VALDOSTA — There’s a lot of similarities between the two teams that will square off at 7:30 p.m. today at McConnell-Talbert Stadium in Warner Robins.

Valdosta High (2-4) and Region 1-6A rival No. 4 Northside-Warner Robins (5-1) are two of the top programs in the classification powered by strong defenses fostered by the head coaches leading their respective teams.

The Wildcats and Eagles engaged in a low-scoring last season, in which the black and gold squeaked out a 14-6 triumph at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium despite Northside more than doubling Valdosta’s offensive output 340-124.

The great equalizer in Valdosta’s victory was turnovers, and head coach Alan Rodemaker believes protecting the ball will once again be key.

“They had two turnovers, including one on a punt return that really changed the whole scope of the game,” Rodemaker said. “I just can’t help but think it’s going to be just the same. Points will be at a premium (today) because both defenses have played well up to this point.”

Statistics bely the strength of a Valdosta defense that has spent much of the season compensating for a scuffling offense. The Wildcats have allowed 21.5 points per game this season, but they’re still holding teams to just 227 yards of offense per game.

Northside has held opposing teams to fewer than 10 points per game through six games this season, and just six points per contest since a 28-17 loss in its season opener against rival Warner Robins. The Eagles are holding teams to an average of 174.8 yards per game.

Gritty defense has become a hallmark of Northside since Kevin Kinsler first arrived in Warner Robins.

“Their head coach is a defensive guy, kind of like the guy down here,” said Rodemaker when asked what’s made the Eagles’ defense so formidable. “Kinsler is a defensive guy. He was there with Conrad Nix as a coordinator.

“He’s coached for 34 years, so he may have been there for over 20 of it I know. He’s a good football coach. They’ve got good players as well.”

Northside’s defense has allowed an average of just 12 points per contest in 97 games since Kinsler took over as head coach in 2010 — going 85-12 and winning a Class 5A state championship in that span.

The Eagles defense hasn’t allowed more than 16 points per game over the course of a season in the Kinsler era.

Valdosta experienced an offensive breakthrough of sorts last week in a 44-14 victory against Thomas County, nearly matching its season total in points scored entering the contest.

The Wildcats racked up 326 yards of offense powered by an extremely efficient passing attack featuring quarterbacks Jude Ard and Tate Rodemaker, who combined to complete 11-of-15 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns.

Rajae’z Mosley also rushed for 56 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries to spearhead a ground attack that produced 101 yards.

Valdosta needs another effective, balanced offensive performance against Northside.

The return of senior quarterback Hunter Holt should help. Holt has been recovering from a broken collarbone he suffered in the Wildcats’ second game of the season, and Rodemaker said he’s on track to make his return against the Eagles.

Holt completed 69 percent of his passes last season for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns with just one interception, and he has the ability to hurt a defense with his legs, as evidenced by the 676 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground a year ago.

All three quarterbacks, Holt, Ard and Tate Rodemaker could see time directing Valdosta’s offense today.

Three different quarterbacks are also expected to take snaps for Northside. DeShawn Cumby has completed 55 percent of his passes for 213 yards and a touchdown on the season and Jadin Danies has 202 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 44 percent passing.

Marcus Jolly will also line up under center, along with everywhere else on the field. Jolly has only thrown three passes this season, but he’s rushed for 202 yards and four touchdowns on just 23 carries (8.8 yards per carry) and he’s caught 13 passes for 153 yards and another score.

“We understand that Jolly is going to run the football more,” Rodemaker said. “And when he’s not at quarterback, they try to get him the ball a bit.

“He’s their playmaker, he’s the guy they try to get the ball to, so we’re certainly going to know where he’s at all the time.”

Valdosta must also contend with running back Daniel Neal, who paces Northside with 363 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. Overall, the Eagles have six of the top 13 rushers in the region.

Last season, the Wildcats made stops on their end of the field to force the Eagles to attempt three field goals on the evening, one of which was missed from 38 yards with fewer than four minutes remaining.

This season, settling for field goals could work out in Northside’s favor.

“They’ve got a field goal kicker this year,” Rodemaker said. “They get on our end of the field, it’s almost a guaranteed three points.”

Derrick Davis is the sports editor at the Valdosta Daily Times.