Friday night was more than just another football game for Woodland High School, as the Wolverines took the field against the Iron Horses from Philip Simmons High School. It was a special evening dedicated to honoring military members and first responders. The pre-game festivities set a patriotic tone, with members of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and the Dorchester County Fire Department running through the tunnel alongside the Wolverines, making for an electrifying entrance. These heroes were also honorary captains for the evening, taking part in the coin toss at midfield.
The first quarter was a defensive standoff, with neither team managing to score. However, Woodland quickly turned up the intensity as the second quarter began. #1 Travon Tate put the Wolverines on the board with a powerful run into the end zone, followed by a successful PAT from #33 Kepley, making it 7-0.
Just minutes later, with 8:32 remaining in the quarter, Woodland prepared to receive a punt after forcing Philip Simmons to a three-and-out. Unfortunately, a fumbled punt return was recovered by the Iron Horses and returned for a touchdown. They followed up with a successful two-point conversion, taking the lead 8-7.
The Wolverines had a chance to regain the advantage just before halftime when Tate launched a deep pass intended for #4 Jakeese Sally. However, the pass was intercepted in the end zone by Philip Simmons, closing out the half. During halftime, Woodland honored military members and first responders, announcing their names, service branches, and the special awards they’d received, in a heartwarming tribute. The Marching Wolverines then took the field, performing part of their competition show and dazzling the crowd with their energy and precision.
The third quarter opened with the Iron Horses extending their lead. They scored a touchdown at the 9:28 mark and successfully kicked the extra point, bringing the score to 15-7. But Woodland wasn’t ready to back down. Jakeese Sally came through with a spectacular one-handed catch, running it into the end zone for six points. The Wolverines attempted a two-point conversion but came up short, narrowing the score to 15-13.
Philip Simmons responded by adding another touchdown and converting a two-point attempt at the end of the third quarter, pushing their lead to 22-13. However, the Wolverines kept fighting. With 10:12 left in the game, Woodland punted the ball, but fortune smiled as they recovered a fumble from the Iron Horses. After a determined drive down the field, Kepley nailed a field goal, cutting the deficit to 22-16 with 7:53 left on the clock.
As the clock ticked down, Woodland had one final push. With just 2:50 remaining, the Wolverines were driving but saw their hopes dim as a pass was intercepted by the Iron Horses. However, the defense gave them one more chance, forcing a turnover on downs. With 1:25 left, the Wolverines lined up after a timeout, ready for one final play. They attempted a dramatic flea-flicker, but the pass was intercepted again by Philip Simmons, who took a knee to run out the clock. The final score was 22-16 in favor of the Iron Horses.
The Wolverines, despite the tough loss, showed resilience and heart throughout the game. They’ll look to bounce back as they hit the road to face Andrews this Friday night.