Valdelamar Sets New School Record

The first half of last Friday’s Jeff Davis High football victory over Brantley County ended with a celebration — the celebration of senior placekicker Fabian Valdelamar’s school record 52-yd. field goal that came as the first half came to an end.
The kick barely made the distance as the football hit the crossbar and bounded past the uprights.
The record-setting boot had been expected to come ever since Valdelamar booted a 47-yd. field goal as a Yellow Jacket freshman three years ago. That kick was one yard shy of the then-record 48-yd. field goal kicked by Brian Creamer more than 50 years ago.
No one celebrated Valdelamar’s kick more than Valdelamar himself as he leaped into the air and sprinted to the sidelines in front of the grandstands where his family was seated, cheering along with Valdelamar.
Valdelamar’s kick was his first attempt ever beyond the 48-yd. mark, and it was fitting that the kick came against the Herons. Last season, when the two teams met in Nahunta, Valdelamar lined up to kick a 46-yarder but the offensive line jumped and the Jackets were penalized five yards. That presented an opportunity for Valdelamar to try a record-setting 51-yd. field goal.
But the field goal attempt was scrapped in favor of punting the ball away, over Valdelamar’s objections. Punter Colby Beach’s kick was blocked, a defender scooped up the ball and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown. The Herons won that game 28-21 in an upset.