Woodland eyeing favorable region schedule
By C.R. Cumbee
Staff Writer
Dorchester—After much recent success, Woodland entered the 2011 campaign with a lot of prove. With a young roster, the Wolverines went 3-2 during non-conference play, defeating Scott’s Branch, Kingstree and Bethune-Bowman. Last week, they fell to Cane Bay, 29-7.
“I really thought we’d be 4-1 right now and I hoped our offense would have jelled a little more, but Cane Bay is a good football team. We haven’t lost to anybody our size. We lost to a 4-A and a 3-A school, so 3-2 is acceptable for me,” head coach Mathis Burnette said.
Offensively, Woodland will look to its skill players to make big plays. Patrick Sheppard is still learning how to be an effective quarterback while running back/wide receiver Andre Green continues to impress. Michael Delee, Chris Gaddist and Jahri Smith are the other wide receivers.
“Andre has really come on and made some big plays. When things aren’t going well, he keeps everybody up. In the past, he would have let his head hang, but I’m proud that he’s changed,” Burnette said.
The Wolverines defense is headed up by senior middle linebacker Shane Britt, who seems to always be around the ball.
“Shane Britt leads the team, no question,” Burnette said. “When number 16 is on the field, anything’s possible. He hits everything moving, he’s an emotional player, and when he speaks, the rest of the guys listen.”
Junior linebacker Michael Wamer is another top performer on defense.
Woodland will open region play on Friday when they host North Charleston, who enters the game with an 0-5 record.
“With the split in 2-A, it’s like the Wild West – nobody knows what’s going to happen. We’re going to come out and look to win five in a row, which I think is very doable. Our team is young and they’ve had a little letdown, but I’m glad we get to go home for three straight games,” Burnette said.
If the Wolverines expect to go undefeated the rest of the way, they will need to improve in one major area.
“We still need consistency. At times we look really good and do things that make you go ‘Wow, look at that.’ And then at other times we’re really sloppy. We’ve yet to play a full four quarters. We’ve got to learn to do that, but I think we’re going to be okay,” Burnette said.
Contact C.R. at crcumbee2007@hotmail.com.
