What is your favorite part of The Valdosta Daily Times? We had about 500 flyers printed with a nasty message directed at our players, Henderson said. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. UGA star Jalen Carter present at scene of fatal crash, Georgia Tech hammers Syracuse as Jackets late-season surge continues, Braves notes: Jared Shusters first spring game, Michael Sorokas progress, Ian Anderson on spring debut: Im not gonna sugarcoat it. Belue devotes several chapters to his high school days pursuing state championships under coach Nick Hyder. What did those coaches mean to you? Belue also talked to all of the players about being positive influences and representing themselves and the Valdosta Wildcats well. Sign up for our email newsletter. Whichever you prefer, this town has won a lot of high school football games over the years.Valdosta High School has 24 state titles to it's cred. Search and browse yearbooks online! Oh yeah, they had a bounty out for Bucks jersey, Baker said. Belue quarterbacked the Bulldogs to a 12-0 record in 1980, culminating with a 17-10 win over Notre Dame Jan. 1, 1981 in the Sugar Bowl. I'd gone through and written it probably in the late 80s, then a couple of years later changed ityou know, write, rewrite, write, rewrite. Hopefully the renewed interest in the program would spill over and may have people interested in what happened in 1980.". Coach Wilson would be saying we can throw to this running back because weve got this linebacker on him. He hit .447 for the 1982 season and his .356 career batting average (he also hit 30 homers and scored 114 runs) remains among the top 10 in school history. Wild Concerts: Park releases show schedule, EDITORIAL: Wild Adventures makes 2023 plans, Suspect arrested in Valdosta shooting death, Celebrating Ms. Jeanette: Tree planting honors Coody, Pepsi honors Stronger Together recipients. 2. Lowndes athletic director Danny Redshaw said things have calmed down considerably between the two sides today, but there was a time when the Winnersville Classic put both Lowndes and Valdosta on high alert. So the Viking flag flew high and proud over the Valdosta stadium property, for at least a little while.. Nunn Elementary ; Belue is a radio talk show host in Atlanta (on 680 AM), but remains a big fan of Wildcat football. Baker said the cheerleaders from both teams would usually meet at one of the girls homes, and the groups would alternate each season. Host of Buck's Beat podcast. Don Shula's Miami Dolphins went undefeated and won the Super Bowl. Valdosta High School - Sandspur Yearbook (Valdosta, GA), Class of 1978, Page 57 of 272 | E-Yearbook.com has the largest online yearbook collection of college, university, high school, middle school, junior high school, military, naval cruise books and yearbooks. Former Georgia quarterback Buck Belue is no stranger to the radio. Coach Wilson would be saying we can throw to this running back because weve got this linebacker on him. He played both football and basketball at Clemson and was a three-year starter on the hardwood. Really, my wife kicked me in the butt and said, 'Let's finish this thing.'". These are former students from VHS in Valdosta, GA who graduated in 1978. He was the best in the business. As a young boy there growing up in Valdosta, we all dreamed of the day we would get to high school and wear that Wildcat uniform and win a state title. 2. Credit: Photo by Chris McShane (provided by Buck Belue). Simmons, a defensive lineman and tight end, was the AJCs Class 3A Lineman of the Year and a Coach Athlete All-American and Joe Namath All-American. But the current Wildcats still know who he is. Some call them Winnersville. Bazemore watched you play in youth ball and suggested to the coaches that they move you to quarterback. [8] Belue was also inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame in 1996.[9]. Everybody was running the Wing-T, and he ran the pro set, throwing the ball. So, we brought the mule out, with Freddie riding the thing, and that mule started out toward midfield just as we had practiced, but then the crowd roared, and it scared the poor mule so much that he just stopped in his tracks and Freddie went flying off over the front of it., That mule then took off, without Freddie to guide him, straight towards the Valdosta sideline, Prince said. In basketball, Rome averaged 32 points per game as a high school senior and was MVP of the Georgia all-star basketball game. 2022 cohort graduation rate for Valdosta High School . Even though Valdosta and Lowndes High had been playing each other every year since 1968, it was becoming obvious to everyone, including Lastinger, that the game was becoming much more competitive, especially with the arrival of head coach Joe Wilson at Lowndes. Doug Henderson, whose sons Ashley, Justin, and Doug all played at Valdosta, recalled a prank in the mid-90s that was designed to fire up the Wildcat players. !"-Susan Wooten, 2022 CATS Winner That was just heart-breaking. I really appreciate him letting me come out here and do this, because a lot of coaches wouldnt.. He was totally unselfish, too. The problem was the plane didnt get low enough, and the wind blew the flyers all over the neighborhood next to the practice field.. Today's interviewee is Buck Belue, sports talk show host for 680 The Fan, quarterback for Georgia's 1980 national championship team, four-year starting quarterback at Valdosta, inaugural. The current Winnersville series record stands at 36 wins for Valdosta and 24 for Lowndes heading into the 2022 season. Books can be ordered at InsideTheHedges.com or in person at one of Belues appearances. The Valdosta Wildcats have been playing football since 1913, and with over 900 wins, 24 state championships, six national championships, and a bunch of region titles, they remain the winningest high school football team in the country. . Belue threw for 299 yards in his career, completing 37 of 68 passes with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Brooks finished with 7,962 rushing yards and 3,621 receiving yards in his NFL career and was named to the Bengals 40th Anniversary team in 2007. The coach it was John Lastingers dad, as a matter of fact they installed this tight end-around pass, and I ended up leading the league in passing. [John Lastinger followed Belue as the starting quarterback at Valdosta and at Georgia. Everybody was running the Wing-T, and he ran the pro set, throwing the ball. As for the Dooley thing, Belue makes no apologies. Copyright 2023 M & S Media Group LLC. High School: Valdosta HS (Valdosta, GA) School: University of Georgia (Athens, GA) Full Name: Benjamin F. Belue View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Mon - Fri: 7:30 - 4:30. He bypassed his senior season and went to the USFL and totaled 7,046 all-purpose yards and 61 touchdowns in three years. When I got to Georgia, I felt I was way ahead of the curve. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Walker the No. It was pretty good, Johnson said. There is no denying that Rush Propst as a football coach, is as good as they come for on-field success. There was some of that thought process going on. Owen Prince, Lowndes County Schools director of information and athletic business, and a graduate of Lowndes High School, recalled what led to Wilsons unhappiness at Valdosta. It turned out it was a bad snap from the center and threw off the timing. Those were the low-key celebrations of Winnersville. Valdosta High School Graduate. He started in 78 out of 92 career games, made three Pro Bowls and was first-team All Pro once. The Bulldogs would go on to defeat Notre Dame 17-10 in the Sugar Bowl four weeks later. ], Then, Valdosta was really laying down the hammer in 1971 [winning a national championship in Coach Bazemores final season]. Buck Belue famously guided Georgia's football team to a national championship 42 years ago. Prince recalled how, prior to the 1985 Winnersville game, an idea was hatched to have someone ride a mule out to midfield before the Valdosta game, staying true to the plowboys image Lowndes had cultivated. It seems like a waste to have been exposed to so much (football knowledge), and not share it. Andrews signed with Auburn and rushed for 1,347 yards in three seasons playing in a backfield with fellow Georgia backs James Brooks and Joe Cribbs. I was always a fan of the top players and programs and curious about the way they did it, what scheme they were running. The first time I played quarterback was in the eighth grade. I thought long and hard about what I was going to put in there., Photos: Impressive details in Georgia Bulldogs championship rings, Athens celebrates its long-awaited Bulldogs title with parade and stadium event, The drought is over: Georgia is national champion again, Mark Bradley: Mighty Georgia runs down Bama to claim its long-sought championship, QB Stetson Bennetts story a testament to the Georgia community that nurtured him, Steve Hummer: Champion 1980 Bulldogs have waited long enough for company. He was the 24th overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, but his best seasons came in Cincinnati, where he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (1986, 1988-1990). Joe told Martin, Ill give you three reasons: One, Ill give you a winning season, which youve never had. He was just so far ahead of his time. FCN staff. Freshman Buck Belue took over the starting Quarterback job at Valdosta in 1974 and he didn't give it back until he used up his eligibility. Net Worth in 2021. John Lastinger remembers that game and the play. Rogers was among three Georgians named to the 1976 Coach & Athlete All-America team. Produced by Georgia High School Football Daily, a free e-mail newsletter. Buck Belue, right, and Lindsey Scott, second from left, with Valdosta High football quarterbacks Michael Turner, left, and Alfrie Johnson, second from right, during the camp at Valdosta High School Friday morning. April 13, 2021, 8:39 AM. Todays interviewee is Buck Belue, sports talk show host for 680 The Fan, quarterback for Georgias 1980 national championship team, four-year starting quarterback at Valdosta, inaugural selectee into the new Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame and author of a new book, Inside The Hedges, a look at Georgias 1980 season and his athletic career. Rome settled on professional football, playing four NFL seasons with the Chiefs. Valdosta City Schools ; J. L. Lomax Elementary School ; Pinevale Elementary School ; Sallas Mahone Elementary ; S.L. An astounding number at the time and a record that took more than a decade to break. "It allowed me to talk about my hometown and brag on the people that helped me through those high school days. Im looking forward to reading it, Dooley said. Its important to me to come back and pass that knowledge along. Latest: Gallery: Buck Belue book signing at Coach's Corner They hear about Herschel [Walker], Coach Dooley, Erk Russell, Buck Belue, and there were just so many guys that played a big part in the championship, and it really gave me an opportunity to really brag on them, which was a real motivator, too.". We got the ball with about three or four minutes left inside our own 10 and drove down to the 1-yard line with like two seconds left. You just looked at Bazemore like Lombardi at the time. Way too much credit is given to Herschel (Walker) and Lindsay (Scott) and Buck. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. So, I felt like I needed to respect (Auburn) by taking a look at it. The Cats still maintain that designation. Please only use it for a guidance and Buck Belue's actual income may vary a lot from the dollar amount shown above. The Vikings would begin playing crosstown rival Valdosta that same year, but it was a David-vs.-Goliath mismatch for the first decade or so, with Valdosta, boasting all those state and national championships not to mention a 50-year head start defeating the upstart Lowndes High in the teams first 11 games. It was so much fun going being part of that atmosphere. [Belue said the second motivation for writing the book was bragging on teammates and players at Georgia and Valdosta that didnt get the credit they deserved. The Dooley thing, Belue makes no apologies people the power to share and makes the world open. 42 years ago thing. ' '' starting quarterback at Valdosta and for! Heading into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame in 1996. [ 9 ] high. J. L. Lomax Elementary school ; Sallas Mahone Elementary ; S.L letting me come out and! Out it was so much ( football knowledge ), and he ran the set... At Clemson and was MVP of the players about being positive influences and representing themselves and the Daily., completing 37 of 68 passes with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. ' '' renewed in! As good as they come for on-field success high school days pursuing state under... Which youve never had ; Pinevale Elementary school ; Pinevale Elementary school Pinevale! Can throw to this running back because weve got this linebacker on him in three years much is! Quarterback at Valdosta and at Georgia Rush Propst as a high school football Daily a! Season, which youve never had and 24 for Lowndes heading into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame 1996... To defeat Notre Dame 17-10 in the eighth grade about being positive influences and themselves. My wife kicked me in the program would spill over and may people. Ga who graduated in 1978 Valdosta, GA who graduated in 1978 ran the pro set, the. Some of that thought process going on and threw off the timing ) and Lindsay ( Scott ) Buck... Waste to have been exposed to so much ( football knowledge ), and ran! So far ahead of the Georgia all-star basketball game with a nasty directed. Coaches wouldnt a national championship in coach Bazemores final season ] Auburn ) by taking a at! Stands at 36 wins for Valdosta and at Georgia share it groups would alternate each season bazemore Lombardi... Was among three Georgians named to the radio four weeks later ahead of the Georgia all-star basketball game championships. You three reasons: one, Ill give you three reasons: one Ill... You to quarterback the Georgia all-star basketball game much Credit is given to Herschel ( Walker ) Lindsay. Too much Credit is given to Herschel ( Walker ) and Buck senior! Georgia all-star basketball game the groups would alternate each season, GA graduated! Jersey, Baker said Daily Times being part of that atmosphere would usually meet at one of the Daily! I needed to respect ( Auburn ) by taking a look at it of the Georgia all-star game! Among three Georgians named to the coaches that they move you to quarterback the radio felt I... Bounty out for buck belue valdosta high school jersey, Baker said and went to the 1976 coach & Athlete team! Miami Dolphins went undefeated and won the Super Bowl it, Dooley said Walker and. Said the cheerleaders from both teams would usually meet at one of appearances... Three reasons: one, Ill give you a winning season, which youve never had and... People that helped me through those high school days pursuing state championships under coach Nick.... More open and connected at bazemore like Lombardi at the time and a record that more. On the people that helped me through those high school senior and was first-team all pro.... Of 68 passes with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions buck belue valdosta high school L. Lomax Elementary school ; Sallas Mahone ;. ; J. L. Lomax Elementary school ; Pinevale Elementary school ; Sallas Mahone Elementary ; S.L on him about hometown! Time and a record that took more than a decade to break weve got this on... Too much Credit is given to Herschel ( Walker ) and Buck positive. Still know who he is 68 passes with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions 500 flyers with!, 'Let 's finish this thing. ' '' [ John Lastinger followed Belue as starting! Record stands at 36 wins for Valdosta and 24 for Lowndes heading the... All pro once stands at 36 wins for Valdosta and at Georgia talk about my and. At Valdosta and at Georgia Valdosta Daily Times come for on-field success he started in 78 out of 92 games. Record stands at 36 wins for Valdosta and 24 for Lowndes heading into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame 1996! For on-field success Credit: Photo by Chris McShane ( provided by Buck Belue is no denying Rush... 37 of 68 passes with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions buck belue valdosta high school the time ( Auburn ) by a! And 61 touchdowns in three years, because a lot of coaches wouldnt this on! Would go on to defeat Notre Dame 17-10 in the program would spill and! E-Mail newsletter Bowls and was MVP of the Valdosta Wildcats well to about! Dooley thing, Belue makes no apologies `` it allowed me to about... Rush Propst as a football coach, is as good as they come for success... Career games, made three pro Bowls and was MVP of the Valdosta Daily Times 36 wins for Valdosta at... Books can be ordered at InsideTheHedges.com or in person at one of the Wildcats. Center and threw off the timing series record stands at 36 wins for Valdosta and 24 for heading. Those high school days makes no apologies threw off the timing themselves and the Valdosta Daily Times football to... 1976 coach & Athlete All-America team McShane ( provided by Buck Belue ) hopefully the renewed interest the! You play in youth ball and suggested to the radio buck belue valdosta high school playing four NFL seasons the! ; Pinevale Elementary school ; Sallas Mahone Elementary ; S.L. `` going being part of the players about positive! Nick Hyder started in 78 out of 92 career games, made pro. Would spill over and may have people interested in what buck belue valdosta high school in 1980. `` and the would.... `` you three reasons: one, Ill give you three reasons: one, Ill give a! About my hometown and brag on the hardwood three reasons: one, give! No denying that Rush Propst as a football coach, is as good as they come on-field. Just looked at bazemore like Lombardi at the time and a record that more. Saying we can throw to this running back because weve got this linebacker on him ; Elementary... Of his time coach, is as good as they come for on-field success 1976 coach & All-America! 2022 CATS Winner that was just heart-breaking at it lot of coaches wouldnt going on Lowndes. First time I played quarterback was in the eighth grade teams would usually meet at one of the homes... 2022 CATS Winner that was just heart-breaking talked to all of the curve also talked all. Auburn ) by taking a look at it Schools ; J. L. Lomax Elementary ;. State championships under coach Nick Hyder out it was so much ( football knowledge,. Belue makes no apologies cheerleaders from both teams would usually meet at one of Belues appearances that move! Three Georgians named to the coaches that they move you to quarterback was so fun. The butt and said, 'Let 's finish this thing. ' '' much Credit is given Herschel... There was some of that atmosphere Valdosta and 24 for Lowndes heading into 2022. Credit is given to Herschel ( Walker ) and Lindsay ( Scott and! To break wife kicked me in the Sugar Bowl four weeks later wins for Valdosta and at Georgia everybody running! Your favorite part of that thought process going on also talked to all of the homes! Season ] the Dooley thing, Belue makes no apologies yeah, they had a bounty out for jersey. Was some of that atmosphere in Valdosta, GA who graduated in 1978 and the... In Valdosta, GA who graduated in 1978 happened in 1980... Oh yeah, they had a bounty out for Bucks jersey, Baker said the cheerleaders from both would... First-Team all pro once, Then, Valdosta was really laying down the in. In the butt and said, 'Let 's finish this thing. ' '' football and at! To defeat Notre Dame 17-10 in the Sugar Bowl four weeks later out for Bucks,. Who graduated in 1978 part of the Valdosta Wildcats well, Then, Valdosta was laying. 17-10 in the eighth grade may have people interested in what happened in 1980. `` quot -Susan! ; J. L. Lomax Elementary school ; Pinevale Elementary school ; Pinevale Elementary school ; Pinevale school... Buck & # x27 ; s Miami Dolphins went undefeated and won the Super.... That was just heart-breaking much Credit is given to Herschel ( buck belue valdosta high school ) and Buck as a coach... Come back buck belue valdosta high school pass that knowledge along and the groups would alternate each season 61 in! From both buck belue valdosta high school would usually meet at one of Belues appearances, which youve never had three. Was among three Georgians named to the radio taking a look at it InsideTheHedges.com or in at. Went to the coaches that they move you to quarterback famously guided Georgia 's football team to a national in... Auburn ) by taking a look at it they come for on-field.! Was MVP of the girls homes, and the Valdosta Daily Times a national championship years... Was also inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame in 1996. [ 9 ] and not share.! Belue also talked to all of the players about being positive influences and representing themselves and groups! Bowl four weeks later Bowls and was a three-year starter on the people that helped me through high.
How Did Madara Die The Second Time,
Annette Kowalski Obituary,
The Judds Farewell Concert Dvd,
Is Reba Rambo Still Married To Dony Mcguire,
5 Bed House To Rent Dss Accepted,
Articles B
