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Current Texas Tech Coach Draws from Wildcat Playbook
College football coaches are sometimes like mad scientists. In constant pursuit of a full-proof formula, they will try just about anything to perfect it.
Call him crazy, but it appears coach Mike Leach has built the perfect beast at Texas Tech. And it's an offensive one that includes every ingredient except the kitchen sink.
"It's sort of been borrowed and stolen from everybody," he said.
"Every once in a while, you turn on a high school game and say, 'Gee, that seems pretty good, let's try that,' " Leach said. "I saw Valdosta High School while I was at Valdosta State University. Valdosta throws it eight times a game, but they have this play-action play that is probably three of their eight throws a game. It just looked good, and we tried it out, and it was really a heck of a play for us. You never know where you'll find something.
Source: North County Times (San Diego)
Johnson Named to All-State Teams
Congratulations to senior linebacker Roderick Johnson, who recently garnered all-state honors from the Associated Press and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Linebacker Matt Ansley received honorable mentions on both All-State teams.
Walton 17 Valdosta 14
MARIETTA — The Wildcats’ run of good fortune finally ran out.
Valdosta’s playoff run ended with a 17-14 loss to Walton in the Class AAAAA state quarterfinals Friday night at Raider Valley.
The Wildcats end the 2004 season 8-5, in a season where they fought back from a 3-4 record to make it to the final eight with an underclassmen-laden team.
“I’m very proud of these kids,” Valdosta head coach Rick Darlington said. “They played hard all night, like they have all season, they hung in there, they fought back, they made some plays. They played as hard as they can play. Walton’s got a good team, very physical. Our defense played great.
2004 Cumulative Offensive Statistics
Playoff News Coverage
11/19 Raiders continue taking steps up football ladder (Marietta Daily Journal)
11/19 'Cats task doesn't get any easier (VDT)
11/18 Cats' Harrell 'On a Mission' (VDT)
11/18 Valdosta FB, Walton LB have a little history (Marietta Daily Journal)
11/17 Walton quietly preparing for Valdosta (AJC - Registration Required)
11/17 'Cats headed in right direction –– toward the Dome (VDT)
11/15 ’Cats and Vikings proving regional dominance theory (VDT)
11/13 Wildcats know what they’re getting into against Douglass (VDT)
11/11 'Cats prepare for Astros and their turf (VDT)
11/11 VHS's Chism 'a tough son of a gun' (VDT)
11/11 Teams place faith in running backs (AJC - Registration Required)
11/10 Lowndes headlines All-Region Team (VDT)
11/10 2004 Region 1-AAAAA All-Region Team (VDT)
11/08 Saturday night’s all right for high school football (VDT)
11/07 Four in a row has ’Cats set up in the second round (VDT)
11/07 Valdosta pulls tricks in victory (Florida Times-Union)
11/05 Groves at Valdosta (VDT)
11/05 Valdosta entertaining hopes of replay of 2003 playoffs (Florida Times-Union)
11/04 Scott leads Valdosta's resurgence (VDT)
11/03 VHS hopes to hit stride with playoffs looming (VDT)
10/30 'Cats claim 1-AAAAA's second seed (VDT)
Valdosta 38 Douglas 33
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| Steve Dawson makes a big gain Saturday night. |
ATLANTA — Valdosta, Georgia, now both of your teams are in the quarterfinals!
Valdosta became the third Region 1-AAAAA to make it to the quarterfinals, defeating Douglass 38-33 Saturday night at Lakewood Stadium. The Wildcats (8-4) will travel to Marietta Walton (Website, Ticket Information | Directions to Stadium) next Friday.
Valdosta had to survive an old-fashioned barnburner Saturday. The Wildcats and Astros traded points and big plays all night. The teams combined for 71 points, and the game went down to the final play.
| Valdosta |
8 |
17 |
7 |
6 |
38 |
| Douglass |
14 |
0 |
6 |
13 |
33 |
|
| V- Demetrius James 9 run (Jamal Scott run) |
| D- James Davis 61 run (run failed) |
| D- Davis 12 run (Davis to Rodrick Battle) |
| V- Michael Turner 4 run (Trey Miley kick) |
| V- Miley 37 field goal |
| V- Kier Moore 6 pass from Turner (Miley kick) |
| D- Harvey English 7 run (kick failed) |
| V- Corey Council 24 punt return (Miley kick) |
| D- English 57 run (Cordarius Love kick) |
| V- Moore 15 pass from Turner (run failed) |
| D- Kenneth Johnson 1 run (pass failed) |
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2004 Game-By-Game Statistics
Valdosta 34 Groves 13
VALDOSTA — Valdosta High began the playoffs with a 34-13 victory over Savannah Groves Friday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
Valdosta will play the winner of Saturday’s Douglass- East Coweta game. The Wildcats would host East Coweta, but would have to travel to Atlanta to play Douglass.
“We won, and that’s what counts,” Valdosta head coach Rick Darlington said. “We made some mistakes, but we also made some plays. The defense looked good. They didn’t score against our first-team defense, and that’s good. Overall, it’s a good win. We’re glad to be moving on to the next round.”
J.L. Newbern wins SGAC title
J.L. Newbern's seventh graders captured the South Georgia Athletic Conference championship Wednesday with a 14-8 win over previously unbeaten Coffee County.
J.L. Newbern needed overtime to do it, though, after Khary Franklin scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with three minutes to go in the game. Franklin tied the game at 8-all with a two-point conversion run that was opened up by an Eric Davis block.
Davis ended the game in overtime with an interception on defense and then a 2-yard touchdown run.
J.L. Newbern finished the season at 6-1 overall. Source: Valdosta Daily Times
Valdosta 21 Colquitt County 14
MOULTRIE -- Valdosta High wanted a home playoff game next week. Valdosta has gotten its wish.
The Wildcats survived a tough battle with Colquitt County, prevailing 21-14 Friday night at Mack Tharpe Stadium. With the win, the Wildcats (6-4, 3-2 region) clinched second place in Region 1-AAAAA, which means they will host their first-round playoff game next week against Groves, third seed from Region 3. Groves is 7-3 for the season.
"This was a battle," Valdosta coach Rick Darlington said. "They played us tough. But our kids made plays when they had to. We got several big plays when we needed them. This was a tough game, but our kids weren't nervous. They made the plays.
"Now we're the No. 2 seed in the region, and we're ready to host a playoff game."
ESPN to Air Feature on Wildcats
 The reality based show, "Dream Job", which airs live each Tuesday night at midnight on ESPN, just finished filming in Valdosta. On-Air contestant Jason Ashworth (pictured right at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium - Larger Photo) chose to cover the dynamics of Valdosta High football for his in-field assignment. The remaining five contestants are all vying for a one-year contract at ESPN.
This week’s remaining five contestants were allowed to cover any sporting event or sports franchise in the country and Mr. Ashworth chose Valdosta High football! The other four contestants have all chosen to cover either professional or collegiate programs and we here at Valdosta High are extremely honored to have been chosen by Mr. Ashworth.
The feature on Valdosta High football is set to air this WEDNESDAY morning, October 26th at 12:30 AM. See full ESPN TV Schedule. The show will also be repeated several times over the following week. Source: Kevin Weldon, Touchdown Club Media Contact
Read more in Monday's Valdosta Daily Times
WATCH THIS FEATURE (Requires Windows Media Player)
Valdosta 41 Coffee 10
The Valdosta Wildcats defeated the Coffee Trojans Friday night in Region 1-AAAAA action at Jardine Football Stadium in Douglas, Georgia.
The Wildcats were powered by a strong rushing attack that garnered 5 touchdown runs by 3 different offensive players (Jamal Scott - 2 (61,12 yards), Michael Turner 2 (1,4 yards), Victor Harrell 1 (57 yards). Linebacker James Neal added a touchdown for the defense with a 25-yard interception return in the second half.
Valdosta improves to 5-4 overall and 2-2 in the region while Coffee drops to 5-4 overall and 2-2 in region competition.
Valdosta 17 Houston County 0
VALDOSTA -- The Wildcats are back in business.
At least for a week.
Valdosta played like it had in its three previous wins, and not like it had the last three weeks, and earned a much-needed win, 17-0 over Houston County Friday night at Cleveland Field.
"You couldn't need a win any more than we did," Valdosta head coach Rick Darlington said. "Our defense played outstanding. They contained a very good team and a very good quarterback. We returned an interception for a touchdown.
9th Grade Cats Defeat Lowndes; Cap Perfect Season
Valdosta High's ninth grade team wrapped up its second straight undefeated season with a 24-21 comeback victory over Lowndes Thursday night at Martin Stadium. The Wildcats trailed 19-8 before rallying to win.
Valdosta quarterback Alfrie Johnson scored on runs of 6 and 22 yards for the Wildcats. DeAnthony Motes got Valdosta's other touchdown, recovering a fumble in the end zone. Darris Roberts ran for two two-point conversions, and threw another one to Artavious Mathis.
Valdosta finishes the season 7-0. View Scores» Source: Valdosta Daily Times
If anyone has digital photos of the Valdosta-Lowndes 9th grade game, please e-mail them for publication on the site.
Lowndes 28 Valdosta 7
The Lowndes Vikings, ranked 2nd in Georgia's state AP poll, defeated Valdosta Friday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Vikings scored 21 points in the first quarter and used a stingy defense to hold the Cats to 22 total rushing yards.
Valdosta hosts Houston County next Friday, October 15th, at 8 PM.
Valdosta Middle School vs. Newbern Middle Photo Galleries
7th Grade: Newbern 32 VMS 8
8th Grade: VMS 16 Newbern 0
Valdosta Program Featured in USA Today
Full Feature | Photo Gallery
Click on image for larger version. Special thanks to Bill Malone for his great artwork.
Tift County 34 Valdosta 2
TIFTON -- For the second week in a row, Valdosta High played mistake-laden football. And for the second week in a row, they didn't win.
Valdosta made a handful of costly mistakes, and fell 34-2 to Tift County Friday night at Gene Brodie Stadium. With the loss, Valdosta falls to 3-3 (0-1 in Region 1-AAAAA).
Tift County had not beaten Valdosta High at Brodie Stadium since 1979. The Blue Devils hadn't beaten Valdosta at all since 1993 (an 8-7 penetration victory).
Valdosta will now prepare for next week's Winnersville showdown with Lowndes.
Ware County 28 Valdosta 14
VALDOSTA -- What a difference a week made for Ware County.
Seven days after being dominated by Lowndes, Ware dominated the fourth quarter and defeated Valdosta High 28-14 Friday at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
A combination of a fired-up Ware team looking to avenge last week's 44-13 loss to Lowndes, a Ware team that made several big fourth-quarter plays, and a Valdosta team that shot itself in the foot several times combined to give the Gators their second straight win on Valdosta's home field.
Valdosta 33 Lincoln 14
VALDOSTA -- Friday night, the Valdosta Wildcats played like one of the best teams in Georgia -- and defeated one of the best in Florida.
Valdosta defeated Florida power Tallahassee Lincoln 33-14 Friday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
Jamal Scott and Demetrius James each had 100 yards rushing, leading the Wildcats to five touchdowns. The Wildcats' defense yielded three long runs to the Trojans -- and little else.
Governor Perdue To Attend Friday's Game
 Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is expected to visit Friday's game against the Lincoln Trojans and will declare a proclamation from the state regarding the rededication of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. He will present the proclamation to Valdosta City Schools superintendent Sam Allen and the Valdosta Board of Education at halftime. Source: Valdosta Daily Times
Madison County 15 Valdosta 7
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| Travarus Sanders looks for an opening. |
VALDOSTA -- Madison County was arguably one of the best teams in the state of Florida last year. They may be better this year.
Madison used two touchdown passes and an unbelievable defense to defeat Valdosta High 15-7 Friday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
Aerial Photos of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium!
Valdosta Shuts Out Kendrick
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| Freshman QB Michael Turner rushed for 92 yards. |
The Valdosta Wildcats racked up 346 rushing yards in a 35-0 victory over the Kendrick Cherokees at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Friday night.
Freshman quarterback Michael Turner led the way with a game-high 92 yards while Demetrius James added 3 touchdowns (2, 2, 8 yards) and 61 yards on 10 carries. The Wildcat defense recorded its first shutout this season and held Kendrick to 154 yards of total offense.
Valdosta Wins Season Opener 28-7
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| Jamal Scott scores the 2nd of his 2 touchdowns. |
VALDOSTA - The Wildcats won their 2004 season opening game by the score of 28-7 over the Shiloh Generals of Snellville. Sophomore running back Demetrius James started the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter (Watch this play). Senior running back Jamal Scott then scored 2 straight touchdowns on short runs (4 and 3 yards, respectively) in the 2nd quarter while James rounded out the scoring with a run in the 4th.
Superintendent Sam Allen, Betty Bazemore, June Hyder, School Board member Ricky Rowe, and Shelly Darlington at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. View larger image Photo Gallery
Turf Installation Complete; Open House Conducted on Thursday
UPDATED August 20, 2004. Be sure to visit our stadium renovation page to view the latest photos. The turf installation began Saturday, August 7.
 Wildcats Featured in Georgia Trend
The Valdosta Wildcats football program is featured in the cover story in the August issue of Georgia Trend magazine. To purchase a print version of the magazine, please call 770-931-9410 Ext. 21.
Full Article»
Preseason 2004 Coverage
2004 Summer Varsity Football Camp at Twin Lakes
Players and Coaches report August 1st at 3 pm.
Checkout will be August 5th at 12:00 noon.
Photo Galleries
 August 13 - Scrimmage vs. Thomas County Central
August 6 - Scrimmage vs. Camden County
August 2
June 27
Roster | Team Photo | New Coaches Photo
News Coverage (Registration May Be Required)
8/20 Open for business: Wildcats host Shiloh tonight (VDT)
8/19 Renovated Bazemore-Hyder officially opens (VDT)
8/15 Who's the Cats' QB? Only the Darlington knows (VDT)
8/15 Wildcats have good, bad moments vs. TCC (VDT)
8/14 Valdosta 14, Thomas County Central 14 (VDT)
8/13 Valdosta travels to TCC for second scrimmage (VDT)
8/11 Darlington says Cats have a long way to go (VDT)
8/08 Stadium closer to completion (VDT)
8/07 Camden County 10, Valdosta 7 (VDT)
8/06 VHS, Camden move past state title game (VDT)
8/05 Wildcats closer, tougher as camp comes to a close (VDT)
8/04 Darkness doesn't stop Wildcat campers (VDT)
8/02 'Cats rebuild; Vikes reload (Includes Video) (WALB.com)
8/01 VHS heads to camp in Twin Lakes (VDT)
7/30 Young Wildcats continue to grow (VDT)
7/27 Valdosta works on replacing grads (VDT)
7/26 VHS focusing on building 2004 team (VDT)
New stadium has place for history
VALDOSTA -- The surroundings will be new, but there will be one corner of Cleveland Field at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium which will reflect the proud history of Valdosta High football.
As part of the new stadium, still under construction in preparation for an August opening, there are two areas in the southeast corner which be a reminder of 90 years of football for the nation's winningest high school football program (813 wins). And anyone can be a part of the history by purchasing a brick on the "Wildcat Walk of Pride" which will be a part of the memorial courtyard.
Read full article in Valdosta Daily Times
Buy a Brick Online! - Deadline is now June 25th for installation by opening of 2004 season. Bricks purchased after this deadline will be installed during the 2004 season.
Former Wildcat, Bulldog Hunter Slain
 Brice Hunter, one of the greatest receivers in Georgia and Valdosta history, died early Sunday morning in Chicago. Hunter played at Valdosta from 1989-1991 and led the Cats in receiving as a senior with 39 receptions for 663 yards and six touchdowns.
As a four-year letterman
at the University of Georgia, Hunter gained status as the number one receiver in the Georgia record books by finishing with 182 receptions, 2373 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hunter family. A memorial service is planned in Chicago on Wednesday with the funeral at the Southside Church of Christ in Valdosta at 1 PM on Saturday.
Second harvest: More Cats sign to play college football
VALDOSTA -- "Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, you will reap a harvest if you do not give up."
This Biblical verse, Galatians 6:9, was the motto of the 2003 Valdosta High Wildcats' football team. And appropriately so, given the fact that they overcame a 1-3 start to go 11-4 and play for a state championship.
And now 14 seniors off that Wildcat team have reaped their own personal harvest: a college football scholarship.
Valdosta, which had seven players sign on National Signing Day in February, signed seven more football players to scholarships Wednesday morning at their Signing Day 2, held at the school's new Fine Arts building. Matt King, Willie Cowart, Corey James, Dewayne Williams, Jeff McNair, Anthony Spates and Latavious Patterson will trade in their black-and-gold Wildcat uniforms next year for the uniforms of college teams.
Full Article from the Valdosta Daily Times
Construction continues on Bazemore-Hyder Stadium
As you can see, the crew has included part of the old stadium in this wall in the home locker room. View the new photo galleries on right to see the progress.
View recent photos from the weight room - March 2004
Spring Practice Gallery - Feb. 20, 2004
Early Morning Workouts Gallery
Bill Malone Wildcat Art Archive
Cats finish spring football with scrimmage
QUITMAN -- Valdosta High's defense will be young and inexperienced this fall. But by the way it looked Friday, it could be quite good.
Defense dominated most of Friday night's Valdosta High spring game, won by the Gold team 14-6. Defenders for both the Gold and the Black were all over the field, stuffing the run and defending the pass. There were 45 went for two yards or less.
"The defense looked good. We knew it would be good," Valdosta head coach Rick Darlington said. "I think we have a chance to have a pretty good defense. We had a lot of kids in there making plays.
"The line penetrated, the linebackers ran to the ball, the secondary didn't get beat deep. They did a good job."
Full Article from the Valdosta Daily Times |
Spring Game Gallery - Feb. 27, 2004
Under construction: Wildcats, like stadium, rebuildng for 2004
VALDOSTA -- Dec. 19 wasn't that long ago.
At that time, downtown Valdosta was decorated for Christmas and the Valdosta High football team was playing for a state championship at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
Two months later, watching the first day of spring practice, that must seem like a long time ago to Valdosta coaches and fans.
Most of Bazemore-Hyder is gone and being rebuilt. And so is the football team that has called that stadium home for over 70 seasons.
Full Article from the Valdosta Daily Times
Sprinturf Approved for Bazemore-Hyder Stadium
The Valdosta Board of Education voted 7-1 to approve the purchase and installation of artificial turf in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, currently in the midst of a major renovation.
The field will be installed by Sprinturf and is one of a new breed of artificial turf surfaces that look and feel like real grass but with no maintenance.
According to the Sprinturf website, the major advantages include the following: Safest turf on Earth, feels and plays like natural grass,
No rug burns or foot-lock, Consistent performance rain or shine, All rubber infill - no sand!, Unlimited use: 365 days a year, Cost effective and low maintenance
Cats Sign on the Dotted Line
Seven Valdosta Wildcats signed letters of intent on Wednesday. Congratulations! View the Photo Gallery and Video.
| Phillip Braley |
DB |
VSU |
| Martain Brown |
DB |
Alabama State University |
| Travis Eberhart |
DL |
Alabama State University |
| Cedric Hatten |
QB |
VSU/Pearl River Community College (MS) |
| Cedric Hill |
TE |
University of Miami |
| Coby Marrow |
DL |
Dodge City Community Collage (KS) |
| Carlton Williams |
DB |
University of South Florida |
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