VALDOSTA — The future of Lanier County football is brighter than it has been in some time.

However, the present features a meeting against No. 4 Irwin County (5-1, 3-0) on Friday with kickoff from Roquemore Field set for 7:30 p.m.

Over the next two weeks, Lanier County (1-5, 0-3) will get to see just how far its come this season as it hosts the past two Region 2-A champions.

“I think the big thing for us, the next two weeks we’ll be playing two of the (top 10) teams in the state in A in Irwin and Clinch,” said Bulldogs head coach Carl Parker. “The truth is, it’s an opportunity to measure our program up and see where we’ve come.

“There’s a very talented group in front of us that have a reputation of being physical, and that’s where we’re trying to get to, so it’ll be a good test for us.”

Lanier County enters the matchup still trying to earn its second win of the season for the first time since 2013, but if the program’s progress isn’t apparent in the record book, it is in the product on the field.

Through six games, the Bulldogs are averaging more than 22 points per game — the most of any Lanier County team since 2008.

To make what the Bulldogs are accomplishing offensively even more impressive is, a majority of the production has come with a freshman calling the shots at quarterback.

Lanier County’s coaching staff made the decision to go with Rashad Brockington as its full-time starter over senior Noah Tuten, who has been banged up much of the season, and it proved to be a wise choice.

Last week, Brockington completed 17-of-30 passes for 419 yards in a 49-26 loss against Wilcox County, breaking the state record for most passing yards in a game by a freshman set by Trevor Lawrence set in 2014.

“Rashad is a very talented young man,” Parker said. “Coach (Keith) Chattin, our offensive coordinator, has done a great job just helping him understand what we’re trying to do on offense. He’s very blessed right now in that he’s got older guys at his disposal, but at the same time, he makes really good decisions and trusts the guys in front of him.

“He didn’t pull it down a bunch. He pulled it down whenever he needed to and did some good things. He’s got a bright future, and we’re excited.”

Brockington tossed three interceptions against Wilcox, and he’s sure to have his hands full against Irwin County. It’ll be another important step in his development as Lanier County’s signal caller.

“The people that we play this week are fast and physical, so the bullets are going to be flying at a faster pace,” Parker said. “He’s going to have to make good decisions and be wise with what he does.”

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