NDC loses in D-II national semifinal

Big plays paved the way for Valdosta State on Dec. 8, and because of them Notre Dame College’s magical season is over.

The Falcons (13-1) came up short in a 30-24 loss to the nation’s No. 1-ranked team in an NCAA Division II national semifinal at Valdosta, Ga.

The Blazers (13-0) trailed NDC, 10-9, at halftime and the Falcons took the opening possession of the third quarter inside the VSU 5. However, on a third-down play, David Brown intercepted a Chris Brimm pass at the goal line and returned 100 yards for a TD.

“That play didn’t cost us the game. But it certainly swung momentum,” NDC coach Mike Jacobs told reporters in the postgame. “It was a huge play for them. It was a critical play.”

It was a back-breakingtype play against the Falcons. But they didn’t quit. They parlayed a blocked punt deep in VSU territory into a Brimm 1-yard TD run to close the gap to 23-17.

But in a blink, it was another big play for Valdosta State as Jamar Thompkins ripped off an 84-yard TD run for the Blazers’ biggest offensive play of the game. It gave the home team a 3017 lead.

NDC linebacker Guam Lee gave the Falcons life late in the game by returning a fumble 82 yard to make it 30-24 with 2:20 remaining. However, NDC’s on-side kick attempt wasn’t successful, and the Blazers ran out the clock.

Valdosta State entered the game averaging a nation’s-best 542 yards, but had just 130 at the break. It finished with 329. The Falcons had 371.

The game featured two Harlon Hill Trophy finalists in VSU quarterback Rogan Wells and NDC running back Jaleel McLaughlin. Wells won the war, but McLaughlin was the individual battle.

McLaughlin entered the game with a nation’s-best 2,246 rushing yards and added to that total with 175 yard on 32 attempts. That gives him a whopping 2,421 yards in 14 games, a total that could be enough to earn the freshman the Harlon Hill, which goes to the nation’s best player in Division II. The winner is announced Dec. 11.

Wells was 11 of 14 passing for 134 yards and a touchdown.

For NDC, Brimm finished 22 of 38 passing for 193 yards with a TD and an interception. VASJ grad Marvelle Ross had six catches for 78 yards, and Markus Hood hauled in four for 51 yards and an 8-yard TD reception.

Despite the loss, the 2018 season was historic for NDC, which won its first conference title, made the playoffs for the first time and advanced to the semifinal round. All that gives Jacobs optimism heading into 2019 and beyond.

“I can’t say enough about how much this team has done to really set this program on a new course to raise the floor of what we’re capable of,” said Jacobs. Browns scouting report

Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner was the Browns’ OC under Rob Chudzinski in 2013 . ... The Panthers are 4-1 vs. the Browns . ... Mike Adams, a Browns safety from 2007-11, is the Panthers’ starting free safety . ... The Panthers have scored 107 of their 304 points in the fourth quarter . ... The Panthers have 16 takeaways – 11 fewer than the Browns.

Cornerback Denzel Ward remains in concussion protocol and will not play against the Panthers . ... Running backs Nick Chubb (131), Carlos Hyde (114) and Duke Johnson have combined for 273 carries without a lost fumble. ... The Browns are 3-2-1 at FirstEnergy Stadium in 2018. ... Greg Joseph has gone three straight games without attempting a field goal.