VALDOSTA, Ga. — Valdosta State opened the 2026 season with a win over Emory & Henry, scoring 38 points behind a defense that allowed only 10.

Transfer quarterback Champ Harris made his first start for the Blazers instead of returner Jameson Holcomb, who was sidelined for part of the summer with an injury. Harris completed passes to his tight ends, ran for a touchdown and finished with 138 total yards. Holcomb played some snaps in the game.

Tight ends factor into passing game

Harris threw two passing touchdowns, both to tight ends. Rowan Dowell scored on a pass in the flat for the first points of the season. Bo Talavast caught a touchdown pass in the back of the end zone.

Paschall leads rushing attack

The Blazers rushed for 374 yards as a team. Shawn Paschall led the way with 127 yards on the ground, including an 89-yard touchdown run.

“So, like, so I’ve been hearing stuff from teams saying, oh, I was just a freshman last year, that was just my luck,” Paschall said. “So I just had to tell them I’m back, like, I’m just taking it from high school, bringing it to college, and it’s up from here. That’s just how I feel. I just want to be the best player I can for my team, honestly.”

Paschall and Harris have known each other since they were 8 years old, according to Paschall.

“Man, Champ and I been knowing each other since we were eight years old,” Paschall said. “He always played above me, and we always just tell each other, we got to play together. One day, we got to play together, like, ain’t no matter the little league. And I promise you, when my coach, told me, oh, Champ come here, I’m like, oh, yeah, this is going to be that year.”

Defense limits Emory & Henry offense

Valdosta State held Emory & Henry to 230 yards of total offense. The Blazers’ defense recorded three sacks, including plays involving Julius Paschal, Cole Lambert and Jaden Bethea. One play was originally called targeting before replay overturned the call and it was ruled a sack. The opening kickoff featured a hit from Malik Moore. Of Emory & Henry’s 10 points, three came off a kickoff return to open the second half.

Valdosta State led 21-10 in the third quarter.

The Blazers are in their second season under coach Graham Craig. They will play Warner at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in one week, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

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