Valdosta had not won a region title in nearly a decade, but that fact did not stop the Wildcat faithful from turning out in droves to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Friday night, ready for a celebration. The one problem was Colquitt County was ready to ruin the party and claim its first region title of the century. The two heavyweights felt each other out through a scoreless first quarter, but Valdosta struck first when opportunity knocked with 2:11 left in the first half.
The Wildcats recovered a muffed Packer punt, and one play later senior Shelby Wilkes hit Jerald Davis for a 28-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Valdosta would intercept Cole Seagraves’ first pass on the ensuing drive, setting up another score seconds later. Wilkes, a former Packer that transferred to Valdosta, hit Demetrius Melvin for a 14-yard score with just seconds left in the half.
In the third quarter, turnovers helped Colquitt County get back in the game. Stacey Blackwell intercepted Wilkes and returned it to the 30-yard line, setting up Willie Woodyard’s 14-yard score just minutes later. Then Dondray Copeland would strip a Wildcat runner, grab the loose ball and return it 38 yards for a score. Oscar Luna’s extra point gave Colquitt County a 14-13 lead.
Valdosta was able to strike back with just under eight to play in the fourth as Wilkes hooked up with Melvin again from 15 yards out. It looked as though the 21-14 lead would stand until Anthony Brumbley intercepted Wilkes with 3:35 to go in the game, setting up Colquitt County for one last drive. The Packers forced overtime with only 28.2 seconds remaining when Seagraves hit Ty Smith for the senior’s first and only catch of the night, a seven-yard score.
In overtime after Luna gave Colquitt a 3-0 lead, Valdosta quickly found the end zone with Terrance Foster plunging in from two yards out for a 27-24 victory. Both teams will host a playoff game next week.
Around the metro...
For the second time this season, a late kick return helped a team knock off its rival. Blake Tibbs hauled in five touchdown catches, but it was his 82-yard return for a score that gave ML King its region title-winning 50-49 victory. The return occurred with 16 seconds remaining after Jaguars running back Mike Davis scored his second touchdown of the game. TJ Moon also scored for Stephenson as did Demarcus Sweat (twice) and Josh Parris. ... Dacula solidified a spot in the playoffs with a 31-21 victory over Parkview. Rocky Capobianco tallied 122 yards on 16 carries for the Falcons. ... Centennial needed a six-yard run from Cyril Teal in the fourth to edge Northview 36-35 to secure a playoff berth. Jimmy Meyer totaled four scores for the Knights. ... Joshua Dobbs passed for 334 yards and six scores as Alpharetta smoked North Forsyth 42-7. ... Jonesboro bested Banneker 40-19 as quarterback Cedric Nettles led the charge for the Cardinals. ... Jordan Parker of Collins Hill eclipsed the 1000-yard rushing mark on the season with a strong effort against Meadowcreek in the Eagles’ 51-0 victory. Parker also scored three times for Collins Hill. ... Milton secured a playoff spot with a 14-13 win over Roswell. Quarterback Colin McElroy ran for a score then found Ryan Jenkins for a eight-yard pass with just seconds remaining in the victory. ... Westminster earned a spot in the playoffs with a 35-7 win over Decatur. Danny Catan threw for a score and ran for another in the victory. ... Lovett ended GAC’s season with a 35-28 victory in a region play-in game. Lovett scored three times in the fourth to complete the comeback victory. Grant Haley tallied three touchdowns for the Lions. ... Finally Buford smoked Blessed Trinity for the second time this year as CJ Moore returned a kick 95 yards for a score for Buford.
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