Shane Thomas | The Valdosta Daily TimesValwood quarterback Caleb Burns scrambles to make a play during the second half against the Memorial Day Matadors on Aug. 18 at Goddard Field.

HAHIRA –– After having last week’s game against Frederica Academy canceled, the Valwood Valiants (2-2) host the Clearwater Academy International Knights (0-2) tonight at 7:30 at Goddard Field.

The Valiants come into tonight’s game fresh and rejuvenated after an extra week off due to Hurricane Irma’s effect on the East Coast. According to head coach Ashley Henderson, the team is now “100 percent” and raring to go tonight.

It’s a good sign for the Valiants considering two of their top playmakers––quarterback Caleb Burns and receiver J.D. Scurry were dinged up in the team’s 18-13 loss to North Florida Christian Sept. 1 in Tallahassee, Fla.

The 13-point output was the lowest of the total of the season for the Valiants, who had been averaging 35 points per game over their first three games. 

Despite an offensive hiccup against NFC, the Valiants’ defense has remained stellar as it’s held opponents to just 14 points per game through the first four games.

Tonight’s matchup will be the first meeting between Valwood and Clearwater Academy International, who up until last season had been playing 7-on-7 football in the FCAPPS. The Knights proved to be no slouch in FCAPPS play, winning state championships in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Last season, their inaugural season playing 11-on-11 football, the Knights went 5-4 and were potent offensively under head coach Jesse Chinchar with a 33 points per game average. Defensively, the Knights held opponents to 23 points per contest.

Early on this season, the winless Knights have struggled out of the gate with blowout losses to Poinciana and Indian Rocks Christian by a combined score of 75-26.

With just Wednesday and Thursday to prepare for tonight, Henderson said the team focused on polishing up its base offensive and defensive sets as well as finding ways to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers.

Feeling better after leaving the NFC game in the fourth quarter, Burns figures to continue his efficient play for the Valiants. The junior quarterback has completed 35 of 48 passes for 639 yards with 10 touchdowns. Despite coming to the Valiants as a bit of a gunslinger, according to Henderson, Burns is yet to throw an interception this season and has one turnover through the first four games.

Reigning GISA Region 3-3A Player of the Year Cam Walker has put together another productive season thus far. Walker leads the Valiants in catches (12), receiving yards (213) and touchdowns (six).

Defensively, the Valiants have made it hard for opponents to score. Jaharie Boone leads the Valiants’ defense with 32 tackles, Sam Martin is hot on Boone’s heels with 31 while 2016 All-State defensive tackle Isaiah Bristol and Ray Gordon have combined for 47 tackles early on.

Tonight’s game can be heard on 1150 AM and 96.1 FM as well as streamed online at foxsportsvaldosta.com.