Lowndes takes Winnersville game 30-20
Published 4:00 pm Monday, November 4, 2024
Austin Bruce Lowndes players hold up the Winnersville Classic trophy Friday. The Vikings regained the title after falling to Valdosta the previous two years.
Andy Harrison Marvis Parrish was the MVP of the Winnersville Classic. The senior was a dynamo, scoring twice and rushing for more than 100 yards.
Lowndes High School's Vikings showed up ready for the Wnnersville game, taking it 30-20.
Desmond Frazier challenges Valdosta's defense on a rush.
Eli Lewis scrambles after a pass, earning Valdosta some hard earned runs.
Eli Lewis returns the kickoff all the way to the end zone, glancing back to see his teammate fully supporting him.
Desmond Frazier clashes with Valdosta's defense.
VALDOSTA— In a game that filled the stands and kept fans on the edge of their seats, Lowndes’ Vikings defeated Valdosta’s Wildcats in a fierce 30-20 rivalry showdown. Both teams brought intensity and talent, with big plays and defensive standoffs making this classic face-off stand out.
The Vikings received the opening kickoff, quickly moving up the field with solid runs. Aalim Brown stole the early spotlight, breaking through for a thrilling touchdown on the Vikings’ first drive, putting Lowndes up 7-0.
Valdosta answered right back with quarterback Todd Robinson leading a well-coordinated drive, capped off by a keeper that brought the Wildcats their own touchdown and tied the game 7-7.
After both teams traded punts in a defensive tug-of-war, Lowndes finally gained an edge late in the first quarter. Following a holding call against Valdosta, Lowndes’ Marvis Parrish ran in a touchdown, giving the Vikings a 14-7 lead to open the second quarter. The Vikings maintained their momentum, highlighted by a 61-yard reception from Jaylin Carter during their next drive, making the game an uphill battle for Valdosta.
The Wildcats responded with a spectacular kickoff return touchdown from Eli Lewis. However, their extra point was blocked, leaving Lowndes ahead at 20-13.
The Wildcats’ defense found its footing in the second quarter, with Jalon Copeland delivering crucial coverage to slow Lowndes’ progress. A massive reception from Lowndes’ Carter kept the Vikings threatening, but the Wildcats’ defensive front held strong, ending the half with momentum.
Valdosta started the third quarter with possession but struggled to make headway as Lowndes’ defense tightened. After a series of stalled drives, Robinson broke through with keeper plays again, moving Valdosta into scoring range. A timely pass to Prince Jean tied the game at 20-20, electrifying the Valdosta stands as the Wildcats pushed to stay in contention.
Lowndes, however, was undeterred. A long run by Brown set the Vikings up at Valdosta’s doorstep, but Valdosta’s defense held them to a field goal, putting Lowndes up 23-20 as the third quarter closed. With the game on the line, Valdosta made a strong push, getting close to the Vikings’ end zone before a missed field goal ended their hopes of tying the score.
Taking over with only minutes left, the Vikings drove down the field, culminating in a late touchdown that sealed their 30-20 victory. Valdosta fought to the end, but the final minutes saw the Vikings controlling the clock to secure the win.
Both teams showcased impressive individual performances. For Lowndes, quarterback Jayce Johnson completed 7 out of 17 attempts, racking up 107 passing yards.
On the ground, Brown stood out with 17 carries for 169 yards, delivering powerful and effective runs, while Parrish chipped in with 14 carries for 131 yards. Together, Brown and Parrish provided the backbone of Lowndes’ rushing game. Leading the way in receiving, Jaylin Carter recorded three receptions for 77 yards.
On the Valdosta side, Robinson showed a strong return to form following his recent injury. Robinson completed 17 out of 29 passes for 202 yards. On the ground, Robinson also led with 23 carries for 65 yards. Marquis Fennell contributed with 15 carries, adding 44 rushing yards.
In the receiving game, Jean led Valdosta with five receptions for 84 yards, while Fennell added another five receptions, gaining 45 yards.
Valdosta will have a week to prepare for the first round of state, which will be on the road.
