Valwood looking to upset state champions

By Chris Walsh

September 28, 2007 12:19 am

— VALDOSTA — The Valwood Valiants (4-0) and Trinity Christian Crusaders (3-1) will face-off tonight in Dublin, in a rematch of the 2006 GISA Class AA State Championship starting at 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Christian has won two of the past three GISA-AA state championships under head coach Steve Price. They also won it all in 2004.
The Valiants and Crusaders have become common opponents for each other, facing off for the third time in the span of one year. So far, though, Trinity has had the advantage, winning both games last year by a combined score of 80-7.
This season, Valwood owns the better record of the two teams going into the game, but this will be their toughest test so far.
The Trinity offense and defense has been great so far this year. They average 41.3 points per game, while allowing only 14 points per game.
The Crusaders won their first three games by a combined score of 145-34. They lost last week to John Milledge Academy, 22-20.
The Crusaders are led by a power running game, which features the state’s leading running back this season. Trinity has accumulated over 1,300 yards rushing on the season and are averaging over 300 yards per game. Senior Colby Jackson, a 240-pound bruiser, is leading all of GISA with 912 yards, 14 touchdowns, and a 20.3 yards per carry average on 45 attempts.
Also in the backfield are Brandon Hayes, Christian Stevens, and Trey Tyler. Combined, they have 436 yards and five touchdowns on 58 carries.
Tyler is also a threat returning kicks. He has returned two kickoffs for 102 yards and one touchdown.
At quarterback for the Crusaders will be Will Johnson, who is 10-27 for 137 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
This week, the Valiants are hoping that their defense, which has allowed only 5.3 points per game, continues its strong play against one of the state’s best offenses.
Valwood has held three opponents to under 10 points and shut out Fullington Academy 24-0 in week two.
Robert Hires and Jon Rutkowski have been the team’s leaders on defense, while players like Kyle Hall and Todd Baker continue to rack up tackles.
Offensively, the Valiants will look to their strong backfield once again. Running backs Ricky Williams and Robert Hires will try to wear down a tough Crusader defense.
Zac Henry will also return as the team’s quarterback, as well as the kicker and punter, too. Henry is also one of the team’s top rushers.