The VSU Blazers will face the Virginia Union Panthers in the playoffs.

The Blazers enter this quarterfinal playoff game 11-0 this season and won 33-17 in their second-round game against Miles College last week. They were led by the outstanding play of running back Blake Hester, who rushed for 118 yards and totaled three touchdowns in the win.

Hester was a reliable weapon in the Blazers’ potent offense; He ranks in the top five in the country in points scored per game. However, the Blazers will look to Harlon Hill finalist quarterback Sammy Edwards to be an offensive catalyst to help the Blazers advance to the semifinals.

As for their opponent, the Virginia Union Panthers enter this matchup 10-3 this season after a comfortable win over the Lenoir Rhyne Bears 44-12 a week ago. As with the Blazers, the running back is the star of the show. The Bears have running back Jada Byers, who is in the midst of a historic season. He comes into this game with over 1,900 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns this season, including rushing for 185 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s game.

VSU and Virginia Union had a short history before this game, but previously met in 2022 when Virginia Union defeated the Blazers 45-40. For Virginia Union, a win would send them to the semifinals for the first time in school history and for VSU, a win would send their ticket to the semifinals for the first time since 2021. The game will kick off at 1:00 p.m

Written by Christopher Mercer, Sports Editor. Photo courtesy of Valdosta Daily Times.