (0-7, 0-5 GSC) at Robinson-Hale Stadium for a homecoming matchup at 6:00 p.m. CT.