We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Lowndes High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Vikings this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 10-2
- Points Scored: 434
- Points Allowed: 159
Key Roster Losses
The Lowndes Vikings have graduated a few key players from last year’s 10-win team, especially from the defense, including linebacker Malik Reddick, who had 51 tackles last year, including 17 tackles for loss, of which seven were sacks.
Four players from the secondary must be replaced. Defensive back Anthony Martin led the team in tackles last year with 79 for the season and came up huge with four interceptions. Defensive back Camen Upshaw had 47 tackles and an interception last year. Defensive back Gavin Yates-Lyons had 15 tackles, two interceptions, and averaged 24.3 yards on kick returns in 2025. Defensive back Knyon Simmons had 36 tackles, along with two interceptions from the Lowndes secondary last year.
Offensive linemen Markel Young and Ben Corhei will be missed up front. Corhei led the offensive line with 73 pancake blocks, and Young had 24 pancakes.
Key Players Returning
Lowndes will bring back 13 starters from last year, including several key offensive performers.
At the top is quarterback Jayce Johnson, ITG Next’s No. 1 quarterback returning for the 2026 Georgia high school football season. The Texas A&M commit will be back for his senior season.
He’ll have a host of supporting cast around him, including running back Mason Woods, wide receiver Ar’Tavian “Bubba” Brown, and wide receiver Kaevone Thomas.
Waylon Weidinger and Boston College commit Abram Eisenhower will return to anchor the offensive line this year.
Returning to the Lowndes defense are linebacker Malik Martin, defensive back Israel Harrison, linebacker Marcus Vaughn, defensive lineman Jacques McCoggle, and defensive lineman Kayden Allen.
Long snapper Eli Edwards and punter Jakob Madden will return.
What to Expect From the Lowndes Vikings in 2026
Lowndes will have the most explosive offense in Region 1-7A this season, with one of the state’s top offensive players and three-year starter Johnson back for his final season with the Vikings.
Along with Johnson, look for running back Woods and receivers Brown and Thomas to give opposing defenses trouble this year.
Lowndes head coach Adam Carter said his team’s goals are pretty straightforward.
“Our expectations are to win Region 1 and play on Thanksgiving,” Carter said.
2026 Season Prediction
Lowndes will finish 12-2, win Region 1-7A, and advance to the Class 7A semifinals.
Game to Watch
The Winnersville Classic against Valdosta at home in the Concrete Palace
Lowndes’ 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 vs. Jenkins
- 8/28 vs. Harris County
- 9/04 vs. Lithonia
- 9/11 vs. Blanche Ely (Florida)
- 9/18 vs. Long County
- 10/02 vs. Winter Haven (Florida)
- 10/09 vs. Camden County
- 10/23 at Richmond Hill
- 10/30 vs. Valdosta
- 11/06 at Colquitt County
