Valiants look to punch ticket to state title game against Knights
Published 11:18 pm Thursday, November 9, 2017
- Mary Ann Miller | Special to the TimesValwood’s Cam Carter (18) carries the ball against John Milledge Academy during a GISA second round playoff game at Goddard Field on Friday night.
VALDOSTA –– After bouncing the defending GISA Class 3A state champions from the playoffs last week, the Valwood Valiants (8-3) travel to St. Simons to face the Frederica Academy Knights (7-3) in the GISA semifinals.
During game prep this week, Valwood coach Ashley Henderson admitted that while the Knights’ speed is hard to replicate, knowing what formations are coming should be vital.
“There’s no scout look that can simulate their speed at all,” Henderson said. “Our guys have done a good job showing their multiple formations and motions and what not. There’s a number of guys––when you talk Frederica, everybody talks about (Jashawn) Sheffield and (Jaylin) Simpson but their running back (Isaiah Jackson) is a heck of a player, too. It’s hardly just those two, they’ve got a really good supporting cast over there and a number of guys that can score any time they touch the ball.”
Aside from strong games by Cam Walker, Caleb Burns and others, a new X-factor has emerged in the Valwood backfield––junior running back Cam Carter. Since starting running back Colby Thomas went down with a leg injury, Carter has 25 carries for 165 yards and three touchdowns over the last three games.
“Cam is one of our guys all year getting limited carries with Colby in there,” Henderson said. “He’s very patient and works very, very hard and he’s getting the carries now and it’s paying off for him.”
For the Valiants, tonight’s game marks the fifth time in six years they’ve advanced to the semis. When asked what that feat means at this point, Valwood coach Ashley Henderson was in no mood to discuss the past when it comes to this year’s group.
“We really don’t worry about anything in the past,” Henderson said. “We worry about what we can control and enjoy the moment. As far as what we’ve done in the past, it’s a tribute to every class that’s come through here and done the work that’s been required and won the games and made the plays. This bunch, they’re not really worried about history as I’m sure Frederica’s not worried about our history. Both teams are ready for a football game (tonight).”