Valdosta's 45-0 loss to Lowndes marked the second-most lopsided defeat ever for a defending state champion in an opening game. The good news is that the defending champion that took the worst opening defeat - 2013 Norcross - successfully defended its state title. So did another on this list, 1994 Thomas County Central. Here are defending champions that lost their openers by 20 points or more.
55 - B.T. Washington (Miami) d. Norcross 55-0 (2013)
45 - Lowndes d. Valdosta 45-0 (2017)
41 - Statesboro d. Bradwell Institute 41-0 (1966)
32 - Americus d. Irwin County 46-14 (1976)
28 - Griffin d. Central (Macon) 28-0 (1976)
28 - Valdosta d. Waycross 42-14 (1982)
27 - Fitzgerald d. Cordele 34-7 (1952)
25 - Upson-Lee d. Dunwoody 25-0 (1994)
25 - McEachern d. Parkview 32-7 (1998)
24 - Carrollton d. R.E. Lee 24-0 (1989)
23 - Warner Robins d. Lowndes 48-25 (2000)
21 - Perry d. Greenville 33-12 (1985)
21 - Washington County d. Hawkinsville 28-7 (2005)
21 - Colquitt County d. Thomas County Central 27-6 (1994)
20 - Thomson d. Warren County 20-0 (1967)
Source: GHSFHA
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