You feel it the second you pull into the parking lot at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. It’s that thick, South Georgia humidity mixed with the smell of popcorn and anticipation. For the Valdosta High faithful, football isn't just a Friday night activity. Honestly, it’s a way of life. When you’re looking up the valdosta wildcats football schedule, you aren't just checking dates; you’re planning your life around the most storied program in the United States.
Coming off a massive 2025 run that saw Coach Shelton Felton lead the team back to the Class 6A semifinals, the energy around the "Winnersville" community is electric. The Wildcats aren't just playing for wins anymore; they're chasing that elusive state title that feels closer than it has in years.
Breaking Down the Valdosta Wildcats Football Schedule
If you followed the 2025 season, you know it was a rollercoaster. The schedule was a gauntlet from the jump. Most teams would crumble under the pressure of facing non-region powerhouses like Jesuit out of Florida or South Gwinnett right out of the gate. But Valdosta? They thrived.
The season typically kicks off in mid-August. Last year, the Wildcats opened up at home against Tucker on August 15th for Military Night. It was a statement game. They followed that up with a string of dominant home performances against Mundy’s Mill and Dougherty.
Key Dates and High-Stakes Matchups
Looking at how the season flows, things usually get real intense once October hits. That’s when Region 1-AAAAAA play starts.
- The Region Gauntlet: In late September and early October, the Wildcats hit the road for back-to-back tests against Camden County and Colquitt County.
- Homecoming: Last year, the Dougherty game on August 29th served as the Homecoming celebration, bringing alumni back to "The Baze" for one of the biggest parties in town.
- The Winnersville Classic: This is the one. The game. If you only look at one date on the valdosta wildcats football schedule, it’s the matchup against the Lowndes Vikings. In 2025, this happened on Halloween night, October 31st. Valdosta took the 23-14 win in front of a sold-out crowd.
Basically, if you want to see the Wildcats at their best, you have to be there for the Lowndes game. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in high school sports.
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The Playoff Push and "Ring Chasing"
Coach Felton has been vocal about the "3V Way" and "Ring Chasing." After years of rebuilding following the 2020 sanctions, the 2025 season felt like the program finally arrived back on the national stage.
The postseason schedule is always a bit of a moving target since it depends on seeding. In 2025, the Wildcats hosted Dacula in the first round on November 14th, followed by Brookwood in the second. By the time they reached the quarterfinals against Walton on November 28th, the town was in a full "Blackout" frenzy.
That Walton game was a classic. A 45-42 shootout that proved this team had the grit to match their talent. Even though the season ended in a tough semifinal loss to Buford on December 5th, the foundation is clearly there for a 2026 run.
Stars to Watch on the Field
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about who's playing in those games. The 2025 squad was led by some absolute dawgs.
Tyrieke Wade, the senior quarterback, was the engine of the offense, throwing for 26 touchdowns. But the real breakout was junior Marquis Fennell. The kid is a human highlight reel, racking up 33 total touchdowns and over 2,400 all-purpose yards. With Fennell returning for his senior year in 2026, every game on the upcoming schedule becomes a "must-watch."
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On defense, Zamarian Williams and Corey Howard set the tone. Williams was a tackling machine, while Howard lived in the opponent's backfield with 14 quarterback hurries. Losing those seniors hurts, but the "next man up" mentality is baked into the dirt in Valdosta.
Tickets, Stadium Info, and How to Watch
Getting tickets for a Valdosta game isn't always as simple as showing up. For the big ones, like the Winnersville Classic, you've gotta be on top of it.
The Valdosta City Schools ticket office on Williams Street is the hub. Usually, season ticket holders get first dibs, followed by parents and then the general public. For the 2025 playoffs, reserved seats went for about $12 to $16, while general admission through GoFan was around $10 to $14.
Expert Tip: Don't wait until Friday afternoon. For games like Lowndes or Colquitt County, the ticket office often closes early because the game is already sold out.
If you can't make it to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, the NFHS Network is your best friend. They stream most of the games live, which is a lifesaver for alumni living out of state who still want to hear the "Marching Cats" band and see the black and gold in action.
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Why the Schedule Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
People sometimes ask why South Georgia is so obsessed with a high school football schedule. It’s because these dates represent more than just sports. They are community milestones.
When Valdosta plays, the local economy moves. Restaurants are packed. Hotels fill up. It’s a collective identity. The history of this program—with its dozens of state titles and multiple national championships—is a heavy mantle to carry, but this current era under Coach Felton seems to be embracing it rather than being crushed by it.
The schedule is a map of the city's pulse. From the heat of August scrimmages to the freezing "Blackout" nights in late November, the valdosta wildcats football schedule tells the story of a town that refuses to be anything but the best.
Actionable Steps for the Season
If you’re planning to follow the Wildcats this year, here is how you stay ahead of the curve:
- Bookmark the Official Site: Check GoCats.org regularly. They post the official schedule updates and ticket office hours before anyone else.
- Download the GoFan App: Most general admission tickets have moved to digital. Having the app set up with your payment info saves you from missing out when a big game goes live.
- Follow the Socials: Coach Felton and the Valdosta Touchdown Club are active on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. That’s where you’ll hear about "Blackout" themes or schedule changes due to weather.
- Arrive Early: For home games, the "Cat Walk" usually happens about two hours before kickoff. It’s the best way to see the players up close and get into the spirit before the gates even open.
The road to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the state finals always starts with that first game on the schedule. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the "Winnersville" tradition, there's nothing quite like a Friday night in Valdosta.