FLORENCE, Ala. -- Michael Terry scored a touchdown with 22 seconds left as Valdosta State beat Northwest Missouri State, 25-20, Saturday for the Division II championship, the Bearcats' third consecutive title-game loss.

Terry's 1-yard TD run capped an eight-play, 37-yard drive sparked by Willie Copeland's four straight completions for 27 yards. Valdosta (13-1) overcame a 14-3 halftime deficit as

Northwest Missouri finished the season 12-2.

"I don't know if words can describe the disappointment that I feel for these guys," Bearcats coach Mel Tjeerdsma said. "They've done a great job and we've had a great run. They got beat by a very good football team."

Valdosta State's William Montford intercepted a desperation pass by Joel Osborn with 16 seconds left to preserve the win, and Blazers fans swarmed the field, soggy after a cold rainstorm blew through.

Labels: college sports, D-II, football