From staff reports

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Delta State defeated top-ranked Valdosta State 27-24 in double overtime Thursday night in a key Gulf South Conference game.

Tom Santos booted a 36-yard field goal in the second overtime to give the 13th-ranked Statesmen the victory.

After 60 minutes of regulation, six combined turnovers had the two GSC powerhouses tied at 24. In the first overtime, Delta State quickly forced a turnover, as Dominic Spinks picked off Chris Hart’s pass in the corner of the end zone. 

Only needing a field goal to win, Valdosta’s defense stiffened and stopped the Statesmen after a Trevar Deed fumble.

In the second OT, Santos’ field goal gave DSU a 3-point lead, but Valdosta had its shot to win the game. On third down, Valdosta freshman quarterback Chris Hart fumbled at the 15 yard line andDSU’s Damian Davis recovered to seal the victory.

The Statesmen improved to 4-1 overall with the win and 3-0 in the conference, while the Blazers slipped to 4-1 and 2-1 in league play.