VALDOSTA — As the state playoffs continue, Valdosta has found themselves against their most formidable opponents yet tonight, Carrollton High School’s Trojans. Undefeated in region games, Carrollton has taken commanding victories in nearly all of their matches, with their only loss of the season coming from Langston Hughes High School in their first game.

Last Friday, Valdosta’s Wildcats took a decisive win over Archer, scoring 41-16. Head coach Shelton Felton looks to capitalize on the roll that that team’s offense is on coming out of the most recent win, stating, “We’re running the ball well, and when you dominate, it brings a boost of confidence going into the next game.”

The Trojans are led by Southern Cal commit Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis. Lewis has thrown for 2,625 yards and 41 touchdowns on the year while only being picked off once. In their first round win over Harrison, all Lewis did was throw for 435 yards and seven touchdowns, all in not quite three quarters.

When asked about the team’s mindset going into Friday, Felton said, “We’re gonna play Valdosta football, our style of football, and that’s what we’re gonna do.”

The teams in this tournament’s brackets are nothing short of solid, with many records as impressive or better than Carrollton’s. If Valdosta succeeds tonight, Mill Creek High School (11-0) and Walton High School (11-0) are sizable challenges that could come down the line.

Discussing how Valdosta plans to take down these challenges, coach Felton said, “We’re going to play fundamental football, execute the right plays, and simultaneously eliminate their big plays.”

The Wildcats and the Trojans face off at Grisham Stadium at 7:30 p.m. in Carrollton. The team that comes out on top will face the victor in the North Gwinnett High School versus Walton High School game in the elite eight round on Nov. 24, 2023.