Prediction: Valdosta (Ga.) falls early in 6A playoffs

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way to the Peach State and check on the country’s winningest high school football program in 24-time state champion Valdosta. The Wildcats reached the second round of Georgia’s GHSA AAAAAA playoffs in 2024 and are looking to take it a step further this fall. With key players from last year’s team now gone, does Valdosta have enough juice to make the jump?

Player Spotlight: RB Deron Foster

It feels like Deron Foster has already been on varsity for awhile and that’s because, well, he has. Seeing significant playing time as a freshman in 2023, Foster has already rushed for over 1,500 yards between his first two years with the Wildcats. With Todd Robinson graduated, Foster will become much more of the focal point out of the backfield for Valdosta as the team navigates through a difficult South Georgia schedule. Last season Foster rushed for 629 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Expect those numbers to be much higher this fall.

Others to watch: EDGE Corey Howard, CB Jalon Copeland, WR Prince Jean, CB Camron Brown, ATH Marquis Fennell, WR Jamarian Mingo

Season Prediction: 8-2

It’s hard to see Valdosta, despite the bevy of Power Four level talent that they do have, making a serious run to a state championship this season in a treacherous Class 6A. The Wildcats last year were able to reach the second round of the postseason, falling to national power Carrollton, 49-13. Having the likes of players like Foster, Howard, Jean and Copeland certainly makes things seem more feasible, like winning a playoff game or two. But transitioning from Todd Robinson to a group of players in the mix for the starting quarterback position makes it hard to really say Valdosta can be a viable state title contender. We have the Wildcats bowing out again in the second round, finishing with nine victories overall when its all said and done.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 15 – Tucker (Ga.) Tigers – W
Getting off on the right foot is what it’s all about and the Wildcats cruise past the Tigers, 42-7, in the opener.

Aug. 22 – Mundy’s Mill (Ga.) Tigers – W
Another Tigers team and the same result as the Wildcats make easy work of Mundy’s Mill.

Aug. 29 – Dougherty (Ga.) Trojans – W
So far through three games, no one has been able to come close to Valdosta.

Sept. 5 – Jesuit (Fla.) Tigers – W
Third Tigers team of the season, this time led by Florida commit Will Griffin. Valdosta defends home turf and comes away with the win.

Sept. 12 – South Gwinnett (Ga.) Comets – W
Home game stand continues with another victory as the Wildcats head into the meat of their schedule.

Sept. 26 – at Camden County (Ga.) Wildcats – W
A clash between South Georgia powers named the Wildcats goes to Valdosta in a barn burner.

Oct. 3 – at Colquitt County (Ga.) Packers – L
First loss of the season comes against the Packers as the Wildcats fall, 36-22.

Oct. 10 – Richmond Hill (Ga.) Wildcats – W
Valdosta bounces back from their first loss of the season with a resounding 35-21 victory.

Oct. 17 – at Tift County (Ga.) Blue Devils – W
The Wildcats take care of business on the road ahead of a huge rivalry game with Lowndes.

Oct. 24 – at Lowndes (Ga.) Vikings – L
The Winnersville Classic is the game to see if you live in the town of Valdosta. It ends up being Lowndes that pulls off the thrilling 35-28 win over Valdosta.