Box Score CLEVELAND, Miss. –Delta State University Statesmen football (5-4 overall, 2-3 GSC) fell to No. 1 Valdosta State (9-0 overall, 5-0 GSC) 49-20 Saturday afternoon on a rainy Senior Day.
 
Valdosta entered the game ranked first in the conference in offense and defense and demonstrated why in the early minutes of the contest. Scoring in their opening drive and then scoring on a blocked punt in Delta State's first possession, the Statesmen faced an early 14-0 deficit.
 
On its next possession, Delta State went 75 yards on six plays that ended with Cole Kirk scoring on a 25-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit in half, 14-7, with 5:04 left in the first quarter.
 
The Blazers scored again to open the second quarter, notching the score at 21-7 in favor of Valdosta.
 
Midway through the second quarter, Nick Herber split the uprights on a 26-yard field goal, as Delta State trailed 21-10.
 
After another Blazer touchdown, Herber connected on his second field goal of the night from 20 yards out for the Statesmen to head to the locker room at halftime down 28-13.
 
After Valdosta scored two more touchdowns to take the lead 42-13 to close out the third quarter, the Statesmen ended a 15-minute scoring drought when Kirk found Jaylen Green deep left for the 18-yard touchdown to notch the score at 42-20.
 
The Blazers scored once more at the 5:01 mark in the fourth quarter, making the final 49-20.
 
Turnovers proved detrimental for Delta State, committing three turnovers that led to two scores for the Blazers.
 
Defensive back Taylon Doss recorded his first interception, while also recovering a muffed onside kick.
 
Delta State will wrap up the season on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Mississippi College, as they face the Choctaws at 12 p.m.