113 Years of Tradition: Valdosta vs. Colquitt County | 2026 Football Rivalry Preview
October 13, 2026 – Moultrie, GA
Researched & Written by Mark D. Hulett | Georgia Web Development
Some high school football games are about more than records, rankings, or region standings. They carry the weight of history, the pride of generations, and traditions that extend far beyond the football field.
Friday night’s matchup between the Colquitt County Packers and Valdosta Wildcats is one of those games. When the Wildcats travel to Moultrie on October 16, 2026, they will renew a rivalry that began in 1913, when Moultrie High School and Valdosta High School first met on October 17 of that year.
The timing of this year’s game is particularly fitting. The Packers and Wildcats will face each other just one day before the 113th anniversary of their first meeting.
This year’s contest also carries significant implications for the Region 1-7A championship race. Both teams enter the week ranked among Georgia’s top seven Class 7A programs, with Valdosta undefeated at 6-0 and Colquitt County riding a three-game winning streak at 5-2. With Georgia Public Broadcasting televising the game statewide, one of South Georgia’s most historic football rivalries will once again have a statewide audience.
Friday Night’s Matchup
| Game Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Valdosta Wildcats at Colquitt County Packers |
| Date | Friday, October 16, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 PM |
| Location | Tom White Field at Mack Tharpe Stadium |
| City | Moultrie, Georgia |
| Classification | GHSA Class 7A |
| Region | Region 1-7A |
| Colquitt County | 5-2 Overall | 1-0 Region |
| Valdosta | 6-0 Overall | 0-0 Region |
| GPB Rankings | No. 5 Valdosta | No. 7 Colquitt County |
| TV / Streaming | GPB-TV and GPB.org |
Rankings reflect the Georgia Public Broadcasting Class 7A rankings released October 12, 2026.
A Rivalry That Began in 1913
To appreciate the history of the Colquitt County-Valdosta rivalry, it is necessary to go back to a time before Colquitt County High School existed. In 1913, the Packers were known as Moultrie High School.
According to the Colquitt County School District’s official football history, the first Packer football team took the field on October 13, 1913, against Norman Institute. Just four days later, on October 17, Moultrie High School faced Valdosta High School in what would become the first meeting of a rivalry spanning more than a century. That inaugural game ended in a 7-7 tie.
Georgia Public Broadcasting documented the historic first meeting in an October 14, 2015, article titled Heading South, which examined the origins of the rivalry ahead of another highly anticipated Packers-Wildcats matchup. Those early games helped establish a football relationship between two South Georgia communities that would become deeply connected through competition.
From Moultrie High School to Colquitt County High School
For decades, Valdosta faced Moultrie High School rather than Colquitt County High School. That changed in the fall of 1978, when Moultrie High School consolidated with Norman Park and Doerun high schools to establish Colquitt County High School.
Although the school name changed, the Packer football identity continued. The newly consolidated Colquitt County Packers carried forward the tradition and football heritage of Moultrie High School.
The rivalry continued under the Colquitt County name, connecting the modern Packers with generations of Moultrie football players who had competed against Valdosta before them. Today, the Colquitt County School District officially recognizes 1913 as the beginning of the Packer Football program.
Source: Colquitt County School District – Packer Football History.
Significant Moments in the Rivalry’s History
| Year | Historical Significance |
|---|---|
| 1913 | Moultrie High School and Valdosta first meet on October 17. The game ends in a 7-7 tie. |
| 1978 | Moultrie High becomes part of Colquitt County High School, carrying the Packer football tradition forward. |
| 1994 | Colquitt County captures its first state football championship. |
| 2014 | The Packers complete a 15-0 season and win their second state championship. |
| 2015 | Colquitt County wins another state championship, completing back-to-back undefeated seasons with a combined 30-0 record. |
| 2019 | Valdosta defeats Colquitt County 50-49 in one of the rivalry’s most explosive offensive games. |
| 2024 | Valdosta wins a defensive battle, 7-3. |
| 2025 | Colquitt County defeats Valdosta 18-17 in Moultrie. |
| 2026 | The rivalry returns to Mack Tharpe Stadium on October 16, one day before the 113th anniversary of the first meeting. |
One of High School Football’s Historic Rivalries
With its origins dating to 1913, the Colquitt County-Valdosta series belongs to a group of American high school football rivalries with documented histories extending more than a century. Several American high school football rivalries began during the late 1800s, and Georgia has documented rivalries that predate Colquitt County-Valdosta.
For example, Georgia Public Broadcasting has identified the Benedictine-Savannah High rivalry, which began in 1903, as Georgia’s oldest. While the Packers-Wildcats series does not hold the distinction of being the oldest in Georgia or the nation, its 1913 origins place it among the long-established traditions of American high school football. That history carries particular significance in South Georgia, where high school football has occupied a central place in community life for generations.
Two Programs With Championship Traditions
The historical importance of this matchup extends beyond the age of the rivalry. Valdosta built one of the most celebrated high school football programs in American history, particularly during decades of dominance under legendary coaches Wright Bazemore and Nick Hyder.
The Wildcats have won 24 state championships, including their most recent title in 2016, when Valdosta defeated Tucker 17-7 in the Class 6A championship game. For decades, Valdosta’s championship success established a standard that opposing South Georgia programs worked to match.
Colquitt County eventually developed a championship tradition of its own. The Packers captured their first state title in 1994 under head coach Jim Hughes before reaching another level of national recognition during Rush Propst’s tenure.
Colquitt County finished undefeated in both 2014 and 2015, winning consecutive state championships with a combined record of 30-0. The 2015 Packers also earned recognition as national champions.
The emergence of Colquitt County as a state and national contender helped reshape a rivalry that Valdosta had historically dominated. That changing competitive balance has contributed to some memorable games during the past decade.
Recent Rivalry Results: Colquitt County Has Gained the Upper Hand
Valdosta holds the historical advantage in the rivalry, but Colquitt County has enjoyed considerable success against the Wildcats in recent years. The Packers have won 10 of the last 12 meetings, including the 2025 matchup in Moultrie.
Colquitt County vs. Valdosta – Last 12 Meetings
| Year | Winning Team | Final Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Colquitt County | 18-17 |
| 2024 | Valdosta | 7-3 |
| 2023 | Colquitt County | 44-28 |
| 2022 | Colquitt County | 24-6 |
| 2021 | Colquitt County | 48-42 |
| 2020 | Colquitt County | 24-10 |
| 2019 | Valdosta | 50-49 |
| 2018 | Colquitt County | 48-13 |
| 2017 | Colquitt County | 27-0 |
| 2016 | Colquitt County | 45-24 |
| 2015 | Colquitt County | 49-14 |
| 2014 | Colquitt County | 48-20 |
Source: Georgia Public Broadcasting – Historical Head-to-Head Results.
The results demonstrate how different these rivalry games can be. In 2019, the Wildcats escaped with a remarkable 50-49 victory in Valdosta.
The teams combined for 1,250 yards of offense. Colquitt County accumulated 743 yards, but Valdosta’s 507 yards proved enough to secure the one-point victory. The game remains one of the rivalry’s most memorable offensive performances and was documented in our original 2019 Packer Football game recap.
The 2024 matchup offered an entirely different kind of contest. Valdosta held Colquitt County to a field goal and secured a 7-3 victory in a defensive struggle.
Then, in 2025, the Packers returned the favor, earning a dramatic one-point victory of their own. Different teams, different circumstances, and dramatically different scores, but the rivalry continues to produce compelling football.
Looking Back at 2025: Colquitt County’s 18-17 Victory
Last season’s meeting provided another memorable chapter in the rivalry. On October 3, 2025, Valdosta entered Mack Tharpe Stadium undefeated, while Colquitt County was attempting to establish itself in the Region 1 championship race.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 14-3 advantage and appeared capable of controlling the contest. But the Packers refused to fold. Colquitt County’s defense made crucial adjustments, limiting Valdosta to just three additional points for the remainder of the game.
The Packers worked their way back and held on for an 18-17 victory. The win demonstrated Colquitt County’s ability to respond against an explosive opponent, particularly when defensive execution became the deciding factor.
The outcome also gave the Packers a measure of revenge following their narrow 7-3 loss in Valdosta the previous season. With both programs returning to Moultrie for another highly anticipated matchup, last year’s result provides additional motivation on both sidelines.
Source: WALB News 10 – Packers Edge Valdosta in Defensive Battle.
The 2026 Packers: Building Momentum at the Right Time
Under head coach Sean Calhoun, Colquitt County enters Friday’s game with a 5-2 record and three consecutive victories. The Packers have rebounded from early-season losses to Thomas County Central and Lee County, winning their last three games against Lincoln (FL), Rickards (FL), and Richmond Hill.
Last Friday’s 31-14 victory over Richmond Hill was particularly important. Playing on the road in their Region 1-7A opener, the Packers pulled away with 14 unanswered third-quarter points.
Quarterback Khi Mitchell accounted for three passing touchdowns and 152 passing yards while adding 61 rushing yards, according to MaxPreps. The Colquitt County defense also delivered a strong performance.
Aland Brown, Kaden King, and Luke Strong IV each recorded an interception, while Josh Alford contributed 13 tackles, including four for loss. The result provided the Packers with their first region victory of the season and continued the momentum established during their previous two wins.
Source: MaxPreps – Colquitt County vs. Richmond Hill Game Recap.
The Packers have scored 247 points through seven games, an average of approximately 35.3 points per contest. During their current three-game winning streak, Colquitt County has outscored its opponents 106-50. For the Packers, the challenge this week will be continuing that progress against one of the state’s highest-ranked Class 7A opponents.
The 2026 Wildcats: Undefeated and Explosive
Valdosta enters the matchup with a perfect 6-0 record under head coach Shelton Felton. The Wildcats have been especially productive offensively during the 2026 season.
In their five games actually played on the field, Valdosta has scored 280 points, averaging an impressive 56 points per game. The Wildcats opened their season with a 52-14 victory over Jones County before recording four consecutive games with at least 56 points.
Their most recent on-field victory came September 25, when they defeated Stockbridge 58-21. Valdosta subsequently received a forfeit victory over Booker High School of Sarasota, Florida, before having a scheduled open week.
Consequently, Friday night’s contest will be the Wildcats’ first game played on the field since September 25. That creates an interesting contrast entering the rivalry. Valdosta arrives undefeated and rested, while Colquitt County enters following three consecutive victories and an important region win on the road.
Source: Georgia Public Broadcasting – Valdosta 2026 Football Schedule and Results.
2026 Team Comparison
The following comparison uses the teams’ 2026 results entering Friday’s game.
| Statistic | Colquitt County | Valdosta |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 5-2 | 6-0 |
| Region Record | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| GPB Class 7A Ranking | No. 7 | No. 5 |
| On-Field Games Played | 7 | 5 |
| Points Scored | 247 | 280 |
| Points Allowed | 161 | 72 |
| Average Points Scored | 35.3 | 56.0 |
| Average Points Allowed | 23.0 | 14.4 |
| Head Coach | Sean Calhoun | Shelton Felton |
Statistics calculated from published 2026 game results. Valdosta’s averages exclude its October 2 forfeit victory because no game was played. Rankings are from GPB’s October 12 poll.
Region 1-7A Championship Implications
Beyond the historical significance, Friday’s game carries considerable importance in the 2026 Region 1-7A championship race. The region features five established programs: Lowndes, Colquitt County, Valdosta, Richmond Hill, and Camden County.
Entering the week, Lowndes and Colquitt County have each secured their first region victories. Valdosta, meanwhile, has yet to play a region opponent.
Region 1-7A Standings Entering October 16
| Team | Overall Record | Region Record |
|---|---|---|
| Lowndes | 7-0 | 1-0 |
| Colquitt County | 5-2 | 1-0 |
| Valdosta | 6-0 | 0-0 |
| Richmond Hill | 5-2 | 0-1 |
| Camden County | 4-3 | 0-1 |
Source: Georgia High School Association – Official 2026 Football Standings.
A victory Friday would move Colquitt County to 2-0 in region play and strengthen its position in the championship race. For Valdosta, a win would provide an important opening victory against one of its strongest region competitors.
The outcome will not determine the region champion outright, but it will carry significant weight as the teams move deeper into their schedules. Colquitt County still has a road game remaining against Camden County on October 30 and a home matchup with Lowndes on November 6.
Valdosta will face Camden County, Lowndes, and Richmond Hill during the following three weeks. With multiple head-to-head meetings remaining among the region’s contenders, the championship picture is far from settled. But Friday’s result will undoubtedly influence that picture.
What to Watch Friday Night
Colquitt County’s Defensive Momentum
The Packers recorded three interceptions against Richmond Hill and limited the Wildcats to 14 points last week. Replicating that defensive execution against Valdosta’s high-scoring offense will be a major challenge. Preventing explosive plays, creating turnovers, and forcing Valdosta into sustained drives could prove important.
Valdosta’s Offensive Production
The Wildcats have scored at least 52 points in every game they have played this season. That consistency illustrates their ability to move the football and finish drives. Colquitt County will need to limit scoring opportunities and prevent Valdosta from establishing the kind of early advantage it enjoyed in last year’s meeting.
The Packers’ Offensive Balance
Quarterback Khi Mitchell’s passing and rushing production against Richmond Hill demonstrated the value of having multiple ways to generate offense. Maintaining possession, converting scoring opportunities, and avoiding turnovers will be essential against Valdosta.
Momentum Versus Rest
Colquitt County has played three games since Valdosta’s most recent on-field appearance. Whether the Wildcats benefit from the additional preparation time or the Packers benefit from their recent game experience will be an interesting storyline.
The Importance of Every Possession
Recent rivalry results offer a reminder that even highly anticipated matchups between powerful offenses can become defensive struggles. The 2024 game was decided by four points. Last year’s contest was decided by one. In a rivalry with that kind of recent history, field position, special teams, turnovers, and execution in critical moments can make the difference.
A Rivalry Worth Preserving
High school football traditions are built through the efforts of many generations. Coaches come and go. Players graduate. Schools change, stadiums are renovated, and the sport continues to evolve. But certain rivalries endure.
When Moultrie and Valdosta first played in 1913, neither program could have imagined what high school football would eventually become across South Georgia. The game has grown into a major community event, attracting generations of families, alumni, former players, coaches, and supporters.
For Colquitt County, those generations have experienced the transition from Moultrie High School to Colquitt County High School, the excitement of championship seasons, and the continued development of the Packer football program. For Valdosta, the tradition includes decades of championship success and a football history recognized throughout the country.
The rivalry connects those histories. And for the players taking the field Friday night, it offers an opportunity to add another chapter.
Friday Night at the Hawg Pen
As the 113th anniversary of the first Moultrie-Valdosta meeting approaches, the two programs return to the field with another important game awaiting them. The Wildcats bring an undefeated record and one of Georgia’s most productive offenses.
The Packers bring three consecutive victories, a 1-0 region record, and the advantage of playing before their home crowd. Both teams are ranked among the state’s top Class 7A programs.
The region championship race is beginning to take shape. And with the contest scheduled just one day before the anniversary of the first meeting on October 17, 1913, the historical significance of this year’s game is difficult to overlook.
For the players, Friday is another opportunity to compete, represent their schools, and pursue a region championship. For the fans, it is another chance to support a football tradition that has connected these South Georgia communities for more than a century.
Valdosta versus Colquitt County.
113 years of tradition. Another Friday night. Another chapter.
Game Information
Valdosta Wildcats vs. Colquitt County Packers
Friday, October 16, 2026 – 7:30 PM Kickoff
Tom White Field at Mack Tharpe Stadium – Moultrie, GA
The game will be televised statewide as part of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Football Fridays in Georgia and streamed through GPB.org. Packer fans are encouraged to come out, support the players, and help create another memorable atmosphere at Mack Tharpe Stadium.
Historical References & Sources
The following sources provide additional historical information, game statistics, and background on the Colquitt County-Valdosta football rivalry.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting – Heading South (2015) – Documents the original October 17, 1913, meeting and the 7-7 tie.
- Colquitt County School District – Packer Football History – Official history of the football program, the 1978 consolidation, and state championships.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting – Colquitt County Hosting Valdosta (2015) – Historical perspective on the two football programs.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting – 2026 Matchup & Head-to-Head Results – Historical results and current team information.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting – October 12, 2026 Rankings – Current Class 7A state rankings.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting – 2026 South Georgia Showdown – Game-week coverage and statewide broadcast information.
- WALB News 10 – Packers Edge Valdosta in Defensive Battle (2025) – Coverage of Colquitt County’s 18-17 victory.
- Colquitt County Packer Football – 2019 Rivalry Game Recap – Original Packer Touchdown Club coverage of the 50-49 matchup.
- Georgia High School Association – 2026 Football Standings – Official Region 1-7A standings.
