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Despite the fierce rivalry, the coaches at Lowndes and Valdosta have a tremendous respect for their rivals’ programs.

“We beat a good football team. They’ve got a good team, without a doubt,” McPherson said. “They’ve got a tremendous defense. They’ve gotten better as the year’s gone on.”

“We’ve got tremendous respect for them. Our kids have been playing their kids since sixth grade. They want to win this game more than any other game on our schedule.”

“They do a fine job,” Tomberlin said. “I’ve known (Lowndes assistants) Randy Hill and Bill Cribb a long time. Lowndes has a real good team.”