The Coffee Trojans dropped to 5-4 on the season and 1-2 in the region after suffering a 15-10 defeat at the claws of the Valdosta High Wildcats last night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta.
The game featured a father-son showdown for the first time in their careers; Tucker Pruitt, son of Coffee High head coach Robby Pruitt, is Valdosta’s offensive coordinator. And right now, the younger Pruitt holds the advantage. As good as Valdosta’s offense is, however, it was the ‘Cats’ defense that ruled the day. Valdosta held the Trojans scoreless in the first half and allowed -1 yard rushing. Valdosta, however, kicked a field goal, recorded a safety, and scored a late second-quarter touchdown to take a 12-0 lead into halftime.
The ‘Cats kicked a short field goal on their second possession of the third quarter which gave them a 15-0 lead. That would be their only points the rest of the game.
On Coffee’s second possession of the half, the Trojans drove downfield and scored a touchdown on fourth and one on a tipped pass. Coffee was at the Valdosta two yard line and quarterback Max Hughes’s pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Receiver Tray Mizell caught the tip in the end zone seemingly for a touchdown. Officials called an illegal receiver downfield penalty and nullified the score. The Trojans then kicked a field goal of their own.
Near the midway point of the third quarter, after Jarquavious Jefferson (who also had an interception) picked up a blocked punt and left the Trojans in good field position, running back Tywone Brewton broke a 27-yard touchdown run to get within five of the ‘Cats. With 9:37 left in the game, Valdosta led 15-10.
Both teams moved the ball the remainder of the game but neither could post any more points. The win gave the Wildcats the region championship, their 42nd such title.
The loss puts Coffee’s playoffs hopes in jeopardy. A win next week in the season finale at Jardine Stadium against Lee County would give Coffee a playoff berth. If Coffee loses, Valdosta has to defeat Houston County in order for Coffee to get into the post-season. If CHS loses and Houston beats Valdosta, Coffee’s out of the postseason.