Lowndes Viking Football 2008

Click here for the full photo album from the Peachtree Ridge game.

Lowndes Defeats Peachtree Ridge 22-7
Article by Brian Fazio, Valdosta Daily Times
The Lowndes Vikings capitalized on two long drives and scored on a big play to move past Peachtree Ridge 22-7 in a battle of the 2006 and 2007 AAAAA state champions Friday night.

Lowndes (2-0), the nation’s No. 2-ranked football team, passed its biggest test of the young season by holding the Lions (0-2) to 258 yards of total offense, while piling up 270.

The Lions were also hurt on offense by being called for 10 penalties for 90 yards, and by throwing two interceptions. The Vikings kept mistakes to a minimum, committing just four penalties and having one late fumble.

“We played hard,” Lowndes head coach Randy McPherson said. “I’m proud of the effort of our kids and our coaches.”

Peachtree Ridge battled back the entire contest, but the Lowndes’ defense refused to buckle when the time came to keep the Lions out of the end zone.

The Vikings proved early they were up for the challenge of the talented Lions. Peachtree Ridge marched to the Vikings’ 28-yard line early in the second quarter. However, three plays later, the Lions were forced to attempt a field goal, and the Vikings’ special teams sprung into action.
Full article from the Valdosta Daily Times
Peachtree Ridge Website

Vikings Shut Out Woodland 63-0 in Season Opener
A third title in four years, a No. 2 national ranking, the moniker of TitleTown USA. Those were all accolades attached to the 2008 Lowndes High football team before the whistle even blew Friday.

Any doubts that the Vikings wouldn’t be focused, and might succumb to the pressure in their first game, was obliterated real quick, as the Vikings dominated in one of the most decisive victories in school history.

The Vikings left no doubt throughout the entire contest, as they defeated Woodland High School 63-0 in the season opener at the newly-renovated Martin Stadium. It was the largest point total for the Vikings since they put up 67 points against Lanier County in 1999.

“Our kids came out and played great,” Lowndes head coach Randy McPherson said.

Lowndes (1-0) exposed the second-year program’s infancy, as the Vikings dominated every aspect of the game.

The Wolfpack’s offensive line couldn’t hold off the Lowndes defense, their defensive line was manhandled and their secondary probably missed as many tackles as they made.
Complete Article from the Valdosta Daily Times

Vikings Head to National TV
The Lowndes Vikings will be playing on a national stage for two straight weeks this year. CBS Sports will be in town for the Lowndes vs. Northside game at Martin Stadium, which will be televised live on CBS College. The next week ESPN will come back to Valdosta for the third time this year for the Titletown Smackdown against Valdosta, showing America what makes the Winnersville Classic so great on ESPNU.
ESPN Press Release
Valdosta Daily Times story

Valdosta is Titletown, USA!
When Jessie Tuggle clutched the three-foot tall trophy Monday and turned toward the thousands in the home stands of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, the place erupted in cheers.

ESPN returned to the Valdosta High School football stadium for a 2 p.m. taping Monday, which aired later in the day, declaring Valdosta as TitleTown USA.

“I think it’s great for the community,” Valdosta State football coach David Dean said. “It says a lot for all those who set the precedent early in high school football, and every sport which takes place in Valdosta. It’s exciting to be part of TitleTown.”

The news hit the area early Monday morning and spread around noon, when people began showing up at the stadium.

Stadium Renovations - Let There be Turf!
There are at least four projects that together will make up the stadium renovation. The first was awarded to Radney Plumbing to do the utility work that crosses under the field. It also will move the south end zone wall inward in preparation for the south end zone seating and dressing rooms. The artificial turf installation is another contract, while the weight room facility will be another. The last contract will be for the south end zone seating, restrooms and dressing rooms. The underside facilities on the home side will be completely replaced. That includes all of the restrooms, concession areas, entry gates and ticket sales areas.
For pictures of the renovations, check the stadium page.