When Chris and I pick different teams to win you can count on a close game. The last three times we've split predictions, each game was decided by three points and Chris was right in two of those games. I picked Lowndes tonight and they scratched out a win by a whopping four points, 23-19, over Valdosta.
Lowdnes gave up a touchdown on Valdosta's opening drive and after the Wildcats missed their PAT, it took only one offensive play for the Vikings to take the lead for good after a deep pass over the middle to find paydirt. The Vikings added another score in the first half and took a 14-6 lead into halftime. Both teams traded great touchdown runs in the second half and Lowndes added a field goal half way through the final quarter.
Down ten, Valdosta drove down to the goal line and Afrie Johnson dazzled us again as he flipped into the endzone. After the blocked PAT, Valdosta was only down by four, but with just over a minute to go they were short on time. So after the onside kick attempt failed, Lowdes was ready to wrap things up and wind down the clock, right? Wrong! Lowndes fumbled the ball away and instead of putting the game on ice, gave the ball back to their rivals.
Valdosta began to march down field and was poised to score after a huge scramble by QB Michael Turner put them inside the 10 yardline, but only to have the play negated by a holding call. That put Valdosta in desperation mode, as they were forced to pass deep in attempt to move the chains. Finally, 4th down came, the Vikings secondary clamped down and batted the Hail Mary pass to the turf.
With tonight's win, Lowndes has again asserted their dominance in this rivalry for the time being. While Valdosta clearly has the history and tradition, the recent years have been the Viking's time to shine. They are young, but a force to be reckoned with as they move towards the post season.
Unfortunately for Valdosta, this game epitomized their season, as they have become accustomed to getting o-so-close to victory in all of their losses. Although many Wildcat fans and players are crushed after having their postseason hopes dashed, the biggest challenge is just beginning for Valdosta. The beauty of sports is the scoreboard tells us the least important information. As clich‚ as it sounds, the true test will be in how they respond to their incredible streak of crushing defeats. It's "character building time" for the Wildcats and this is the greatest part of athletics.