VALDOSTA – The Valwood Valiants (3-0) have had their best start to a season under head coach Mike Patrick.

They have never started 3-0, and haven’t made it out of week 2 with a loss until this year.

On the year, Valwood has scored 103 points, while only allowing 21. The Valiants are one of only six teams in GISA Class AA that remain undefeated.

The defense is tops in GISA Region 3-AA, and one of the best in AA right now, only allowing an average of seven points per game. The offense is second to Brookwood in points per game averaging 34.3, and is also one of the best in the classification.

Their 44-14 victory last Friday was against a little-known opponent in Eagle Nest Christian Academy, but the players and coaches were ready for anything when the Eagles came into town.

“We played a team with a lot of good athletes, but I thought our kids responded well,” said Coach Patrick. “I’m proud of the way the coaching staff is preparing the team week after week.”

It took a total team effort to handle the Eagles, a team which blew out two teams by a combined score of 82-0. With some seniors out with minor injuries, a lot of young players took the field and made big plays.

Deron Smith and Ricky Williams had success on both sides of the ball.

On offense, Smith had two catches for 13 yards, and three runs for nine yards. On defense, he had one tackle, one interception, and one pass deflection.

Williams had 15 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns on offense. On defense, he had four tackles and one sack.

“I thought Deron had a good game on offense and defense, and Ricky ran the ball hard again,” said Coach Patrick.

Other young players shined when they had their chance as well. Freshman linebacker Cody Ebert had a fumble recovery on his first-ever varsity play.

Freshmen Teddy Welch and Rob Blanton both had big special teams tackles on kickoffs.

This week, they’ll try and continue that success when they welcome in Sherwood Christian Academy. Valwood and Sherwood have a long history, with the two teams owning a split record of 2-2 over the past six years.

“It’s good to be 3-0, and great to be home,” said Coach Patrick. “There is a great atmosphere and a great crowd here.”