No. 4 Lowndes and No. 5 Valdosta bring matching 8-0 records into Friday’s 45th Winnersville Classic at Martin Stadium. The rivalry game will decide the Region 1-7A championship, affect playoff seeding and settle bragging rights. Lowndes leans on a dominant run game and defense; Valdosta counters with a high-scoring offense led by running back Deron Foster.

By the Numbers
  • Both teams are 8-0.
  • Lowndes has scored 316 points and allowed 42, including four shutouts.
  • Valdosta has scored 396 points and averages 49.5 per game.
  • Lowndes averages 259.8 rushing yards per game; Foster averages 143.4 yards and has 23 rushing touchdowns.
Yes, But

Lowndes’ defense has been exceptional, but Valdosta’s offense presents threats beyond Foster: quarterback Tripp Perry and playmakers Marquis Fennell and Jamarian Mingo. Valdosta, meanwhile, must contain a versatile Lowndes rushing attack led by Mason Woods and quarterback Jayce Johnson, who returned from a knee injury last week.

What's Next

Friday’s winner claims the region title and gains a boost in playoff positioning. Lowndes will need to limit Foster while sustaining drives; Valdosta must slow the Vikings’ ground game and keep its own offense producing.

Bottom Line

This is a clash of strengths: Lowndes’ defense and rushing attack against Valdosta’s explosive offense. The team that best controls the line of scrimmage—and turns that control into sustained drives—could decide the region championship.