Brindle helps Blazers blaze a path to win at McEachern

by Carlton D. White cwhite@mdjonline.com The Marietta Daily Journal

Valdosta States Bryson Brindle, a former Allatoona High School standout, puts the pressure on Winston-Salem State quarterback DMetrius Smith (14) during the Division II powers game Saturday at McEachern. Staff photo by Jeff Stanton

The game, a rematch of the 2012 NCAA Division II national championship won by Valdosta State, started slowly after neither team scored in the first quarter.

That changed 3 seconds into the second period when Valdosta State quarterback Jake Medlock capped an eight-play, 61-yard with a 1-yard touchdown run, and Kenny Murphys 2-point conversion gave the Blazers an 8-0 lead.

Winston-Salem State answered when Terry Ross 52-yard interception return trimmed the deficit to 8-7.

Cedric ONeals 3-yard run capped a 10-play, 70-yard Blazers drive and Valdosta State took a 15-7 lead into halftime.

Winston-Salem State responded after the break behind Alejandro Suarezs 21-yard field goal, for a 15-10 Valdosta State lead.

The Blazers added to their margin just over 4 minutes later when ONeal, who had 11 carries for 26 yards, scored his second touchdown from 5 yards out for a 22-10 advantage.

Quarterback Phil Sims kept the Rams close by directing a 14-play, 99-yard drive, resulting in a 15-yard touchdown catch for Marcel Caver to pull Winston-Salem State within 22-17 with 13:52 left in the game.

The Rams final possession nearly led to the game-winning score as Winston-Salem State recovered a fumbled punt return and drove to the Blazers 2, where they had first-and-goal. Rudy Johnson ran in for a 2-yard touchdown, but the play was called back for a holding penalty.

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Brindle helps Blazers blaze a path to win at McEachern