Wildcats Suffer Tough Road Loss to Valdosta, Turn Focus to Colquitt County
Camden County falls 63–10 in Region 1-7A road matchup, looks to regroup for Friday’s regular-season finale and Youth Football Night.
VALDOSTA, Ga. — The Camden County Wildcats endured one of their most difficult outings of the 2026 season Friday night, falling 63–10 to undefeated Valdosta in a Region 1-7A matchup on October 23.
Coming off an encouraging 40–27 victory over Richmond Hill, Camden entered the contest hoping to build on its first region win. Instead, the Wildcats faced a Valdosta team that took control early, leaving Camden searching for answers on both sides of the football.
Valdosta jumped out to a 28–0 lead in the opening quarter and continued its offensive surge throughout the first half. Camden managed 10 points in the second quarter, but the home team carried a commanding 49–10 advantage into halftime.
The struggles continued after the break as Valdosta added two more touchdowns in the third quarter before a scoreless fourth brought the contest to a close.
The final score reflected a night in which Camden struggled to establish sustained momentum. The Wildcats finished with just 127 yards of total offense, including 46 rushing yards, while Valdosta consistently capitalized on its opportunities.
Collins and Green Connect for Camden’s Lone Touchdown
Despite the difficult circumstances, senior quarterback Xavier Collins completed 13 of 20 passes for 81 yards and one touchdown without throwing an interception.
Collins also led Camden’s rushing attack, gaining 31 yards on seven carries.
Senior wide receiver Sean Green provided Camden’s biggest offensive highlight, connecting with Collins for the Wildcats’ only touchdown of the evening. Green finished with six receptions for 39 yards.
Senior Jesse Newsome added a 10-yard reception, while sophomore running back Malakhi Poole recorded two catches. Junior Jakavious Perkins contributed 13 receiving yards and seven rushing yards.
Camden Offensive Highlights
Xavier Collins: 13-of-20 passing, 81 yards, 1 TD, 31 rushing yards
Sean Green: 6 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD
Jesse Newsome: 10 receiving yards
Jakavious Perkins: 13 receiving yards, 7 rushing yards
Team Rushing: 46 yards on 17 carries
Total Offense: 127 yards
Camden’s offense never established the consistency needed to challenge Valdosta’s defense. The Wildcats were limited to 46 rushing yards on 17 carries, averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt.
The inability to sustain drives placed additional pressure on a Camden defense already facing one of the region’s most explosive offensive teams.
2026 Season Results
Swipe or select a gameValdosta’s Offensive Attack Proves Difficult to Contain
Defensively, Camden faced significant challenges as Valdosta repeatedly moved the football and found the end zone throughout the first three quarters.
Junior Glonger Carter led Camden with eight total tackles, including seven solo stops.
Senior Cedric Davis and senior Micah Jones followed with seven tackles apiece, while junior Jarred Zeigler contributed four.
Senior Maliek Patterson recorded three solo tackles, and senior Elijah Nunnally finished with three tackles, including Camden’s lone tackle for loss.
Camden Defensive Leaders
Glonger Carter: 8 tackles, 7 solo
Cedric Davis: 7 tackles
Micah Jones: 7 tackles
Jarred Zeigler: 4 tackles
Maliek Patterson: 3 solo tackles
Elijah Nunnally: 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Although several defenders registered notable individual statistics, the Wildcats struggled collectively to slow Valdosta’s offensive production.
The 63 points surrendered underscored the difficulties Camden experienced throughout the evening, particularly during a first half in which Valdosta scored seven touchdowns.
Special Teams Contribute to Camden’s Scoring
Senior kicker Jacob Vermilyea accounted for four of Camden’s 10 points, successfully converting a 34-yard field goal and an extra point.
In the return game, sophomore Quan Mercer collected 81 yards on three kickoff returns, including a 38-yard return.
Sophomore Ayden Robinson added 85 yards on six kickoff returns, bringing Camden’s combined kickoff return total to 166 yards.
Senior punter Michael Conley finished with four punts totaling 134 yards, averaging 33.5 yards per attempt. His longest punt traveled 42 yards, and one was placed inside Valdosta’s 20-yard line.
Special Teams Highlights
Jacob Vermilyea: 34-yard field goal, 1 extra point
Quan Mercer: 3 kickoff returns, 81 yards, long of 38
Ayden Robinson: 6 kickoff returns, 85 yards
Michael Conley: 4 punts, 134 yards, 33.5-yard average
Combined Kickoff Return Yards: 166
While special teams produced several individual contributions, Camden was unable to overcome the substantial deficit established early in the contest.
Wildcats Face Important Final Week of Regular Season
Xavier Collins: 13-of-20 passing, 81 yards, 1 TD, 31 rushing yards
With the loss, Camden County falls to 5–4 overall and 1–2 in region play as the Wildcats prepare for their final regular-season matchup.
For head coach Tucker Pruitt and his team, Friday’s defeat serves as a difficult reminder of the level of execution required to compete in Region 1-7A, one of Georgia’s most demanding high school football regions.
After showing promise in their victory over Richmond Hill, the Wildcats were unable to carry that momentum into Valdosta. The challenge now is to address the shortcomings exposed Friday night and prepare for another formidable opponent.
Camden will return home to face the Colquitt County Packers on Friday, October 30, at Chris Gilman Stadium.
The matchup represents an opportunity for the Wildcats to put a disappointing road performance behind them and finish the regular season with a stronger showing in front of their home crowd.
Friday will also be Youth Football Night, recognizing the young athletes who represent the future of Camden County football.
As the regular season comes to a close, the Wildcats will need a more complete performance on both sides of the football against another talented Region 1-7A opponent.
For Wildcat Nation, it will be one final opportunity during the regular season to fill Chris Gilman Stadium and stand behind the players as they prepare for their next challenge.
UP NEXT: CAMDEN COUNTY VS. COLQUITT COUNTY
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Location: Chris Gilman Stadium
Opponent: Colquitt County Packers
Special Event: Youth Football Night
Wildcat Nation, it's time to show up! Pack Chris Gilman Stadium, bring the energy, and support the Wildcats as they close out the 2026 regular season on their home field.
ALL CAMDEN. GO CATS!
