Lowndes defeats Valdosta for the fourth straight time in the Winnersville Classic

Photo Credit: @whosnexths

VALDOSTA, GEORGIA— When it comes down to high school football rivalries, there might not be a more storied one than the Lowndes-Valdosta rivalry, better known as the “Winnersville Classic.” Valdosta is the winningest high school football program in the country, with 23 state championships, 6 national championships, and 41 regional championships. Lowndes is no slouch themselves, as the Vikings do not like to dwell on the past, and instead stay in the present. The Vikings are the ninth ranked team in the country according MaxPreps, and came into Friday’s game having beaten Valdosta three years in a row. Tonight was no different.

The Lowndes offense got started right away, as junior quarterback, Jacurri Brown, found Dominique Marshall for a deep touchdown to put the Vikings up 6-0 (PAT no good). After a three and out for Valdosta, Lowndes picked up right where they left off. Jacurri Brown found Dominique Marshall again for a 25 yard touchdown to give Lowndes a two score lead (PAT good). 

The Valdosta offense couldn’t get much together in the first quarter, as quarterback Amari Jones threw an interception to Jalon Baker for Lowndes, and the Vikings took over at the Valdosta 5-yard-line. Despite the good field position, the Vikings couldn’t get in the end zone, and were forced to settle for a field goal. By the end of the first quarter, Lowndes had a 16-0 lead. The Valdosta defense contained the Lowndes offense in the second quarter, only holding them to a field goal by halftime. 

The start of the third quarter is when the Valdosta offense found a rhythm. After three and out possessions for both teams, Valdosta quarterback, Amari Jones, found a big hole and ran 37 yards to the Lowndes 21-yard line. Jones then did it with his feet again, as he ran up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown (PAT good). 

After a Valdosta interception to start the fourth quarter, Amari Jones threw a touchdown pass to Aalah Brown to put the Wildcats within one score (PAT good). But Lowndes responded on their next possession. Jacurri Brown took it himself and ran 50 yards for a touchdown, and put the Vikings up 26-14. On Lowndes’ next possession, however, things didn’t go their way. Brown fumbled the ball, and the Wildcat defense recovered at the Lowndes 45 yard line. The Lowndes defense then responded, as Jalon Baker picked off another pass to give the Vikings back the ball. After a turnover on downs, the Valdosta offense took advantage. Amari Jones found tight end Nevin Spivey for a 33-yard touchdown to make the score 26-21. 

Jacurri Brown did what he does best for Lowndes on their next drive. The junior four-star quarterback, ran the ball 64 yards to secure the win for the Vikings, 33-21 (PAT Good).

Lowndes moves to 5-0 and wins their 4th straight Winnersville Classic. The Vikings will take on Alcovy at home next week on Friday, October 16th at 8 PM ET. Valdosta moves to 2-2, and will take on Westside at home in two weeks on Friday, October 23rd at 8 PM ET.