Robert Preston
VALDOSTA — Last year, the University of West Georgia Wolves upset the VSU Blazers with the Blazers' fifth conference title on the line. The Wolves spoiled VSU's bid for a conference title then, and can play the role of spoiler again tonight.
The Blazers and the Wolves meet tonight, and VSU's postseason hopes are hanging in the balance.
Despite what many, including head coach Chris Hatcher, consider a successful season, the Blazers (7-2 overall, 5-2 in conference play) must win tonight to make the playoffs. "It's frustrating to have such a good season and still be fighting for the postseason. We've played well, but we're still on the brink," said Coach Hatcher.
And the Wolves would like nothing more than to knock VSU out of the postseason. The two teams are fierce rivals, and though West Georgia is 1-8 on the season, Hatcher and the Blazers aren't taking the game for granted.
"They're our big in-state rivals, and we're going to have to play well. We've had a short week of practice, but it's been a good one. This late in the season, you have to worry more about what your team is doing than what your opponent does," said Hatcher.
The Wolves' strength lies in their defensive line. The key to winning will be neutralizing West Georgia's defensive front, particularly Odell Willis and John Perkins. "Our offensive line has to play well. They have to control that defensive line," said the coach.
Junior center Davis Russell agrees. "We have to play well on the line. We've got to maintain their defensive ends," said Russell.
He said he knows that the offensive line will set the tone for the rest of the team, and they definitely feel a little pressure. "We know we have to play well. We have a good game plan, and the offense will go where we go."
The Blazers defensive unit is also going to have to look out for James Killebrew, the Wolves' freshman running back who rushed for 184 yards against North Alabama this past weekend. Despite Killebrew's performance, West Georgia lost the game 26-16.
"On defense, we have to stop the run and make sure we don't give up the big pass. If we do that and the offensive line plays well, we have a good shot at winning the game," said Hatcher.
But winning isn't all that's required. The Blazers don't control their own destiny, and have to get some outside help to extend the season. VSU sits at No. 6 in the rankings, and could be bumped by No. 8 Albany State (7-3) — a team VSU defeated 20-16 on Sept. 2 — due to the earned access rule. "It would be really frustrating to get bumped like that," said Hatcher.
VSU needs some help from one of the teams ranked in the top five. The most promising scenario would be a Blazer win over West Georgia and a North Carolina Central (number three) victory over Elizabeth City State (fourth). "Somebody in front of us has to lose, and North Carolina Central has a shot at Elizabeth City," said Hatcher.
The Blazers are coming off a big 51-3 win over the Alabama-Monticello Boll Weevils Saturday. In that game, VSU rushed for more yards (223) than it passed for (152), the first time that has happened since the Blazers won the national championship on Dec. 11, 2004.
Tonight's game begins at 8 p.m., and will be broadcast live on CSS on Mediacom chanell 99.
Local Sports
Playing for the postseason
VSU must win regular season finale against West Georgia to keep playoff hopes alive
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