The Valdosta-Lowndes football series began in 1968, after the Lowndes County school system consolidated into one high school. Valdosta, which had a 55-year head start on its football program, dominated the early part of the series. It won the first nine games, allowing Lowndes just 26 points in those games. In 1981, the rivalry took on a new identity with the name Winnersville Classic.

MVP

Michael Barrett

Lowndes

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Will Tolbert

Lowndes

Tolbert is a three-year letterman on the varsity football team, as well as a two-year letterman in baseball. Will is a member of the National Beta Club and is an avid member in the Key Club. He plans to pursue a degree in law.

Jalen Everett

Valdosta

Everett is a two-year starter for the Wildcats. He was a First Team All-State (Ga.) selection and was voted First Team All-Region. Jalen is also a member of Valdosta’s varsity basketball and baseball teams.

HALL OF FAME

Ken Overman

Lowndes

Overman was a three-year member of the Vikings’ football team and served as an integral part of the offensive line that shutout Valdosta 6-0 in the regional championship, as Lowndes rolled to its first state championship title (1980). Starting as a sophomore, Ken played in the 1979 regular season victory over Valdosta. Overman finished his career at Lowndes in 1981 on the defensive side of the ball. He served his country in the United State Marine Corps before receiving his degree in education. After working for a short period in Hall County, he returned to his home in Lowndes County where he served the community students as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Ken is currently Assistant Superintendent of Lowndes County Schools.

Ronnie Pitcock

Valdosta

Pitcock was a member of the Wildcats’ team in the first Valdosta / Lowndes rivalry game (1968)—a game the Wildcats won 48-6. Pitcock was a captain on the 1968 State Championship team and was voted First Team All-State and First Team All-Region the same year. Pitcock went on to coach at Lowndes for 14 years, before spending the ensuing 15 years at Valdosta. He retired from teaching and coaching in 2004.

GAME SUMMARY

In this 2017 Great American Rivalry Series game, the Lowndes Vikings not only defeated their crosstown Friday night, they did so in historic fashion. The Vikings, who opened their 2017-18 campaign ranked No. 5 by the Georgia Sports Writers Association, bombarded the Valdosta Wildcats with four second-half touchdowns and an aggressive defense to leave with a 45-0 shutout victory in the Winnersville Classic at Martin Stadium.