VALDOSTA— The Valdosta State Blazers are ready to take the national spotlight once more as they head to Texas to face off against the Ferris State Bulldogs in the 2024 NCAA Division II Football Championship. 

This year’s game continues an intense rivalry that’s been building since their first championship meeting in 2018. The Blazers took home the title that year, but Ferris State turned the tables in 2021. Now, Valdosta fans are eager to see their team reclaim the crown and end the season on a high note.

Under the guidance of third-year head coach Tremaine Jackson, the Blazers have had a dominant season. The Blazers are undefeated, with a 13-0 record, and won the Gulf South Conference title. 

Quarterback Sammy Edwards has been a key playmaker, passing for an impressive season total of 3,101 yards with a completion rate of .067. Running back Alfonso Franklin has been a force on the ground, racking up 858 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, including an impressive five-touchdown performance in the semifinals against Minnesota State. Wide receiver Rodney Bullard has been another standout, tallying 986 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, making him dangerous in the passing game.

Meanwhile, Ferris State comes into the matchup with a 13-1 record, matching Valdosta’s 13-game win streak. Under 13th-year head coach Tony Annese, the Bulldogs staged an incredible comeback in the semifinals, rallying from a 38-27 halftime deficit to beat Slippery Rock 48-38. 

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has led their offense, throwing for 3,201 yards. Alongside him, running back Kannon Katzer has been a standout in the ground game, contributing significantly to the team’s rushing success. Wide receiver Emari O’Brien has been a reliable target in the passing game, adding depth to the Bulldogs’ offensive arsenal.

Both teams have been dominant this season, and with such evenly matched stats, the championship promises to be a showdown to break their one-and-one tie in championship matchups.

Excitement is running high in Valdosta, where fans plan to show up in force to support the team. Travel packages for the championship game sold out quickly, with students and non-students eager to make the trip. The $25 student package, which included a bus seat, hotel room, game ticket, and a pre-game tailgate meal, was a deal that disappeared quickly. Non-students also snapped up their $50 packages, which offered a bus seat, game ticket, and tailgate meal.

The championship game kicks off on Saturday, December 21, at 2:00 PM ET at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney. ESPN2 will air coverage of the game. As the Blazers prepare for their seventh championship appearance, the Valdosta community is going all out to support their team.