On Saturday, August 31st, Woodland High School hosted the inaugural Dorchester County Middle School Jamboree, marking an exciting new chapter in middle school sports for the region. This event was not just a kickoff for the newly formed middle school football league but also a celebration of collaboration between Dorchester School District 2 and Dorchester School District 4.
The jamboree featured five games with teams from across three school districts, including Dubose MS, Gregg MS, Alston MS, River Oaks MS, East Edisto MS, and Oakbrook MS from Dorchester School District 2; Woodland MS from Dorchester School District 4; James Island MS from the Charleston County School District; and late additions Bamberg MS and Airport MS. Each game lasted approximately 30 minutes, focusing more on the learning experience than the final score.
The purpose of the jamboree extended beyond the competition, aiming to teach students essential game-day procedures and sportsmanship. The young athletes learned how to stay safe on the field, manage game-day nerves, implement practice drills in real-game situations, and understand the rules of the game. Despite the oppressive heat and humidity, the athletes showed remarkable resilience, supported by frequent water breaks to ensure their safety.
This jamboree was particularly significant for Woodland Middle School, which made its debut under a new identity. Previously, middle school-aged players from St. George Middle School and Harleyville-Ridgeville Middle School would come together to form a team under the Woodland High School banner. However, with the construction of the new Woodland Middle School, the team was rebranded as the Woodland Middle School Wolves. The team proudly sported fresh navy blue uniforms with lime green, gray, and white accents, symbolizing a new beginning for the school and its student-athletes.
Although the jamboree was not explicitly marketed with a theme, the underlying message of unity was unmistakable. The merging of St. George MS and Harleyville-Ridgeville MS into Woodland Middle School brought together students from various communities under one roof, showcased through their sharp new uniforms. The jamboree itself was a testament to the power of collaboration, with middle school football teams coming together to share their love of the game and two athletic directors working hand-in-hand to provide more opportunities for students.
One of the most poignant moments of the day was watching the Woodland High School football coach join the two athletic directors in working the chains for the final game. This act symbolized the strength of the community's commitment to fostering unity and teamwork among the students.
The middle school football action continues on September 11th, when Woodland Middle School travels to Gregg Middle School for their first official matchup. The game will be held at John McKissick Field at Memorial Stadium at 6:00 PM, promising to be an exciting continuation of this new era in middle school sports.