The seventh-ranked Valdosta Wildcats (4-0) are set to host the Stockbridge Tigers (3-1) this Friday night, closing out their non-region football schedule at home. The game follows an open week for the Wildcats, who are described as recharged and refocused as they prepare for the matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. from Valdosta, with the game being streamed on the NFHS Network and broadcast live on 95.7 FM. Dr. Ron Reagin, Dirk Harrell, and Justin Crenshaw will provide the radio call.
Valdosta last played on September 11, securing a dominant 58-18 victory over KIPP Atlanta Collegiate. In that game, the Wildcats compiled 468 total yards of offense, with 353 yards coming from their rushing attack and 115 yards through the air. Despite a less prominent passing game, Valdosta still achieved an average of 6.98 yards per play against a KIPP Atlanta defense that, until then, had not surrendered any points all season. This performance marked the Wildcats' fourth consecutive game scoring 50 points or more this season.
Leading the offensive charge for the Wildcats in their last outing were Stanford commit Marquis Fennell and Oregon State commit Deron Foster. Fennell contributed significantly with 191 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Foster added 160 rushing yards and three scores of his own. Together, the duo accounted for six touchdowns against KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, marking the second straight week they combined for that number of scores.
The visiting Stockbridge Tigers arrive in Valdosta with a 3-1 record, having won their last three games. Last week, the Tigers achieved a 56-0 shutout victory against winless Forest Park, marking their season-high in points and their first shutout of the season. During that game, Stockbridge showcased a complete and efficient performance on both sides of the ball, accumulating 319 total yards—168 rushing yards and 151 passing yards.
Senior quarterback Joshua Scott, who holds six college offers according to 247Sports, had an efficient night against Forest Park. He completed 4 of 10 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 34 yards and another touchdown. For the season, Scott has thrown for 808 yards, connecting for 14 touchdowns against only two interceptions. He has also added 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Scott's top performance this season came in the Tigers’ opener against North Oconee, where he completed 27 of 35 passes for 313 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Stockbridge's offense displayed depth in its last game, with four different players rushing for touchdowns and two more scores coming from receiving plays. Mason Freeman’s sole catch against Forest Park went for a 75-yard touchdown, while Kentavious Terrell Jr. secured two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers, who compete in Region 4-5A, feature a potent rushing attack with four players having rushed for over 100 yards this season. Sophomores Dominic Tucker and King Berthelot have combined for 285 yards and six touchdowns, junior Bobby Fowler leads the team with 176 rushing yards, and senior Alex Etheridge has contributed 134 yards on 20 carries.
In the passing game, Stockbridge relies on key receivers Freeman and Gavin Kinchen. Through four games, Freeman has made 15 catches for 266 yards and a team-leading eight touchdowns. Kinchen leads the team in receptions and yards with 18 catches for 323 yards and five touchdowns. Both receivers started the season strong, with Kinchen recording 11 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown, and Freeman adding seven catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns in the 38-24 loss to North Oconee. Freeman also contributed defensively in that game, logging an interception, three tackles, and one tackle for loss.
Defensively, the Tigers were dominant against Forest Park, recording four sacks, an impressive 25 tackles for loss, four interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a blocked field goal. Overall this season, Stockbridge is averaging 42 points per game while limiting opponents to just 15 points per game.
