Undefeated Woodland Begins Region Play Against Ridgeland-Hardeeville This Week
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
Dorchester — Woodland has played through their non-region portion of their football schedule at 5-0 and they tuned up for a region title win run with a thrilling 31-28 win over Hanahan on September, 29.
“It was great to go on the road and get a win but after going into the fourth quarter with a 31-14 lead over Hanahan, I was a little disappointed about how they got stronger in the final period, and we appeared to let our guards down a little,” said Woodland head coach Eddie Ford. “We need to play stronger with a good finish in the final period in all remaining games.”
This week the Wolverines are preparing to begin the region competition against Ridgeland-Hardeeville. “They are a very athletic team and they have very good speed at all skill positions, on either side of the football,” said Coach Ford. “Their quarterback is very elusive and they run well on defense. They have as many quality skilled athletes as any team in our region.”
Against Hanahan, running back TJ Wright had a career night with 31 carries that resulted in 277 net yards and three touchdowns. Tyrell Sampson added 61 rushing yards on seven carries and Jaiden Gardner-Taylor contributed 46 yards on six carries.
On dense the tackle leaders versus the hawks included Chance Green (11 tackles), Donovan Miles (8 tackles, three TFL, one sack, along with Travon Tate (9 tackles), Jackson Sharp (9 tackles) along with South Carolina verbal commitment Kam Pringle (7 tackles, one forced fumble). Tyree Edwards had an interception.
Prior to the Hanahan game, Woodland’s other four- win shave come over Bethune-Bowman (60-20), St. Johns (42-18), Bishop England (29-3) and Colleton County (35-10).
Against Colleton County Wright had another good game with 142 yards on 19 carries. He also had 8 tackles on defense. Gardner-Taylor had three receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Cooper Glaze completed 4-of-7 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown. Reserve quarterback Jervaze Salley contributed 5-of-6 passing for 33 yards and one touchdown.
Tyree Edwards played well on both sides of the ball against Colleton County. He caught a pass for 13 yards and one touchdown on offense. On defense, Edwards had six tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Tyrell Sampson had an interception. The tackle index leaders versus Colleton County were Jackson Sharpe (11 tackles) and Miquel Rhodes (9 tackles, two TFL).
“We only have four region games and it is important for us to step up our focus and intensity because winning a region title gets you a good seeding with at least two home games in the playoffs,” said Coach Ford. “You definitely start coaching much harder to win once the region portion of your schedule begins.”
After playing Ridgeland-Hardeeville this week, most observers feel like the region title will be on the line the following week when the Wolverines travel to Hampton County, a team that merged with Estill after the gators were 11-2 a year ago with numerous talented junior players who now play for Hampton County.
“You never want to look ahead, because all of your region games are important but Hampton County is the team to beat in our region,” said Coach Ford. “When we go over there, we will have a big challenge in beating them on their home field.”
Coach Ford cited excellent senior leadership being provided by slot receiver Jaden Gardner, offensive guard Xavier Green, along with left tackle Kam Pringle. Coach Ford also cited the leadership of top tackler Chance Green (5-11, 215) who plays one of the linebacker slots.
Coach Ford said the team has missed the play of linebacker Aaron Pulliam who broke his ankle earlier in the season. “We should get him back in week 10 of the season and he is a special leader for us on defense,” said Coach Ford.
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