By Jonathan Frazier

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The crowds roar over the sound of cheer squads and band drums as the two teams line up for the final kick-off of the night. Hearts pound in their chests unsure of what’s to come. They dig cleats into the damp, unfamiliar turf as brisk air strokes their arms. Silence falls across the stadium, and with a resounding thump, the game begins.

This will be the mindset of Valdosta’s own Valwood Valiants as they face off, for the first time ever in a championship game, against John Milledge Academy. On Friday, December 6, 2019 Mercer University will host three GISA State Football Championships. The first game, Piedmont Academy vs. Thomas Jefferson Academy, starts at 2 PM followed by Gatewood School vs. Briarwood Academy at 5 PM. The night will end with Valwood vs. John Milledge at 8 PM.

This championship will be especially interesting for two reasons. First, in Georgia Class GISA AAA Rankings, John Milledge holds the number one spot, with a 12-0 winning streak this season. Valwood holds the number two spot with a 10-2 record. In this GISA Championship, Valwood is the underdog. Second, according to WTXL, “they’ve never played each other for a State Championship”.

What do you think? Can Valwood pull out the the victory against John Milledge? Let us know in the comments below!