Derrick Davis | The Valdosta Daily TimesValdosta High quarterback Josh Belton gets off a throw under pressure from a Tucker defender during Friday night’s Class 6A state championship game at the Georgia Dome.

ATLANTA — Playing under the bright lights of the famous Georgia Dome didn’t seem to phase the Valdosta Wildcats in their quest for a 24th state championship against Tucker on Friday night.

The big turnout from the Valdosta faithful helped make the home of the Atlanta Falcons a home away from home for the Wildcats — even if it was for just one night.

It was the most important night of the season.

Josh Belton threw for 162 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense, Zakoby McClain recorded eight tackles for the defense and Davis Baldwin kicked a 44-yard field goal for the special teams unit as the Wildcats (14-1) won the Class 6A state championship and the program’s 24th overall in a 17-7 victory.

EARLY POINTS

The Wildcats’ success started early. The offense scored on its first two possessions while the defense kept Tucker (13-2) out of the end zone in the first half.

Valdosta’s energy was potent. After forcing the Tigers into a three-and-out, Belton directed the offense on an eight-play, 79-yard drive that was capped by a 35-yard touchdown reception by Damarrias Morrow with 7:32 left in the first period.

The Wildcats forced another punt and following Jayce Rogers’ 40-yard kick return, their second scoring drive came courtesy of a 17-yard scoring pass from Belton to Joseph Ingram. The connection extended Valdosta’s lead to 14-0.

With 1 second remaining in the first half, Baldwin easily drilled a 44-yard field goal that boosted the Wildcats to a 17-0 halftime advantage.

RELIABLE ROGERS

Rogers showcased his reliability and elusiveness in front of the Georgia Dome crowd throughout the night.

His 40-yard punt return set up Valdosta with excellent field position and led to its second score. Beginning from inside the Valdosta 30, Rogers made the catch and ran right before spinning left and reversing field. He followed a band of blockers along the left side of the field before being taken down at Tucker’s 29-yard line. Five plays later, the Wildcats had their second TD.

Rogers was involved in four first-half tackles, including one for a loss to help the Wildcats’ stout defensive effort and finished with 5 1/2. He accounted for a 2-yard loss on Joshua Vann’s catch-and-run on second down. He added another pass break-up later in Tucker’s drive that brought up a fourth-and-4 situation.

The junior defensive back intercepted a pass in the end zone midway through the third, but Valdosta couldn’t turn it into points. Rogers nearly had a second pick at midfield later in the period, but couldn’t hold on to the pass as he was running out of bounds.