From staff reports.

From the opening drive of the game, Delta State University gave notice that it wouldn’t be stopped.

The Statesmen dominated North Alabama, a team that had earlier in the season beaten DSU, for a 27-10 win. The victory sends the Statesmen (12-2) into the Division II national semifinal game against unbeaten Grand Valley State (13-0). It will be the third straight unbeaten team the Statesmen will play. The game is scheduled for Sunday, but a location and game time were not yet determined.

&#8220Simply outstanding, a great performance by everyone today,” DSU head coach Rick Rhoades said. &#8220The offensive and defensive units were outstanding, and you have to tip your hat to the Lions for never giving up.”

Senior quarterback Scott Eyster, a four-time finalist for the Conerly Trophy given to the best college football player in Mississippi, finished 26-of-35 for 227 yards and two touchdowns.

Jeremy Ricks led all players with nine catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Steven Davis finished with 104 yards on 14 carries and another 45 yards on eight catches.

The Statesmen jumped out to a 7-0 lead just 2:43 seconds into the game on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Eyster to Ricks.

Ricks caught his second touchdown pass midway through the second quarter from 15 yards out. Sid Halliday’s extra point attempt sailed wide-right, giving the Statesmen a 13-0 lead with 7:44 left in the half.

The Lions (11-1) recovered a Davis fumble and ran all the way to the six yard line before Eyster made a touchdown-saving tackle. The Statesmen defense held the Lions to a Yuta Fukuda field goal from 24 yards out with three seconds left in the half which cut the lead to 13-3 at halftime.

The Lions got the ball to start the half, but again could not move down the field against the determined Statesmen defense and were forced to punt.

After a couple of defensive stands by each team, the Statesmen got the ball back with 6:35 left in the third quarter. The Statesmen drove 60 yards for a touchdown on a 23-yard run by Eyster for a 20-3 lead. The Statesmen added one more touchdown late in the fourth quarter in front of a dwindling home crowd.

The Lions got their only touchdown with just six seconds remaining in the game when A.J. Milwee hit Jason Messing from 12 yards out. Fukuda’s kick was good for the final point in a 27-10 victory for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen offense tallied 496 total yards, 227 passing and 269 rushing, while the defense held the Lions high powered offense to just 148 yards. The Statesmen ran 74 plays to the Lions’ 50. Lardester Hicks led the defense with seven tackles, Michael Eubanks recorded three sacks, and Scott Felando intercepted his first pass of the season.