By Becky Taylor

becky.taylor@gaflnews.com

VALDOSTA — Football has

Caison Kirkland/Valdosta Daily Times
Valdosta’s Corey Howard breaks through the Colquitt County offensive line to pressure QB Cohen Lawson.

seen plenty of home games this season. Tonight might seem a bit strange in that it is a full schedule, but three of the four local teams are on the road.

Undefeated Valdosta heads off to Richmond Hill, Valwood goes to Deerfield-Windsor and undefeated Georgia Christian plays an eight-man game at David Emanuel Academy. Only Lowndes will light up a home field this week, playing in a key game against Camden County.

The Valdosta machine goes back on the road for the first time in a month. Their destination is a Richmond Hill team eager for an upset.

There are three Wildcats among Region 1’s six teams, only one less than the amount of schools carrying 1-1 region records. Richmond Hill is one of these. These Bryan County-based Wildcats won their opener against Tift County, but fell in a 28-10 decision to Camden last week.

Richmond Hill’s attack is almost entirely rushing. Kirk Scott has attempted only 32 passes this year, completing 17. When Scott does connect, the throws tend to go places as five of the 17 completions are for touchdowns.

Without Deron Foster and with Todd Robinson limited, Valdosta struggled to find offense in its 7-3 win over Colquitt, Defense was especially a strong suit as they held off several late charges from the Packers.

Prince Jean and Marquis Fennell stepped up big for Valdosta where Robinson couldn’t on the ground. Robinson was still effective in the pocket and leads 1-6A in completions (112) and yards (1,327).

A win over Richmond Hill would give Valdosta even better odds of winning the Region 1-6A title. Their two remaining games are Tift County (0-2) and Lowndes (1-1).

Lowndes still has a path to the title, but it’s not an easy one.

A win over Camden County is a must. The Kingsland Wildcats evened their region record last week with a victory over Richmond Hill after falling in their opener to Valdosta. Lowndes also evened its mark, beating Tift after dropping their opener to Colquitt.

Like Valdosta, Camden was also dinged up, without Jordan Hardy to lead rushing. In his stead, Antwan Williams gained 140 against Richmond Hill. Camden passes more this year with Parks Riendeau and has an outstanding receiver with Elyiss Williams.

Lowndes held Tift rushing in check, but did give up 170 passing yards. However, the Vikings did get top-notch play out of special teams, which blocked a field goal for a touchdown and a punt for a safety. Marvis Parrish continued to be a Swiss Army knife for Lowndes and Aalim Brown and Desmond Frazier sparkled even as Jaylin Carter was held to one catch.

Valwood had no trouble shaking off any rust in a 42-6 rout of Terrell Academy. This week, they head to Albany and a Deerfield-Windsor team out to prove itself after being trounced by Tiftarea Academy, 49-27.

The loss was only Deerfield’s second of the season. The Knights still have a way to win GIAA District 3-3A and Valwood is a must-win. Deerfield-Windsor is no doubt anxious not only to protect, but improve upon its playoff position.

With the GIAA cutting state to eight teams this year, there is less wiggle room. Deerfield is sitting at No. 5 currently, which would put them on the road in the first round. Valwood and Tiftarea both seem in good shape for first round home games. Tiftarea is at winless Brookwood this week (Valwood plays Brookwood next week).

The Valiants are getting more and more from the passing game, with Cort Kurrie being a big asset on drives. Valwood is also getting outstanding defense, which will be needed to hem up Knight quarterback Lane Sceals.

Georgia Christian has given up one touchdown this year. David Emanuel Academy (2-3) hasn’t had a game since a 50-6 loss to Sherwood Christian on Sept. 20.

The Eagles have wins over Grace Christian and John Hancock. Beyond Sherwood, losses have been to Crisp Academy and Vidalia Heritage, both teams the Generals have won over this year.