BOX SCORE

McKINNEY, Texas – Valdosta State struggled early and was unable to recover as it fell 49-14 to Ferris State in the 2024 NCAA Division II Football Championship game at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas.

The Blazers offense produced 311 yards. Sammy Edwards threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns while completing 25-of-42 passes. The Blazers rushed for 121 total yards and were led by Alfonso Franklin who had a game-high 102 yards on 14 carries. Franklin finished the game with 116 all-purpose yards. 

Defensively, Larry Elder led the way with game-high 14 tackles, including six solo stops. Valdosta State finished with 69 total tackles and two pass breakups.

Tyler Ajiero accounted for Valdosta State’s opening score with a 38 yard catch to make it 21-7 with 2:49 left in the half. Blake Hester also had a touchdown with a six-yard reception midway through the third, trimming to the deficit to 35-14.

Ferris State led 28-7 at the half, scoring on its first three drives of the game. The Bulldogs (14-1) scored twice more in third and once in the fourth, while finishing the game 465 yards of offense, including 251 yards rushing. 

Valdosta State finished the 2024 season with a 13-1 record overall, as the program made its seventh title game appearance.