HAHIRA— The Valwood Valiants, led by head coach Brad Wells, will face Deerfield-Windsor again for the 2024 GIAA championship game this Friday night.

Coach Wells knows what it takes to win, but the journey to this year’s championship game has been far from predictable. Coming off last season’s highs, the team entered the year with soaring expectations, particularly with the return of key defensive starters, their starting quarterback, and running back. However, replacing four starters on the offensive line created early challenges.

“Early on, things went as planned, but midway through the season, we dealt with injuries to some pretty important pieces,” Wells shared. “Some young guys had to step up recently—sometimes as many as six freshmen and sophomores on offense. It has been a grind.”

The Valiants, however, refused to let adversity dictate their season. Key wins over Frederica Academy and region champions Tiftarea have propelled Valwood into the championship game, brimming with confidence. 

“I think our team is playing with a lot of confidence right now and is looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Wells said.

Team leadership has been a pivotal factor in Valwood’s success. Seniors have grown into their roles, guiding younger players through tough moments. 

“Tayt Snellgrove, our starting quarterback prior to injury, has been a huge presence for the team,” Wells said. “I think he is doing more for the team now than he even realizes. I think our kids feed off of his toughness.”

Wells also praised defensive lineman Gavin Chambers and offensive linemen Jack Melendez and Ian Giddens for stepping into leadership roles. Their efforts have helped the team persevere and thrive under pressure.

The championship opponent, Deerfield-Windsor, dealt Valwood a hard loss earlier in the season, but Wells believes the team is better prepared this time around. With a strengthened defense against passing plays and a renewed emphasis on minimizing offensive turnovers, the Valiants feel confident and prepared for Deerfield-Windsor.

The team’s fan base has been a driving force, and Wells hopes to see strong support again on Friday night despite the longer drive to Stateboro. 

“I think this team deserves any support they can get with the way they compete and fight through adversity,” he said. “They are an easy team to root for, and I hope all our Valiant fans will follow us and come support us on Friday night.”

This season has been about more than football for Coach Wells and the Valiants—it has been a lesson in perseverance and growth. Wells emphasizes to his players that you must keep fighting when life backs you into a corner.

Regardless of the outcome on Friday night, Wells believes the team will look back on this season as a defining chapter filled with life lessons about resilience and determination.