VALDOSTA — Lowndes versus Valdosta is always a big game to catch, and flag football was no different in its first rivalry game between the schools. Originally intended to be played on Nov. 14, the two teams took the field Wednesday and played an intense game with a bustling crowd as Lowndes won, 6-0.
Lowndes’ Vikettes ran onto the field with their signature home field light show to kick off the game. The Vikettes won the coin toss and deferred to the Lady Wildcats, starting Valdosta on their 14 yard-line. Unable to make any yards, the Wildcats punted, putting the Vikettes advantageously on Valdosta’s 31 yard line.
The Vikettes started their short drive to the end zone with runs from Jamecia Burgman and Courtney Perreira to the Wildcats’ 1 yard-line. A trick play landed Burgman in the endzone for the game’s first and only touchdown. An unsuccessful extra point would make the game 6-0 with four minutes left in the first quarter.
The Lady ‘Cats’ second series of the game started strong with a 24-yard pass from Zikyriah Williams. However, Valdosta’s drive stalled, with an incomplete pass, causing a turnover on downs.
Lowndes quickly returned possession with a turnover on downs themselves. Valdosta took advantage with a 25-yard pass to Tranira Booker and a 14-yard pass to Aniyah Bradfield. On the Vikettes’ 19 yard line, the Wildcats would struggle for a goal, with Jhadyn Bryant and Jakayla Brown of the Vikettes breaking up touchdown passes. A turnover on downs occurred shortly after.
Unable to do much with their third series of the game, the Vikettes punted back to Valdosta. Passes to Booker, Jennaya Coucoules, and Laila Small would again get Valdosta close to Lowndes’ end zone. Little time remained on the clock as the Wildcats attempted another pass, only for it to be intercepted and the quarter to end.
Receiving possession after halftime, Lowndes started with an excellent pass to Tatiana Quintero for 13 yards. Afterward, the Vikettes would be held until they punted back to Valdosta.
Valdosta’s drive started strong until an impressive interception from Avery Jones put a quick end to the possession. Time on the third quarter soon ran out.
The fourth quarter clock ran fast, with Lowndes’ defense stopping any advances toward their end zone. The game ended with a single touchdown, the Vikettes taking the game. The overall for Lowndes matches Valdosta’s overall, with both teams 7-4 for the season. Regionally, the Vikettes (3-1) take second over the Wildcats’ (2-2) third place.