We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Valwood School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Valiants this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 6-4
- Points Scored: 351
- Points Allowed: 214
Key Roster Losses
The Valwood Valiants lose 16 starters from last year, including dual-threat quarterback Tayt Snellgrove. The three-year starter threw for 2,668 yards with 31 touchdowns over his career, while rushing for just over 1,400 yards and 24 touchdowns. Snellgrove led the Valiants to the 2023 GIAA Class 3A state championship over John Milledge Academy.
Two big bodies on both fronts will be missed as Ian Giddens and Jack Melendez, who both played on the offensive and defensive lines, have graduated.
Another defensive lineman, Gavin Chambers, has also graduated. Chambers had 129 career tackles, including five sacks, during his time with Valwood.
In the defensive secondary, Valwood loses Ayundrae Belcher, who had 100 tackles and three interceptions over his three-year career, and Tucker Daniel, who had 77 tackles with three interceptions.
Key Players Returning
Valwood and head coach Brad Wells will return just five seniors in 2026, including running back Kamari Jackson, who rushed for 1,113 yards over the past two seasons with 12 touchdowns. Returning up front to block for Jackson will be offensive linemen Bo Shenton and Jack Shepard.
On defense, linebacker Peyton Watson will be back. The junior was always around the ball last season as the team’s second-leading tackler, ending the season with 40 tackles.
On special teams, Valwood will welcome back junior kicker Tommy Marrero, who enjoyed a standout sophomore season in 2025. Marrero was successful on 5-of-six field goal attempts last year, with his longest coming from 40 yards away. He converted 35-of-36 extra point attempts in 2025.
What to Expect From the Valwood Valiants in 2026
Wells will have one of his youngest Valwood teams take the field since he took over as head coach in 2023, but he thinks they are blessed with talent.
“I’ve been pleased with how our young team has worked so far this summer,” Wells said. “I’m hopeful that we will have some guys grow up in a hurry, and we are able to be competitive and remain healthy despite our tough non-region schedule. All six of those games will be against schools bigger than ours.”
2026 Season Prediction
Valwood will win the region and compete for the state title in GIAA Class 2A with a 9-4 finish.
Game to Watch
Aug. 14 versus Deerfield-Windsor
Valwood’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/14 vs. Deerfield-Windsor
- 8/21 at Cottonwood High School (Alabama)
- 8/28 at George Walton Academy
- 9/3 vs. Frederica Academy
- 9/11 at Tiftarea Academy
- 9/18 vs. Calvary Christian School
- 10/2 vs. Brookwood School
- 10/9 vs. Sherwood Christian Academy
- 10/23 at Southland Academy
- 10/30 at Southwest Georgia Academy
