HAHIRA — The Valwood Valiants are set to open their Georgia Independent Athletic Association postseason campaign this Friday evening at Goddard Field, bringing an 8-2 record into a first-round, single-elimination matchup against the Piedmont Academy Cougars, as the Valdosta Daily Times reported.
The Valiants return home following a tough road loss against Southwest Georgia Academy, a result that ended Valwood’s seven-game winning streak. Beyond working to rebound from that defeat, the team faces an immediate lineup adjustment at the most critical position on the field. Senior quarterback Stanton Beverly is unavailable for the postseason opener, forcing a change under center just as the playoffs begin.
Head coach Brad Wells confirmed that sophomore Holt Folsom will step into the starting quarterback role for Friday’s contest. Facing a 3-7 Piedmont team, the Valiants are relying on a week of focused practice to smooth the transition and keep their championship aspirations alive.
Speaking to the Valdosta Daily Times, Wells stressed that the roster’s primary task is to review their recent mistakes and sharpen their overall execution. He noted that the squad experienced no situations during last week's setback that they had not already trained for in previous practice sessions, adding that the main priority now is performing those exact assignments correctly when game conditions demand it.
With Folsom directing the offense, the Valiants will lean heavily on established skill-position contributors to rebuild their scoring rhythm. Among those expected to carry a significant load is senior running back Kamari Jackson, who surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing landmark earlier this fall.
Wells told the Valdosta Daily Times that thorough midweek preparation serves as the primary tool to settle any pregame jitters among the roster. He explained that proper groundwork during the week alleviates nervousness, emphasizing that once kickoff arrives, the game remains familiar football.
Although Piedmont enters the postseason contest with a sub-.500 record, Valwood leadership warned against taking any playoff opponent lightly. Wells told the Valdosta Daily Times that the single-elimination format creates a straightforward scenario where teams must win or go home. He added that based on the team's practice performances leading up to the game, he expects his players to compete with high energy, provided their execution matches that intensity.
Kickoff between the Valiants and the Cougars is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at Goddard Field in Hahira, where Valwood aims to convert its regular-season momentum into a deep playoff run.
