GAME NOTES: Statesmen at Valdosta State Blazers (9.18.10)
Complete Release in PDF

CLEVELAND - It's one of the games Delta State University fans circle on their calendar every year.  It's the Statesmen versus the Blazers of Valdosta State.  The winner of the game usually is in the hunt for the Gulf South Conference title and this season is no different. 

The Statesmen (1-1), fresh off their 27-25 victory over Arkansas Tech last Thursday, enter the contest ranked No. 22 nationally, while the Blazers (2-0), who defeated Newberry 45-17 this past Saturday, come in at No. 17. 

Delta State will be led into the game by the reigning GSC Defensive Player of the Week Garrett Williams.  The 5-foot-9, 198-pound senior recorded eight tackles and intercepted two Wonder Boy passes, including the final pick of the night with 1:56 remaining, this past Thursday to lead the Statesmen to the two point victory.  Williams has recorded 23 stops with two picks and three passes defended in the first two games for the green-and-white. 

It will be the 30th meeting all-time between the Statesmen and Blazers, with the DSU holding a 16-12-1 lead in the all-time standings.  The Statesmen have won four-straight, including their last two trips to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. 

For the first time since the 2005 season, the annual clash between the Statesmen and Blazers won't be televised as part of the GSC-TV Live television package.  Fans will have the chance to watch the game online through Valdosta State's live webcast.  Links to the webcast will be available on  game day inside the calendar feature on the main page.

Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CST at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta, Ga., and the game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 11 a.m. with "The Statesmen Game Day Locker Room Report insured by Shelter Insurance."  Matt Jones, Jimmy Smith and J.T. Webb will have the call. 

A complete breakdown of the weekly notes package is listed below.  To download the complete version, click on the link above. 

INSIDE THIS WEEK'S RELEASE:
• Perennial Gulf South Conference powers Valdosta State and Delta State meet for the 30th time in series history in the league opener for both schools this Saturday, Sept. 18 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta, Ga. The Statesmen lead the all-time series standing 16-12-1, including a 31-23 victory on GSC-TV Live last season at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Interestingly, Saturday's clash is the first game not to be televised by the GSC in four years. DSU has won four straight games against the Blazers dating back to the 2006 season. VSU last defeated DSU, 25-24, in 2005.

• Matt Dean, a 5-foot-8 junior kicker from Cleveland, nailed a career-long 48-yard field goal with 6:11 remaining in the game Thursday to give the Statesmen a 27-25 win over the Wonder Boys.

•Senior defensive back Garrett Williams, who was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, picked off two passes in Delta State's 27-25 victory over Arkansas Tech in Thursday night's NCAA Division II National Game of the Week broadcast by CBS College Sports. The Leland native also finished with eight tackles and one sack.

• Senior running back Trevar Deed (Phoenix, Ariz.) rushed for a season-high 138 yards on 19 carries, including a 69-yard touchdown. The two-time All-American and 2009 CellularSouth Conerly Award Finalist has accounted for 3,962 all-purpose yards and 32 touchdowns for the Statesmen. He was named a Preseason All-American this year by Lindy's Football Almanac, The Sporting News and D2Football.com.

• Junior defensive back Jerry Barnes scored the first defensive touchdown of the season for the Statesmen on a 39-yard fumble return in the first quarter of Thursday's game versus the Wonder Boys.

• University of Houston transfer L.J. Castile scored his first touchdown as a Statesmen on a 26-yard pass from Micah Davis on Thursday. The 6-foot-3 wide receiver has caught eight passes for 121 yards and a score in his first two games at DSU.

• The Statesmen finished the first decade of the new millennium with the 12th best winning percentage in all of Division II football. Delta State amassed an impressive 84-33 record during the ten year span for a .718 winning percentage. The 84 victories are tied with Gulf South Conference rival North Alabama for 11th best.

• No stranger to TV, the Statesmen will appear on a regional or national broadcast four times in 2010, including the NCAA Division II National Game of the Week versus Arkansas Tech on Thursday, Sept. 9 on CBS College Sports. DSU will also appear on GSC-TV Live three times during the regular season. In all four games, Delta State Football has the opportunity to appear in 107 million homes this season.

• Delta State will compete for the title of “Transfer U” in 2010, welcoming 10 NCAA Division I transfers. The Statesmen feature transfers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Maryland, Kansas State, Houston, Iowa State, Colorado State, Akron, Stephen F. Austin, and Youngstown State.


STATESMEN & BLAZERS TO MEET FOR 30th TIME
One of the most thrilling rivalries in all of Division II football will meet for the 30th time on the gridiron Saturday, as Delta State travels to Valdosta State in the Gulf South Conference opener for both schools. DSU has won four-straight and holds a 16-12-1 advantage in the series standings.

The Statesmen defeated the Blazers 31-23 last season at Parker Field-McCool Stadium on GSC TV Live. Oddly enough, Saturday's clash will be the first not broadcast by the league as a part of the weekly GSC TV package since its inception in 2006.

ROAD WARRIORS
The Statesmen will be on the road quite a bit this 2010 campaign with trips to Jackson, Miss., Valdosta, Ga., Monticello, Ark., Carrollton, Ga., Arkadelphia, Ark., Jackson, Tenn. The wheels on the bus will go round and round. A combined 3,122 miles (or 520.3 miles averaged per trip) will be traveled round trip by the Green and White this season, equaling
two days, 10 hours and 54 minutes or an average of 9:45 per round trip.

DEED TOPS 100; APPROACHING 4,000 ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
Senior All-American running back Trevar Deed topped 100 yards for the first time this season, finishing with 138 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown versus Arkansas Tech. He also grabbed three passes for 24 yards and blazed past ATU defenders for a 69-yard third quarter touchdown run. One of the top returning offensive players in the Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II, he has amassed 3,962 all-purpose yards and 32 career touchdowns in his career. He has rushed for 1,713 career yards on 306 carries, while grabbing 151 career receptions for 1,750 yards. He ranks ninth all-time in career rushing yards and fourth on the career receptions list at DSU. Deed needs just 17 yards to break Rico McDonald's career all-purpose yardage record of 3,978 yards at DSU.

WILLIAMS SHINES AGAIN ON DEFENSE; NAMED GSC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior defensive back Garrett Williams picked off two passes in Delta State's 27-25 victory over Arkansas Tech in Thursday night's NCAA Division II National Game of the Week broadcast by CBS College Sports. The Leland native also finished with eight tackles and one sack, just one week removed from a career-high 15 tackles at Jackson State.

GREEN SHIRTS FORCE SIX ATU TURNOVERS
In DSU's 27-25 over Arkansas Tech, the Statesmen forced the Wonder Boys into six turnovers - the highest total for the “Green Shirts” defense since the 2008 season. DSU picked off four ATU passes, including two by senior defensive back Garrett Williams, and forced two fumbles on the night. The last time the Statesmen forced at least six turnovers in a game was 2008 versus West Alabama, when DSU forced four fumbles and picked off two passes.

DEAN NAILS 48-YARDER TO SEAL WIN FOR DSU
Down 25-24 with 6:11 remaining in the game, junior kicker Matt Dean calmly nailed a 48-yard field goal to put the Statesmen up 27-25 on the Wonder Boys - a lead DSU would never relinquish. Prior to Thursday's 48-yarder, Dean's career long field goal stood at 43 yards versus Valdosta State. Through two games this season, Dean is 3-of-3 on field goals and 5-of-5 on extra point attempts.

BARNES PUTS STATESMEN DEFENSE ON SCOREBOARD
Junior safety Jerry Barnes picked up an Arkansas Tech fumble at the Wonder Boy's 39-yard line and returned it for the first defensive touchdown of the season for the Statesmen.

STATESMEN DEFENSE KEEPS WONDER BOYS BELOW 300
After surrendering 501 yards of offense to Jackson State in the season opener, the Statesmen defense returned to form Thursday night, keeping the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys below 300 yards. In a game that lasted nearly four hours, ATU tan 76 plays for 257 total yards.

It also marked the second time this season that DSU kept an opponent under 100 yards rushing, as ATU tallied 99 yards on 45 attempts for a measly 2.2 yards per carry average. DSU allowed just 94 yards rushing in the season opener at Jackson State on Sept.4. Through two games, DSU is allowing 379.0 yards per game with 98 coming on the ground.

STATESMEN OPEN GSC PLAY AT VALDOSTA
After clinching back-to-back league titles in 2007 and 2008 and struggling to a 4-4 conference finish last season, the Statesmen open GSC play Saturday at Valdosta State. DSU was picked to finish fourth in the annual GSC Preseason Coaches' Poll behind North Alabama, VSU and West Alabama.

HOSKINS MAKING MOST OF SECOND CHANCE
After being forced to sit due to injuries each of the last two seasons, redshirt junior Mark Hoskins is making the most of his second chance on the field. In Thursday's win over ATU, the speedy nose guard wrecked havoc on the Wonder Boys, totaling six tackles with three tackles-for-loss and forcing a fumble, which DSU returned for a touchdown. In two games, Hoskins has totaled eight stops with 4.5 tackles-for-loss for minus eight yards.

DAVIS OFF TO A QUICK START
While his yardage totals were down from the season opener at JSU, so were the interceptions Thursday, as Micah Davis passed for 183 yards on 15-of-28 attempts. The junior from Wesson threw four picks with a touchdown at JSU, but cut that INT total to one Thursday.

In two games, Davis has thrown for 554 yards on 38-of-68 attempts with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He is averaging 277 yards per game and has a 122.26 quarterback efficiency rating heading into the game at Valdosta State.

CASTILE SCORES FIRST CAREER TD FOR DSU
After grabbing over 50 passes and scoring seven touchdowns a year ago at Houston, senior transfer L.J. Castile scored his first touchdown as a Statesmen on a 26-yard reception from Micah Davis in the first quarter of Thursday's win over ATU. In two games, Castile has eight receptions for 121 yards and a score.

WE NEED A LITTLE MOORE
University of Wisconsin transfer Maurice Moore makes an impact on the game every time he steps on the field for the Statesmen. In two games, the Fort Worth, Texas native has 373 all-purpose yards and leads the Statesmen with eight receptions for 147 yards.

One of the top return men in the country, the speedster is averaging 20.5 yards per return, 226 yards on 11 returns, and 73.5 yards per game as a receiver. His 186.5 all-purpose yards per game ranks among the top five in the GSC headed into this week's game with the Blazers.

MARSHALL DELIVERS OPPOSING QBs HEADACHES
Junior defensive end and Youngstown State transfer Joe Marshall has been a force for the Statesmen on the edge this season, recording seven stops with 2.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks. In Thursday's win over ATU, the Clearwater, Fla., native kept the Wonder Boys revolving quarterbacks off their game by tallying four tackles with two tackles-for-loss and two sacks. Twice, Marshall's efforts kept ATU from gaining momentum in the contest, helping DSU claim the win.

CALDWELL BOOMING BALL FOR STATESMEN SPECIAL TEAMS
Call it extra practice, more time in the wight room, whatever the case, senior punter Tyler Caldwell has been a force on special teams for the Statesmen this season. In two games, the Laurel native has punted five times for 234 yards or a 46.5 yards per punt average. Two of his punts have gone over 50 yards, including a season-long 58 yard effort versus Arkansas Tech on Thursday.

STATESMEN AMONG NATION'S BEST PROGRAMS IN 2000's
To say the Delta State University football team had a successful run during the first 10 football seasons of the decade would be a major understatement.

DSU finished the first decade of the new millennium with the 12th best winning percentage in all of Division II football. The Statesmen have an impressive 84-33 record during the ten year span for a winning percentage of .718. The 84 victories are tied with Gulf South Conference rival North Alabama for 11th best.

DSU TO PARTICIPATE IN AFCA “COACH TO CURE MD”
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) is proud to sponsor the third year of Coach to Cure MD on September 25, 2010. Delta State football will participate for the third straight year, as the Statesmen host Henderson State University at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Coach to Cure MD is an incredible way to educate the country about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and raise money to fight this deadly opponent.

SPECTACULAR START
In his first start at quarterback for Delta State, redshirt junior Micah Davis passed for more yards than any other player in their first start for the university. Davis threw for 371 yards in the opening defeat to Jackson State, completing 23-of-40 passes and surpassing former Statesmen greats such as Scott Eyster, Scott Butler and Garrett Dewitt.

As a 4.0 student in the classroom, Davis has had no problem learning the offense under first year offensive coordinator Greg Stevens and teammates say he knows where everyone is supposed to be on each play. Micah's father, grandfather, and cousins all played at Delta State and now it is his turn to lead the Green and White.

LABOR DAY FACE LIFT
Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium enjoyed a face lift over the Labor Day weekend. The facility received a fresh coat of paint, while enhancements to the public address system got underway. Several additional items are planned this season.

DELTA STATE'S YANDALL CANDIDATE FOR GENE UPSHAW AWARD
The Gene Upshaw Award, presented annually to the nation's top NCAA Division II lineman, will have another Statesmen in the running this year, as senior center Phillip Yandall makes his case for the award. A 6-foot-4, 295-pound Leone, American Samoa native, Yandall is making the switch from right tackle to center. In 10 games last season, the powerful lineman graded at 89-percent or higher, including a season-high 95 percent versus Valdosta State. He also finished second on the team in knockdown and pancake blocks last year.

DELTA STATE TO RECOGNIZE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF 2000 TITLE
As part of the Homecoming festivities this year, Delta State head coach Ron Roberts and the Statesmen football team will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2000 NCAA Division II National Championship, where the Statesmen defeated Bloomsburg, 63-34, to claim the title. The 2000 squad will be honored during Homecoming festivities, as the Statesmen host Harding on October 16. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.

DELTA STATE PLAYING 11-GAME SCHEDULE
For most school's an 11-game regular season schedule is no problem, but for the more successful teams in NCAA Division II, it's becoming more difficult to complete a schedule. For the first time since Ron Roberts became head coach, the Statesmen will play all 11 dates this fall. Should DSU make a run at the NCAA DII National title, the green-and-white will play 16 consecutive weeks without a bye week.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION - STATESMEN ON TV IN 2010
The Statesmen will play under the big lights four times in the 2010 season. With three games on GSC-TV Live (9.30 vs West Alabama, 10.7 at Arkansas-Monticello and 10.28 vs North Alabama) and a nationally televised matchup with Arkansas Tech on CBS College Sports TV, Delta State will be in millions of households around the nation.

In televised games the Statesmen are 10-3, counting the 27-25 win over ATU on Thursday night, since the 2006 season, including a win against Valdosta State 31-23 at Parker Field McCool Stadium and a tough loss on the road at North Alabama 34-24 during the 2009 season.

TRANSFER U
Delta State has always been a popular destination for Division I transfers, with this year being no different. Ten players have come from bigger schools to see more playing time and help the Statesmen to contend for a Gulf South Conference championship. Six of the transfers coming over are playing at the wide-out position.

The list of schools players have transferred from include Wisconsin, Minnesota, Maryland, Kansas State, Houston, Iowa State, Colorado State, Akron, Stephen F. Austin, and Youngstown State.

This year's Division I transfers include: Dwight Tillman, Minnesota; Blake Swain, Colorado State; Maurice Moore, Wisconsin; LJ Castile, Houston; Lamar Young, Maryland; Darius Johnson, Kansas State; Joe Marshall, Youngstown St; Chance Dennis, SFA; Cameron Murray, Iowa State; Mitch Magloire, Akron.