VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - It's Winnersville Week in Valdosta, Georgia. Valdosta High and Lowndes is always an instant classic, and for the second year in a row, it's the opening game for both teams and both are looking for bragging rights.
Last year, the Wildcats beat Lowndes for their 900th program win en route to winning that 24th State Championship. The Cats look to keep the wins coming against their rivals, as they are trying to win their fourth straight.
"It's a big deal. Valdosta's a football town, a high school football town, and a college football town," said Wildcat head coach Alan Rodemaker. "This week is all about the two high schools. I'm just thankful I'm in a community where they care so much."
To stop Valdosta from doing that, Randy McPherson said his Lowndes squad has to play better defense.
"Even though it's no longer a Region game, it's still a huge rivalry, probably the biggest rivalry in the State," he said. "The thing that makes this rivalry different is that after the game, we have to go back living together."
Valdosta's Alan Rodemaker agrees, and added that defense is going to be the difference maker come Friday night.
"We talk about this game in January when we start our winter workouts and then through spring and then through summer," he said.
"Win lose or draw, we're going to know what we have to do," added McPherson. "We've got a fantastic team, fantastic program to go against."
Friday night's game kicks off at 8:00 at Martin Stadium.
