The First Winnersville Classic

Valdosta Trims Lowndes to Clinch 1-AAA Crown

Valdosta’s football Wildcats tripped up Lowndes’ Vikings, 48-6, here Friday night and with the triumph the ‘Cats finished their regular season unbeaten, clinched the Region 1-AAA crown and earned a berth in the state “AAA” playoffs.

A crowd of approximately 8,000 looked on as coach Wright Bazemore’s Wildcats, more than 60 strong, ran their unbeaten string this year to 10 games and claimed the region crown for the sixth time since ‘Dosta became a member of 1-AAA in 1958.

Coach Carlton Adams’ Vikings, although outmanned, scrapped all the way and became only the second team this season to penetrate the VHS’ stout defense for a touchdown. The setback left the Vikes with a 2-7 record.

Valdosta is to meet the Region 2-AAA champ in the quarter-finals of the state “AAA” playoffs. That loop is sub-divided. Lanier of Macon and Baker of Columbus are to play-off for the 2-AAA championship next week with the winner hosting the ‘Cats in a duel the following week.

Here last night the Wildcats used a balanced blend of offense and defense to stay on the victory trail. The ‘Cats scored in every period while rolling up 402 yards in total offense. Lowndes produced 189 yards in total offense, including a 71-yard TD strike through the air. However, the ‘Cats got out front and even a determined effort by the Vikes wasn’t enough to endanger Valdosta’s lead.

Lowndes received the opening kickoff, ran three plays and had to punt. The ‘Cats Larry Howell returned the kick 64 yards for a touchdown behind a wall of blockers. Glenn Williams came on to kick the first of his six straight extra points.

Second time VHS got possession of the pigskin it rolled 50 yards in six plays to score again. The TD came on a two-yard run by Danny O’Neal. Big gainer in the drive was a 14-yard pass from Frank Deming to Mike Flail.

In the second period, ‘Dosta covered 62 yards in five plays for its third TD. The tally came on a 45-yard pass from Don Golden to Flail.

Later in the stanza, the ‘Cats moved 49 yards in nine plays for TD number four. O’Neal did the honors this time on a 10-yard run.

On the final play before the half, Lowndes struck for a TD. Sophomore quarterback Ben Morris hit L.M. Jackson with a short pass in the right flat. A couple of good blocks sprung Jackson loose and some determined running kept him going until he reached the end zone 71 yards away. That made it 28-6 in favor of Valdosta at intermission.

The ‘Cats added to their lead when Howell returned the kickoff opening the third period 85 yards for a touchdown.

Later in the period, Valdosta used four plays to cover 29 yards on another scoring march. The tally came on a 13-yard run by Henry Davis.

In the final period, VHS scored its seventh TD on a 10-play, 66-yard drive. The climax was a one-yard plunge by Benjie Meeks over the goal line.

Time was running out, the Vikings were trailing, but they were still battling with enthusiasm. They cranked up their offense and moved from their own 25 to the Valdosta 28 before the ‘Cats dug in and forced the Vikes to give up the football on downs. A 20-yard run by Jackson and a 13-yard pass from Morris to Jackson were key plays in this unsuccessful, but spirited march.

Lowndes’ Mark Lindsey was injured in the second quarter and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Medical officials reported he suffered a dislocated shoulder. He was treated and dismissed from the hospital.



Note: Story not printed in its entirety.



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The Valdosta High School Wildcats have captured a total of six national championships since 1962. Known as the winningest high school program in the nation, the team was also successful in gaining this top title in 1969, 1971, 1984, 1986 and 1992.



The Valdosta High School Wildcats have won 23 Georgia State Championships. These titles were captured in 1940, 1947, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1998.



The Lowndes High School Vikings have won five Georgia State Championships. These titles were captured in 1980, 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2007.



Wildcats in the NFL

• Henry Bell — Denver Broncos

• Luther Blue — Detroit Lions & Philadelphia Eagles

• Dana Brinson — San Diego Chargers

• Dexter Daniels — Baltimore Ravens

• Bill Dawson — Boston Patriots

• Rhett Dawson — Houston Oilers & Minnesota Vikings

• Willie Gary — St. Louis Rams

• Don Kato Hitson — St. Louis Rams, Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football League)

• Brice Hunter — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Todd Peterson — Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers & Atlanta Falcons.

• Stan Rome — Kansas City Chiefs

• Coleman Rudolph — New York Giants

Source: www.valdostafootball.com



Vikings in the NFL

• Randall Godfrey — Washington Redskins

• Jay Ratliff — Dallas Cowboys

Source: www.lowndesfootball.com

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