“These players have been chasing that ghost that’s known as the Valdosta Wildcats tradition for their entire lives, and now we can all take our small place in that history.” –Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
It isn’t easy being born into the Wildcat tradition, and it certainly isn’t easy earning your keep.
The players know it, the coaches know it, and the fans know it: The nation’s most prestigious high school football program is expected to not only win games, but win championships. Any team that walks onto that storied field in that historic stadium walks in the shadow of giants. Trophies, rings, records, names all loom on the walls and in the memories of the Wildcat faithful.
But for the 2016 Wildcats, it wasn’t about past history; it was about making their own.
“These players weren’t even born yet when the last championship was won for Valdosta 18 years ago, yet these kids have been compared to those teams since they first started playing at 5 years old,” head coach Alan Rodemaker said. “And they had never really measured up; our coaching staff never really measured up. Yet here we are. We did measure up, and I just want to recognize these kids for what they did and how they did it.”
Tides of Change
“Not everyone in the state was raising their hand wanting to be Valdosta’s head coach.” – Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
The future looked uncertain for the Valdosta Wildcats following the 2015 season. The statistical and emotional leadership of the likes of Seth Shuman and Todd Bradley graduated. Reclassification rippled unfamiliarity throughout the state. Coach Rance Gillespie created one of the most difficult regular season schedules in the entire state of Georgia. Then, of course, it became known that there would be a vacancy in the head coaching position that was to address all of this head on.
Controversy followed, skepticism ensued, and challenges were apparent, but the man selected to sit at the helm of the program was ready for it all – and more.
“Since I had been here and knew what was expected, I didn’t really feel much pressure, even though a lot of people were scared of this job,” Rodemaker said. “But for me, I want the biggest challenge I can get in this sport, and to me, this is the best job in the world. I want to be at the high school level. That’s where my ministry is, and I want to be at Valdosta High.”
His wish was granted. After serving as the defensive coordinator under Rance Gillespie for six years, Alan Rodemaker was appointed as the head coach of Valdosta’s football program. Knowing full well what the job entailed, he immediately went to work, on and off the field, turning skeptics into believers.
Despite the changes in players, staff, and schedule, the mission for the 2016 ‘Cats never changed.
The Process and the Players
“We talk about history a lot, but we don’t talk about championships. We never do. We talk about what’s been done, the great teams, the great relationships, but not region or state championships. The only time we did was the week before each championship game. We really talked more about being champions than we talked about championships. Daily champions. Winning that day.” – Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
With a team that wasn’t going to be known for it’s raw talent or athleticism, the defining tenants of their philosophy became discipline, fundamentals, toughness, execution, and – most of all – heart.
“We didn’t have the super stars,” offensive coordinator Tucker Pruitt said. “I remember one time we asked the offensive players to raise their hands if they had a scholarship offer, and no hands went up. It showed them that we couldn’t just be the team that shows up and expect to ball on these teams. If we are going to have a chance, it’s going to have to do with our execution. We have to do the little things: be tougher, play together more, improve every week, and find different ways to win. We all bought into that.”
And it wasn’t as if they weren’t talented. The Wildcats put their talents on display each and every week, but that wasn’t going to win them football games on its own. DeMario Jones, defensive line coach and Director of Football Operations, was one of the many staff members who understood and relayed this concept.
“We used to tell the kids that they’re going to be bigger than you, faster than you, stronger than you, but you are going to put that gold hat on them in a minute, and that’s the great equalizer,” Jones said. “Being a ‘collision expert,’ as Coach Hyder used to say back in the day, will equalize anything.”
The likes of Antwon Kincade, Devonnsha Maxwell, and Zakoby McClain anchored a stifling defense that was the great equalizer. Then, the quarterback duo of Josh Belton and Hunter Holt found their stride behind the strength of three, three-year starting offensive linemen – Jared Allen, Aaron Graham, and Zack Lloyd – as J.R. Ingram and Jontae Baker emerged as decisive playmakers and point-scorers. All the while, versatile athletes such as Jayce Rogers and James Bushware impressively led in multiple facets of the game. Talent wasn’t lacking.
Battling Against South Georgia’s Best
“What made this group of players and coaches so special was the four letter word ‘grit.’ Grit helped us through the season as we faced opponents that could possibly defeat us, but we held our own behind that word.” – Antwon Kincade, Senior OLB, SS
Combining those threats with regimented discipline, the Wildcats quickly silenced any doubt that they were legitimate contenders.
Game 1 of 2016: The Winnersville Classic.
“Nine hundredth win, new coach, first game… I had to shrink the game for our coaches, players, and fans,” Rodemaker said with a chuckle. “I told them that there will be life after this game if we win or if we lose. With that said, it turned out to be a big night for us and for me. After that game, people trusted me with the program. Our kids believed, I believed in the kids even more, and it instilled a lot of trust into the program.”
Riding the momentum from that classic rivalry and assertive, historic victory, the Wildcats rolled into their non-region schedule. Woodland, Wayne County, Tift County, and Thomas County Central all faced fates similar to Lowndes’s. Consecutive dominant victories proved that the Winnersville win was not a fluke, but an indicator.
Then their only blemish came in a disappointing fourth quarter loss to rival Colquitt County Packers. After gaining and holding the lead for the majority of the game, big plays within the final minutes propelled the Pack to a victory over the ‘Cats.
“The loss to Colquitt was an important loss to us,” Rodemaker said. “Although I don’t think that you have to lose to learn something, you’ve got to have times where you aren’t successful to teach.”
That teaching moment came at just the right time for the Wildcats as they headed into an off week before region competition.
After a grueling week of practice and preparation, Valdosta stared down the most feared region in the state of Georgia, regardless of classification. Region 1-6A, consisting of the juggernauts of Valdosta, Northside Warner Robins, Lee County, Coffee County, and Houston County, was going to be battle after battle. Each team spent time as the No. 1 seed in the state, and at one point they were listed as the No. 1 through No. 5 seeds. Now, they were set to face head to head.
Valdosta 14, Northside 6. Valdosta 27, Lee County 7. Valdosta 15, Coffee County 10. Valdosta 28, Houston County 24.
Clutch defensive stands. Electric special teams play. Systematic offensive possessions. Nail biting victories. And most importantly, undefeated region champions.
Whom Shall I Fear?
“We knew the schedule was going to be tough, but once we played through that schedule and got into the playoffs, there just wasn’t anyone that we feared.” – Tucker Pruitt, Offensive Coordinator
After 10 ball games against the best the state had to offer, faith had been restored and excitement began to build on the cusp of the 2016 GHSA state playoffs.
The Wildcats developed a clear identity: a resolute defense, special teams that controlled field position, and an offense that didn’t turn the ball over. It was the winning formula that carried them to a 9-1 regular season record, and this tried and true method wouldn’t disappoint them as it became win-or-go-home stakes.
Lakeside 14, Valdosta 69.
Northgate 0, Valdosta 35.
Stephenson 21, Valdosta 31.
Dalton 6, Valdosta 27.
The Wildcats earned their stripes and gained momentum through their brutal regular season, allowing them to briskly travel the road to the Georgia Dome. And while the team only hit the road twice in the postseason, the fans followed them in full force.
“The fan support was unbelievable,” Rodemaker said proudly. “For the Dalton game, you can’t get a school in Georgia that is further away, yet the stands were packed. We had several fan buses, and that was a good trip and a good night for Valdosta High School. Then the Dome was the same thing: The crowd was incredible. It is just special when that many people care.”
Regained Glory: Past Turned Present
“Coming out of that tunnel at the Georgia Dome, seeing all of those fans, I didn’t have a sense or feeling of, ‘Wow, it’s here.’ I had a feeling of, ‘This is a great beginning.’” – DeMario Jones, Defensive Line Coach, Director of Football Operations
On the biggest stage in arguably the most competitive high school football state in the country, the Valdosta Wildcats came ready to play. The moment was not too big nor the competition too fierce, and it didn’t take long for it to show.
The offense came out firing on all cylinders, jumping to an early 14-0 lead, passing the baton over to the unit that was the strength of their team all season long: their defense.
Unsurprisingly, the defense held. Final score: 17-7. The Valdosta Wildcats were state champions again.
“As coaches, we don’t really focus on the product; we only focus on the process,” Pruitt said. “But when you send the offense out on the field and it sinks in that there is no more preparation, the season is over, you beat everybody – it’s just a sweet feeling. For me, the team, the coaches, and the fans.”
“After scoring on our first two possessions against Tucker, visions of old came rushing back in our voices on the air,” said Monty Long, play-by-play commentator for the Valdosta Wildcat Radio Team. “You could sense that No. 24 was about to be real. Those last two minutes on the air was electric. Dirk, Keith, and myself in the booth were very emotional. Tears of happiness were in our eyes. Then with Dr. Ron and Darren on the field giving us the perspective from players, coaches, and fans… it was priceless for everyone.”
“Having my entire family there to join the coaches, players, and administration – those hugs and kisses – those were special moments,” Rodemaker said.
Relief, Rings, and Remembering
“We have a lot to be proud of, and I just want the kids not to say that this is the 24th state championship, but this is their first.” – Alan Rodemaker, Head Coach
With that, the Wildcats returned the trophy down I-75, and all was right in the world. The Wildcats were Winnersville champions, region champions, and state champions, all under a first-year head coach and an unproven team. Yet despite those disadvantages, perhaps even because of them, the ‘Cats had undeniable grit, relentless determination, and championship mentality from start to finish.
“I hope that people remember that we represented Valdosta well,” Rodemaker said confidently. “At no point in the season did we embarrass the people of Valdosta. I think we made them proud. The kids conducted themselves the way that they should.”
The legacy of these 2016 Wildcats will undoubtedly be cemented in the trophy cases of the David S. Waller, Sr. Valdosta Wildcat Museum at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, but Rodemaker forecasted a much more significant sentiment.
“We get our rings on March 3, and those rings will bind them together for the rest of their lives,” Rodemaker said with a smile. “It shows that at one point, on Dec. 9, 2016, they were the best in the state, and nobody can ever take that away from them. They will have a bond with any of the 100-plus people that were on this team, and that bond will last a lifetime.”
Key Players
Jonte Baker vocal
Three-year starters on the offensive line: Jared Allen, Aaron Graham, Zack Lloyd
Josh Belton
J.R. Ingram
Devonnsha Maxwell
James Bushware
Antwon Kincade
Coaching Staff
Alan Rodemaker – Head Coach
Tucker Pruitt – Offensive Coordinator / Camp Coordinator
Adam Carter – Defensive Coordinator / HUDL
DeMario Jones – Defensive Line / Football Operations
Matt Winslette – Offensive Line
Ryan Branch – Linebackers / Academic and Recruiting Coordinator
Thomas Reese – Tight Ends / Special Teams Coordinator
Stacy Duckworth – Defensive Ends / Equipment Room
Kendall Lacey – Defensive Backs / Field Equipment
Andy Gibbs – Specialist
Jason King – Running Backs
Israel Troupe – Wide Receivers / Locker Room Coordinator
Brad Tyson – Defensive Assistant / Equipment
John White – Volunteer Offensive Assistant (Offensive Line)
Key Stats
Key Offensive Statistics:
34.64 points per game
328.5 total yards per game
155.57 rushing yards per game (4.96 yards per carry, 26 TDs)
172.93 passing yards per game (66% completion percentage, 11.92 yards per completion, 30 TDs, 8 INTs)
Key Defensive Statistics:
15.00 points allowed per game (210 total)
257.00 total yards allowed per game
128.79 rushing yards allowed per game (474 carries, 3.8 yards per carry, 14 TD’s)
128.21 passing yards allowed per game (151 of 297 attempts, 11.88 yards per catch, 11 TD’s)
Special Teams Statistics:
Total Punt Returns: 33 for 435 yards – 13.18 yards per return – 3 TDs
Total Kickoff Returns: 32 for 649 yards – 20.28 yards per return – 1 TD
* All Key Stats calculated through 14 games.
All-State Honors
Coach of the Year – Alan Rodemaker***
Antwon Kincade*
Devonnsha Maxwell – DL*
Zakoby McClain – LB**
Jayce Rogers – CB**
James Bushware – P**
J.R. Ingram – WR**
Jontae Baker – TE**
Jayce Rogers – DB* (Honorable Mention)
* Atlanta Journal Constituton
** RecruitGeorgia.com
*** Both
All-Region Honors
Overall
Coach of the Year – Alan Rodemaker
Athlete of the Year – Jayce Rogers
Special Teams Player of the Year – James Bushware
Offense
J.R. Ingram (61 catches, 1053 yards, 17 TDs)
Jontae Baker (30 catches, 394 yards, 3 TDs)
Aaron Graham
Defense
James Bushware (129 tackles, 20 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles)
Devonnsha Maxwell (69 tackles, 10TFL, 5.5 sacks)
Zakoby McClain (123 tackles, 20 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles)
Antwon Kincade (90 tackles, 9 TFL, 1 INT)
Jalen Everett (64 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 recovered fumbles)
Second Team Honors
Eric Simmons – DL (46 tackles, 11 TFL, 1 forced fumble)
Jaelyn Temple – DB (38 tackles, 4 INTs)
Tevin Gray – RB (637 yards, 6 TDs)
Wesley Veal – WR (27 catches, 322 yards, 4 TDs
Zach Lloyd and Jared Allen – OL
Josh Belton and Hunter Holt – QBs (2445 yards passing, 32 TDs, 9 INTs, 1106 yards rushing, 12 TDs)
VESPYs Award Winners
Nick Hyder Memorial Offensive MVP Award – J.R. Ingram
Best Offensive Lineman Award – Jared Allen
Best Offensive Back – Tevin Gray
Best Receiver – Damarrias Morrow
Wright Bazemore Defensive MVP Award – James Bushware
Best Linebacker – Zakoby McClain
Best Defensive Back – Antwon Kincade
Best Defensive Lineman – Devonnsha Maxwell
Special Teams Award – Jayce Roger
Nick Hyder Foundation Scholarship Award – Aaron Graham
David and Sharon Waller Scholarship Award – Jontae Baker
Wright Bazemore Scholarship – Wesley Veal
Mark Stevens Memorial Sportsmanship Award – Tyler Blue and Jaelyn Temple
Dynamite Goodloe Memorial Most Improved Offensive Award – Hunter Holt
Most Improved Defensive Award – Jalen Everett
Julian Lefiles Memorial Spirit Award – Justin Carter
Super Skinner Award – Kimba Kimble and Marvens Cherelus
Most Loyal Award – Zach Lloyd
Coaches Award – Jeremiah Williams
James Eunice Character Award – Thomas Eager
Hall of Fame Inductees – Mike O’Brien and Willie Lewis
2016 Schedule and Results
Regular Season
Aug. 12 Cairo (Scrimmage) 8 p.m. T, 22-22
Aug. 19 Lowndes 8 p.m. W, 38-13
Aug. 26 Woodland, Stockbridge 8 p.m. W, 51-12
Sep. 02 @Wayne County 7:30 p.m. W, 28-0
Sep. 09 @Tift County 7:30 p.m. W, 42-13
Sep. 16 @Thomas County Central 7:30 p.m. W, 56-39
Sep. 23 Colquitt County 8 p.m. L, 24-45
Sep. 30 Open
Oct. 07 Northside* 8 p.m. (Homecoming) W, 14-6
Oct. 14 Open
Oct. 21 @Lee County* 7:30 p.m. W, 27-7
Oct. 28 Coffee County* 8 p.m. (Senior Night) W, 15-10
Nov. 04 @Houston County* 7:30 p.m. W, 28-24
Playoffs
Round 1: Nov. 11 Lakeside (Evans) W, 69-14
Round 2: Nov. 18 Northgate W, 35-0
Round 3: Nov. 25 Stephenson W, 31-21
Round 4: Dec. 2 @Dalton W, 27-6
State 6A Championship: Dec. 9 Tucker @ Georgia Dome W, 17-7
GEICO State Champions Bowl Series
Dec. 22 Chandler 6 p.m. L, 44-24
2016 Overall Record: 14-2 (4-0)
In the Game Magazine / South Georgia / February-March 2017
Valdosta Football State Championship Article
Valdosta, GA
Written by: Cole Parker
Photos courtesy of Mike Chapman
History of Their Own: Valdosta’s Surge Back to the State Title and National Stage
