VALDOSTA —
Memorial Day Matadors (2-0) at Valwood Valiants (3-0)
The Valdosta Daily Times’ Game of the Week features the Valwood Valiants hosting the Memorial Day Matadors at Goddard Field Friday night. The two teams are a combined 5-0 this season, winning by an average of 29.6 points per contest. Valwood has victories over Windsor Academy, Edmund Burke and Flint River Academy. Memorial Day is 2-0 with victories over Mount de Sales, which hosts Valwood Sept. 28, and Frederica Academy. Valwood is 4-2 all-time against Memorial Day. Friday’s meeting is the first since 1997.
Windsor Forest Knights (0-1) at Lowndes Vikings (2-0)
The Knights were idle last week while the Vikings shut out the Newton Rams. Windsor Forest started the season with a 25-7 loss to Sun Valley (N.C.). Lowndes defeated Windsor Forest 50-0 in the 2007 state playoffs and 56-7 in the 2004 state playoffs, both years Lowndes won state championships. Lowndes’ defense has been impressive, posting three shutouts in the past five games. Offensively, the Vikings have shown they are pounding the ball with backs Nick Burgman, Tevin Brown and Ahman Brown. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. from Martin Stadium.
Crisp County Cougars (0-2) at Valdosta Wildcats (1-1)
After an upset loss to Brooks County last week, the Valdosta Wildcats will host the Crisp County Cougars Friday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. It’s a perfect way to bounce back for Valdosta. In their two games, the Cougars have failed to score a single point. Last week, the Cook Hornets blew out Crisp County, 37-0. In week 1, Crisp County lost to Turner County, 6-0. Valdosta is 10-0 all-time against Crisp County, although Friday’s meeting will be the first between the two schools since 1979.
Cook Hornets (2-0) at Dougherty Trojans (0-2)
After pitching two-straight defensive shutouts, the Hornets visit the Dougherty Trojans tonight for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Trojans are 0-2 on the season, losing to Lee County and Westside. Cook is 2-0 with victories over Worth County and Crisp County. For more on this game, see ‘Thursday night football.’
Lanier County Bulldogs (2-1) at Berrien Rebels (1-1)
Both teams enter Friday night’s contest coming off victories. Lanier County bounced back from an embarrassing 30-6 loss to Long County with an 18-14 win over Calhoun County last week. Berrien defeated Brantley County 34-6 last week. The Rebels opened the season with a 36-26 loss to Calhoun County. Lanier County defeated Atkinson County to start the season. Last year, Lanier County pulled away from Berrien, earning a 39-13 win at Roquemore Field in Lakeland. Friday’s game will be the home opener for the Rebels. Kickoff at Raymond Jones Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.
Seminole County Indians (1-1) at Clinch County Panthers (1-2)
After a 27-point loss to Eagles Landing Christian last week, the Clinch County Panthers return home this week to face the Seminole County Indians. Seminole County is 1-1 this season, headlined by a 34-32 win over Turner County last week. The Panthers’ only win this season was earned at Donald Tison Field, a 36-20 win over Mitchell County. Clinch County is 9-0 all-time against Seminole County. Friday’s meeting will be the first between the two schools since 2008.
Idle: Brooks County
After an impressive 3-0 start, headlined by a 28-24 upset victory over Valdosta last week, Brooks County is idle Friday night. The Trojans return to action Sept. 21 at Mitchell County. The Trojans open region play Sept. 28 against Early County, which sits with a 2-0 record.
