The Valdosta Wildcats, owners of the all‑time high school football win record, open their 2026 campaign against the Jones County Greyhounds in a matchup that promises to blend tradition with emerging competition. The game, set for Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET, will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, giving fans across the country a chance to witness a historic regular‑season meeting.
Key storylines
Valdosta arrives after a 12‑2 season that ended in the Georgia High School Association Class 6A state semifinals, a run that added to its storied legacy. Head coach Mike Van Horn will rely on senior quarterback Tripp Perry, who threw for 455 yards and one touchdown in ten games last year, and returning running backs Marquis Fennell and Deron Foster, who topped the team in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2025.
Jones County, meanwhile, will be led by first‑year head coach Justin Montgomery, who transitioned from a defensive coordinator role at Carrollton High School. The Greyhounds finished 6‑4 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Senior quarterback Jonathan Hurley is slated to take over from Carson Taylor, having previously completed 21 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns at his former school. Junior running back Travis Miller, who amassed 606 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, is expected to shoulder a larger load in the offense.
Historic context
The upcoming contest marks the first regular‑season game between the two schools since a spring exhibition in 2021, underscoring the growing significance of the rivalry. Valdosta’s 977 career wins stand as a national benchmark, while Jones County’s recent resurgence adds a fresh narrative to the matchup.
Fans can anticipate a high‑energy atmosphere as the Wildcats look to extend their record‑setting legacy and the Greyhounds aim to prove they belong among the state’s elite. With both teams broadcasting live on the NFHS Network, the game promises to be a marquee event to kick off the high school football season.