Shane Thomas | The Valdosta Daily TimesValwood running back Sam Martin (32) carries the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Brookwood Warriors on Friday night at Warrior Field in Thomasville.

HAHIRA –– Following a bye week, the Valwood Valiants (4-2) are back to full strength for their matchup against the Southland Academy Raiders (7-1) tonight at Goddard Field.

Valwood last played Sept. 22, blanking the Brookwood Warriors 27-0 in their region opener. The Valiants totaled 355 yards of total offense, led by the play of junior quarterback Caleb Burns, Cam Walker and versatile running back Sam Martin.

Burns overcame an early interception to deliver another efficient passing performance. Burns completed 20 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two scores while adding another on the ground.

Walker and Martin were especially lethal against Brookwood as the duo combined for 14 catches and 212 yards receiving in the game.

Getting healthy over the off week has energized the Valiants in practice all week and with an opportunity to make a statement against the talented Raiders, focus has been sword-sharp during game prep.

“We’ve had an outstanding week of practice,” Valwood coach Ashley Henderson said. “Our guys that were kind of nicked up, we’ve got them back and we’ve been zoom-focused all week. The intensity in practice, the concentration––everybody’s locked in right now. (The team) knows who’s coming to town, we know what happened last year and we’re ready for a four-quarter game.”

In last season’s meeting, the Valiants squeaked past the Raiders late in the fourth quarter for a 24-20 victory in the region opener. Having roughly 90 percent of their starters back from a year ago, the Valiants figure to be better prepared for the Raiders, who have already surpassed last season’s win total by three games.

“They moved the ball on us,” Henderson said. “We’ve watched that film about 20 times and our kids are well aware of what we did last year and well aware of what (Southland) was able to do. I think our kids are gonna take that as a challenge this year. In the end, you’ve got to play ball. You have to block and tackle and hang on to the football and that’s what it’s gonna come down to.”

The Valiants hold a 3-2 edge all-time against the Raiders, winning the last three matchups by more than 15 points per game on average. Things figure to be a bit tougher this season with the Raiders putting up 40.2 points through eight games while allowing an criminally-low 5.7 points from opponents thus far.

“They don’t give up the big play on defense, special teams either,” Henderson said of the Raiders’ defense. “They make you earn every yard you’re going to get. You’re not gonna big play this team. They don’t miss many assignments and if you’re busting assignments, they’ll beat you.”

Another reason the Raiders look more formidable this season goes beyond what you see on film and rests more on what’s inside their helmets, according to Henderson.

“I think they’re playing with a lot of confidence,” Henderson said. “Even though they stubbed their toe the other night, I don’t see why they wouldn’t be playing with a lot of confidence. They turned the ball over a bunch of times and they let Deerfield beat them, but even though they did that, they had a chance to win the game there late.

“They believe in what they’re doing, they play a physical brand of football, they take care of the football and they create turnovers. You’re going to win a lot of games when you do that. They try to impose their will on you––they’ve got a running back that can go the distance from anywhere on the field and with that, they’ve got a lot of big play ability with what they do.”

With the Valiants currently holding teams to 9.3 points per game and owning four shutout victories this season, the Valiants look to be legitimate contenders, if not favorites, for a region title. The Raiders, coming off a 20-17 loss to Deerfield-Windsor, already own a 24-0 shutout win over Tiftarea on their resume. Given the ability both teams have shown, Henderson has no qualms about either team’s region title potential.

“I don’t think there’s any question,” Henderson said frankly. “I think their game with Deerfield last week was the first of about three straight weeks of possible region championship matchups, with us being the second one. For them to get back in the region and win the title, they’re going to have to win out so I know they’ll be ready to play (tonight) for sure.”

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