VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) -
Valdosta State will be short-handed when they host Carson-Newman in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals on Saturday.
The NCAA has suspended VSU receiver Regginald Lewis for Saturday's playoff game.
Blazers head coach David Dean has also been publicly reprimanded for the incident.
The NCAA says Lewis targeted West Alabama's kicker with a vicious hit during a first quarter kickoff.
VSU did appeal the penalty but that appeal was denied.
The suspension of Lewis means VSU will be without their second leading receiver for Saturday's playoff game.
The Blazers have a deep receiving corps but Lewis' speed has prevented opponents from taking away VSU's other deep threat Seantavious Jones.
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"We have had to adjust our game plan. Our kids though are coming out focused. They know the ruling that has taken place. I think they are going to rally around it. Step up and try to win another one. So, we can get him back out on the field next week", said VSU head coach David Dean.
VSU linemen Ryan Schraeder and Edmund Kugbila, quarterback Cayden Cochran and receiver Gerald Ford were named first team all-region players.
Linebacker Chris Pope earned second team honors.
VSU will kick off at 12:00 p.m. Saturday against Carson-Newman at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
