VALDOSTA — It’s been two weeks since the Lowndes Vikings strapped on the pads. They will do so again today for the biggest game of the season.
The Vikings put bragging rights, and a possible region title, on the line when they host crosstown rival Valdosta at 8 p.m. at Martin Stadium.
Every season, the Winnersville Classic is the most watched game in Valdosta, and one of the biggest in South Georgia. As usual, the game has been sold out for a couple of days. This year, the matchup gets ratcheted up a notch, as Valdosta sits No. 1 in Region 1-AAAAA at 3-0, while Lowndes is No. 1B at 2-0.
The Wildcats play just two games after today, including the region’s No. 3 team, Coffee. The Vikings still have to face tough opponents in Tift County and Warner Robins, along with Colquitt County. A win by either team will go an extremely long way in the playoff picture.
Both schools missed the playoffs a year ago, but are having solid seasons this year. Lowndes, with one of the most diverse and powerful running games in the state, faces Valdosta’s quick defense, which is holding opponents to 15 points per game.
The Wildcats bring an offense featuring two of the region’s most talented skill players. Quarterback Michael Turner (651 yards, 4 TD) is only the second four-year starter in the school’s storied history, and former Cook star David Arnold (657 yards rushing, 234 yards receiving) is one of the region’s best running backs.
The Vikings’ defense, headlined by linebacker Tavaris Williams and a defensive front that features big T.J. Manning and Devon Simmons, will have the challenge of stopping Turner and Arnold.
“Their quarterback is a good quarterback, who has been starting there for three years before this year,” Lowndes head coach Randy McPherson said. “He’s a great player. We’re going to have to play great defense, and we’re going to have to not turn the ball over.”
Turnovers have been one of the Vikings’ few weak points this season, with a fumble or interception in all but two games.
Like previous McPherson-coached teams, the Vikings have been improving each week, especially their last three games. Lowndes defeated Central Gwinnett 42-0, then-No. 2 Coffee 42-13 and Houston County 33-7. The Vikings were off last week, giving them two weeks to prepare for tonight.
“We had the chance to heal our wounds, and get better fundamentally,” McPherson said. “We always look at open weeks as positive thing.”
The Vikings have been working inside Martin Stadium for the past two weeks, preparing for the region showdown of the season.
“I think we’re going to do pretty good,” Lowndes senior running back Darriet Perry said. “We have a pretty strong team, and we’ve been practicing for two weeks now. I think the hard work is going to pay off.”
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