VALDOSTA — For the second time in three weeks, a Friday is upon us and I am not covering high school football. I am not sure I will get used to that feeling, largely because I have been covering high school football for the Times for four seasons now. But today will be the last Friday I will miss of the high school football season. At least I was able to cover the Cook-Dougherty game Thursday night in Albany.

I do have to admit, I am looking forward to this trip to Dallas and the opportunity to take in a football game at Cowboys Stadium. I am also looking forward to seeing former Valdosta Daily Times sports writer and my good friend Adam MacDonald, who is flying in from Fort Myers, Fla. As many of you know, Adam is afraid of flying, and I wish I could see him today on that airplane. I guess seeing him freak out when I suggested going to Six Flags to ride all of the roller coasters will have to suffice.

Anyways, let’s get down to tonight’s high school action. There aren’t really many games that jump off the page when looking at tonight’s schedule. As for the pick ’em standings: Christian and I are tied. Minus Brooks County’s upset win over Valdosta, I got all of last week’s games correct. Christian didn’t have Berrien beating Brantley County, like I did. So we are both 15-6 this season.

 

Memorial Day at Valwood

The Valiants and Matadors are a combined 5-0 this season, and this matchup is the most intriguing of the week. The reality of this whole thing is Valwood is too good, and I am not sure there are any teams that can beat the Valiants — other than the Valiants themselves. Good thing I don’t see head coach Ashley Henderson letting his team slip up. Quarterback Jake Lastinger continues his impressive start to the season, leading the Valiants to a 3-0 mark so far this season.

Ed: Valwood wins 41-24

Christian: Valwood wins 35-21

 

Windsor Forest at Lowndes

The Knights were off last week, and I can imagine their coaches were sitting somewhere in Martin Stadium taking in the Vikings. Too bad I don’t think the extra week of scouting and rest will do much good. Lowndes is Lowndes. The Vikings don’t lose non-region games in September against lesser competition. This is no McEachern coming into the Concrete Palace to face the Vikings tonight. The punch of Nick Burgman in the first half with Ahman Brown in the second makes the Vikings’ running game fun to watch. Lowndes’ defense is playing at an extremely high level right now, too.

Ed: Lowndes wins 55-8

Christian: Lowndes wins 52-0

 

Crisp County at Valdosta

The Wildcats have the perfect opponent to bounce back from that upset loss to Brooks County. Crisp County makes a visit to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium coming off two losses to start the season, including a blowout loss to Cook last week. In fact, the Cougars have yet to score a single point this season. I can imagine the Wildcats are mad and ready to hit the field again, largely to prove they are still a solid football team. If you need proof, just look at what Valdosta State did last week to Fort Valley after a season-opening loss to Saginaw Valley State.

Ed: Valdosta wins 66-3

Christian: Valdosta wins 49-0

 

Lanier County at Berrien

The second matchup of local teams on the young season features the Bulldogs visiting the Rebels tonight in Nashville. Last season, the Bulldogs and Rebels met in Lakeland, and it was close throughout the first half, but Lanier County pulled away in the second half. Later in the season, Berrien earned its only win of the season with a win over Brantley County. Coming into this week’s meeting with Lanier County, the Rebels already have a win, a 31-6 win over Brantley County. Lanier County bounced back from the loss to Long County with a win over Calhoun County, which beat Berrien two weeks ago.

Ed: Lanier County wins 29-17

Christian: Lanier County wins 21-14

 

Seminole County at Clinch County

After a 27-point loss to Eagles Landing Christian last week, the Panthers are back at home this week. My folks over in Homerville, tonight I am picking the Panthers. Let’s be honest, Jim Dickerson will have this team ready to play tonight. I know Clinch County is in the middle of a rebuilding year, but I still like the Panthers tonight.

Ed: Clinch County wins 27-21

Christian: Clinch County wins 17-14

 

Valdosta State vs. Angelo State (Cowboys Stadium)

Saturday’s dominating win over Fort Valley State was one of the most complete games the Blazers have played since I started covering them for the VSU student newspaper in 2009. They were dominant in all three phases of the game. This week, the Blazers face another south opponent in Angelo State, who is allowing just 228 yards of offense to opposing teams. The Rams have a really good running back, a former Oklahoma Sooner, and a quarterback that can sling it around. If the Blazers don’t get too distracted about Cowboys Stadium, and can put together another complete game, I think they should be all right. Heck, if they play like they did last week, I am not sure if there are many teams in the nation can beat them.

Ed: Valdosta State wins 24-20

Christian: Valdosta State wins 31-17

 

Idle: Brooks County