Valdosta and Lowndes high school football teams, both holding 8-0 overall records and 1-0 in Region 1-7A, will face off Friday in the Winnersville Classic, a game Lowndes Coach Adam Carter told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is "the biggest in the country." This highly anticipated matchup marks the first time since 1996 that both county rivals enter the game with top-five rankings, with Valdosta currently at No. 4 and Lowndes at No. 5.
Coach Carter, whose record at Lowndes stands at 32-10, previously led Grayson's 2020 Class 7A championship team. He shared insights into the challenges Valdosta's offense presents.
According to Carter, Valdosta's offense is "extremely explosive" and boasts "overwhelming overall talent." He noted their ability to mix tempo, talent, and recent running snaps. Valdosta's running back duo, Marqui Foster (an Oregon commit) and Fennell Daron (a Stanford commit), were highlighted as "Power State" commits, contributing to an overall offensive talent level that Carter believes is "arguably one of the largest talent levels" in the state. He added that their offense is characterized by big-play potential and is consistently challenging to defend.
Valdosta's quarterback, Jacay Johnson, plays a crucial role in the team's success. Carter stated that Johnson makes the Valdosta offense "better" and brings "huge confidence" to the team. He described Johnson as "extremely dynamic," capable of extending plays with both his legs and arm, and called him a "playmaker." Johnson, according to Carter, "opens our offense up" and creates opportunities for other players, emphasizing the need to "stretch the field" with pass plays. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Johnson has accumulated 112 passing yards, 127 rushing yards, and 4 touchdowns since September 4 against Richmond Hill and A&M.
Turning to his own team's offensive strategy, Coach Carter revealed that Lowndes aimed "to throw the ball a little more" this season, driven by a need to be "able to score." He mentioned the team has "focused on our personnel" and benefits from a "great offensive line," believing they "can do everything." Key offensive players for Lowndes include running backs Waylon Thomas and Kaevon Woidewide, and wide receiver Mason Woods. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Waylon Thomas has 752 yards, Mason Woods has 307 yards, and Kaevon Woidewide has 470 yards. Additionally, Abram Eisenhower, a Georgia commit, has 448 tackle-leading yards from the line of scrimmage.
Carter characterized the Winnersville Classic as more than just a game; he described it as "historically a holiday" and an "extremely good game" that defines the "identity" of the community. He noted the rivalry represents two communities and two schools within one county, embodying "South Georgia sports."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Valdosta leads the all-time series against Lowndes with a record of 40-24-2. Since 1968, Lowndes has secured 12 state titles, while Valdosta has won 5. The rivalry earned its "Winnersville" nickname when fans from both county and city teams embraced the moniker. Lowndes players are also known by the nickname "plowboys."
