Delta State was scheduled to host No. 13 Valdosta State for the Gulf South Conference championship and Senior Day at Parker Field at McCool Stadium. The calendar listed kickoff for 1 p.m. Central and Senior Day festivities for 12:30 p.m. The source did not report a game result.
The Statesmen entered the scheduled matchup 5-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play, on a five-game winning streak. Their latest victory was a 22-21 comeback at Frostburg State. Delta State trailed by 15 before scoring twice in the fourth quarter, including Price Nixon’s 23-yard field goal with 55 seconds remaining.
Quarterback Emile Picarella completed 19 of 32 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns without an interception against Frostburg State. Troy Griffin caught five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown, while Lawrence Armstrong had five catches for 71 yards and a score. Jordan Bradley made two interceptions, and the defense recovered a fumble to secure the win.
Valdosta State arrived with four consecutive victories after beating nationally ranked North Greenville 49-33. The Blazers scored touchdowns on six of nine offensive possessions and went 5 for 5 in the red zone, according to the team’s account. Matt Wilson rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, and Champ Harris threw for 194 yards and two scores.
The teams’ series was tied 22-22-1 entering the scheduled game, dating to 1982. Valdosta State won the previous meeting 27-23 in the regular-season finale. Delta State coach David Dean previously coached the Blazers and was identified in the source as Valdosta State’s winningest coach.
The matchup was also listed as the Gulf South Conference championship. Delta State’s schedule included a 23-0 win over Shorter on Oct. 3, while Valdosta State’s previous season ended with a 13-1 record and a national runner-up finish, according to the source.
