VALDOSTA — The postseason begins Wednesday for Lowndes High’s two-time defending state baseball champions, as the Vikings prepare to host Cherokee High in the first round of the state playoffs.

Lowndes enters the playoffs with momentum, having clinched its sixth straight region championship and finishing the regular season with a 20-10 overall record and a 13-2 mark in Region 1-7A. That region title streak marks a dominant run of consistency for the Vikings, who now look to go the distance against some of the state’s hardest competitors.

Head coach Ryan Page of the Vikings believes that the team’s recent performance, combined with the prior experience of some players in similar situations, has instilled a positive mindset within the team.

One hurdle that the team is watching out for is Cherokee High School’s pitcher, Reid Worley, who is regarded as the best pitcher in Georgia. However, Coach Page believes that if the Vikings can win game one against Worley, they can win the series.

Discussions between the staff and athletes have been clear, with players understanding that this postseason is what they have been preparing for. The message is straightforward in the Viking dugout: If they lose, they go home, so they have to leave it all on the field.

Looking ahead to series one, Coach Page believes that if they can win game one and find their footing, the Vikings have a chance to go far in this run. Completing series one would ease some nerves on the roster and provide valuable experience for players unfamiliar with postseason play.

The team has some seasoned veterans to look to in the upcoming games, such as Matthew Kerrigan and Coleman Lewis, who continue to shine on the plate. On the mound, Brinson Roundtree and Garrett Moon aim to provide security on the mound.

Going into the last games of the season, Coach Page offered his thanks to the community that has supported the program and the athletes as much as it has. He hopes that during these tense games, the community will continue to support the Vikings as they always have.

The team will host Cherokee for a doubleheader on Wednesday, starting at 4:30 p.m.