The decision has been finalized: On February 8, 2016, the Board of Education unanimously decided to anoint Alan Rodemaker the 16th head coach in the storied history of the Valdosta Wildcats. This decision came shortly after the other leading candidate, current Valwood head coach Ashley Henderson, withdrew his name from consideration and made the decision to remain with the Valiants.
Looking at the numbers, the Valdosta football program was bound to be in extremely capable hands either way. Here are just a few numbers that showcase the ability and success of both of these gifted and talented coaches.
Ashley Henderson, Head Coach, Valwood School (Hahira, Georgia)
Head Coaching Career: 2012-Present
Classification: GISA Class AAA (2014-Present); GISA Class AA (2012-13)
Overall Record: 48-5 (.906)
Region Record: 21-1 (.955)
Career Shutouts: 7 (Two in postseason; 2013, 2015)
Career Highlights: GISA Class AA State Championship (2012); GISA Class AAA State Championship (2015); GISA Class AA State Runner-Up (2013); GISA Class AAA Coach of the Year (2014); GISA Class AA Coach of the Year (2013); Led Valwood to a perfect 14-0 record in 2012
Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach, Valdosta High School (Valdosta, Georgia)*
Head Coaching Career: 2016-Present
Classification: GHSA Class AAAAAA (2012-Present); GHSA Class AAAAA (2010-2011)
Overall Record: 49-20 (.710)
Region Record: 19-11 (.633)
Career Shutouts: 10
Career Highlights: Led a Wildcats’ defensive unit that held opposing offenses to 13.6 points per game in 2014 (including four shutouts) and 12.8 points per game in 2011; Region 1-AAAAA Champion in 2011
*Rodemaker has not yet coached a game at the helm for the Wildcats; therefore, the statistics compiled represent his time as defensive coordinator for the team, the position in which he served from 2010 until his recent head coaching appointment.
In the Game / March 2016
Henderson – Rodemaker: By the Numbers
Tale of the Tape: Gridiron Giants
By James A. Washington
