SNELLVILLE — In the last regular season game before regionals, the Valdosta Wildcats overpowered South Gwinnett’s Comets, securing a 27-14 win and showcasing their dominance on both offense and defense.
Valdosta began the game with the first possession, but a holding penalty and an incomplete pass stalled their opening drive, forcing a punt. However, the Wildcats quickly regained momentum when Tres Ellison intercepted South Gwinnett’s first pass, setting Valdosta up on the Comets’ 30-yard line.
Quarterback Todd Robinson wasted no time, picking up a first down on a keeper and found Eli Lewis for a touchdown shortly after. With the extra point, Valdosta took an early 7-0 lead.
South Gwinnett responded with a strong kickoff return from Desmonte Brown, which brought them into Valdosta territory. The Wildcats’ defense, however, held firm, forcing the Comets to punt after a stalled drive.
Todd Robinson then ignited Valdosta’s offense with a 30-yard keeper, followed by key receptions from Marquis Fennell that moved the Wildcats down the field. A big pass to Deron Foster set up another smooth drive, which Foster finished with a touchdown
run. The extra point extended the lead to 14-0.
South Gwinnett struggled early due to penalties but found some life midway through the second quarter. A long pass to Brown, combined with a Valdosta penalty, moved the Comets downfield. After two touchdowns were called back due to penalties, quarterback Xavier Butler finally broke free with an impressive scramble for a touchdown. The extra point made it 14-7, closing the gap.
Valdosta responded immediately. On the first play of their next drive, Robinson delivered a deep, pressured pass to Eldemetrius Hunter, who made a big grab for a touchdown. With the successful extra point, Valdosta extended their lead to 21-7.
South Gwinnett’s offense continued to struggle, although a personal foul against Valdosta helped move the Comets back into Wildcat territory. Despite some progress from Butler, Valdosta’s defense once again came up strong, forcing a turnover on
downs.
Late in the first half, Valdosta’s offense slowed due to penalties, leading to a punt. South Gwinnett, starting near midfield, saw some hope with a keeper by Butler and a pass to Jackson Cook, but they could not convert, turning the ball over on downs once more. Valdosta entered halftime with a comfortable 21-7 lead.
In the second half, Valdosta kicked off to South Gwinnett, who advanced to the Wildcats’ 48 yard line following a good run and a Valdosta penalty. But the Comets could not capitalize, and Valdosta’s defense forced another punt.
Todd Robinson continued to command Valdosta’s offense with a series of keepers and passes to Foster, propelling the Wildcats downfield. Prince Jean finished the drive with a touchdown run, though the extra point attempt was missed, making the score
27-7.
The Comets tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, but Valdosta’s defense remained firm. With their backs against the wall, Butler found Jackson Cook for a huge pass, and Cook took it the length of the field for a touchdown. The extra point brought the score to 27-14, but it was too little, too late.
Neither team would score again, and Valdosta’s defense would preserve the 27-14 victory. The Wildcats remain undefeated on the season so far.
Todd Robinson had an impressive night, completing 20 of 27 pass attempts for 220 yards, giving him a completion rate of .741. His dual-threat abilities shone through on the ground as well, with Robinson rushing 14 times for 91 yards. Fennell added 27 yards on six carries, while Foster contributed with 16 carries for 56
yards.
In the receiving game, Hunter made the most of his one reception,
turning it into a 46-yard touchdown. Fennell was also a key target, catching six passes for 57 yards, and Foster hauled in seven receptions for 49 yards, helping to round out a strong all-around offensive performance for Valdosta.
Valdosta will start their regional games against Camden’s Wildcats on the 27th.