File PhotoAdam Carter, right, and DeMario Jones coach in Valdosta’s spring game at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on May 14, 2016.

VALDOSTA — More additions to the Valdosta High football coaching staff are to come as the Wildcats look to fill holes left by the departures of defensive coordinator Adam Carter and defensive ends coach Stacey Duckworth.

Carter accepted the head coach position of Creekview High School’s football program in Canton, and Duckworth is retiring from coaching after 30 years in the profession.

Both coaches have been instrumental in continuing Valdosta’s defensive excellence under head coach Alan Rodemaker since he was promoted from defensive coordinator two years ago.

Over the past two seasons, the Wildcats have allowed fewer than 248 yards per game — a paltry 120 yards through the air.

Rodemaker said he was happy for Duckworth, and joked he’d be glad when he got his “30” in.

He was also glad to see Carter get another shot as a head coach.

“I’m happy for those guys when they move up,” Rodemaker said. “If every coach that leaves here goes into a better job, I feel good about that. I feel good that maybe I helped them, maybe our program helped them get to a higher level.”

Carter spent a year at the helm of the program at the Bradwell Institute before spending a season as the defensive coordinator at Reinhardt University. Following a year as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Marietta, Carter landed at Valdosta.

Coaching under a renowned defensive mind like Rodemaker, Carter blended his own philosophy into the mix and brought some innovative ideas to the weight room. He’s been an important part of the success of a unit that’s held opposing teams to 18 points per game.

“I know people say I’m involved, but he did a lot of organization, he did a lot of stuff for practice schedules, he really did a good job of organizing those coaches on that side and really giving us some direction,” Rodemaker said.

Former Creekview head coach Terry Crowder resigned his position in December to start a football program in Forsyth County.

Familiar with program from his time at Reinhardt, Carter expressed interest in the opening, and he was ultimately tapped to become the third head coach of the Grizzlies, fulfilling a career goal.

“I feel like it’s a place I can go and win, obviously at the end of the day that’s the ultimate goal,” Carter said. “But I also feel like it’s a good community to grow my family and to establish ourselves and those things.”

Creekview began its football program in 2006, and though its 79-47 overall, it has yet to advance past the first round of the GHSA playoffs.

Carter is hoping to carry the passion of football in Valdosta and breathe it into the program at Creekview.

“When you get to come to a place like Valdosta, you learn a ton, and it’s not just Xs and Os stuff, it’s about a program,” Carter said. “It’s about how to grow a program and how to run a program. Coach Rod has been great. Me and him have a great relationship, I think. He’s letting me grow a little bit.

“It’s been a good experience. You’re able to take some ideas from south Georgia up to metro Atlanta. Sometimes that’s a tough sell, but when you start talking about raising money, and getting a booster club built that can support a program, those are ideas my booster club guy up there, he’s jacked up about.”

Rodemaker hasn’t yet decided on the best alignment of assistants he’ll bring in to fill the coaching staff. Duckworth’s position is likely to be absorbed by defensive line coach DeMario Jones as the Wildcats continue to lineup in 3-4 looks more often.

After coaching the secondary in his first season at Valdosta, Carter focused on the inside linebacker position group aside from his duties as defensive coordinator.

The Wildcats aren’t looking to fill a specific role on the staff.

“I’m just looking for our best two assistants,” Rodemaker said.

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