The Valdosta Wildcats secured a significant road victory, defeating the Colquitt County Packers 52-44 on Friday night at the Hawg Pen in Moultrie. This win marks the first time since 2010 that the Wildcats have prevailed in Moultrie against the Packers, according to the team. The victory advances Valdosta's overall record to 7-0 and positions them at 1-0 in Region 1-7A play.
The Wildcats, who led by as many as 21 points, ultimately stiff-armed a comeback attempt from Colquitt County. Valdosta sealed the game with a late field goal by kicker Alans Garcia and a sack-fumble by Arman Carter on Packers quarterback Khi Mitchell, according to the game summary.
Valdosta's offense put up an astounding 703 yards of total offense, primarily driven by its running back duo. Oregon State commit Deron Foster and Stanford commit Marquis Fennell were central to the Wildcats' ground game, combining for 314 of Valdosta’s 320 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Foster finished with 23 carries for 114 yards and four touchdowns. Fennell contributed 200 yards and one touchdown on the ground, in addition to catching seven passes for 143 yards through the air.
Valdosta head coach Shelton Felton acknowledged the toughness of the game, stating, "It took everything we had." Coach Felton praised his team for their performance in a challenging environment. Fennell, playing his final game against the rival Packers, conveyed the duo's determination, stating they were resolved "to die about it" rather than leave empty-handed.
The Wildcats initially built a commanding 21-0 lead early in the second quarter, with Foster scoring Valdosta’s first three touchdowns. However, the Packers quickly responded when Mitchell connected with Antwan Lockett for a 14-yard touchdown.
The game saw several pivotal moments in the second quarter. Packers safety Kaden King intercepted a pass from Valdosta sophomore quarterback LJ Thomas. On the ensuing Colquitt drive, Valdosta's Deshaun Core recorded a 13-yard loss sack on Mitchell. Later, Mitchell broke free for what appeared to be a touchdown run but lost the ball at the Valdosta 5-yard line due to a forced fumble, returning possession to the Wildcats. Coach Felton called this play the defensive play of the game.
Following the takeaway, Fennell made a dramatic impact. Taking a direct snap in a wildcat formation, Fennell broke free for a 95-yard untouched touchdown run, extending Valdosta's lead to 28-7. Coach Felton later called Fennell's run "the difference in the game."
Colquitt County continued to battle, with Stewart Grant kicking a 27-yard field goal and tight end Tucker Saporita scoring a 3-yard touchdown after an onside kick recovery. Valdosta quarterback Tripp Perry then responded with a 50-yard strike to Fennell, leading to a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jamarion Mingo, pushing the score to 35-17 at halftime.
Out of the break, the Packers again gained momentum, with Mitchell connecting with Lockett for a 61-yard touchdown. Colquitt County then recovered another onside kick and Mitchell scrambled for a 14-yard score, narrowing Valdosta's lead to 35-31.
Perry, a senior, orchestrated another scoring drive, culminating in his first career rushing touchdown from six yards out, extending the lead to 42-31. Perry delivered a strong performance, completing 20 of 25 passes for a career-high 383 yards and two total touchdowns. Mingo also had a career night with eight catches for 171 yards and a touchdown. Coach Felton praised Perry’s leadership, noting, “We wouldn’t be here without Tripp.”
Valdosta recorded 27 first downs and converted 6 of 9 third-down opportunities. Despite three turnovers, the Wildcats forced three Colquitt fumbles, evening the turnover margin. Colquitt County finished with 490 total yards in the loss, with Mitchell completing 19 of 33 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns, all to Lockett, who had eight catches for 137 yards.
The Wildcats will host the Camden County Wildcats next Friday at 8 p.m. at Death Valley. Coach Felton emphasized the importance of starting region play with a win in such a competitive environment, referring to Region 1-7A as "the SEC of the south (in high school football)."
