Friday night at Woodland High School was alive with excitement as alumni, students, and fans filled the stadium for the Wolverines’ homecoming game against the Timberland Wolves. Alumni tailgaters arrived early to fill the cool autumn air with the mouthwatering scent of smoked and grilled meat, preparing a feast for fans who gathered to support their team. The pre-game festivities were marked by a special announcement of the class kings, queens, and their runners-up on the track, with the students turning heads in stunning suits and dresses.
The game began with an electric start for Woodland, as quarterback Duece Salley connected with Ja'Kease Salley for a touchdown just minutes in. With 9:30 left in the first quarter, the Wolverines took the lead 6-0, though the extra point attempt missed. The early score set an optimistic tone for the night as cheers erupted from the packed stands.
Trevon Tate followed up with a thrilling kick return, breaking downfield with a pack of Wolves in pursuit. Timberland defenders hit hard, forcing a fumble that they managed to recover, but the Wolverines defense stood tall, sacking Timberland’s quarterback and forcing a turnover on downs with 4:06 remaining in the first.
In the second quarter, the Wolverines moved deep into Wolves territory, setting up kicker Gibson Kepley for a crucial field goal attempt. The snap was clean, the hold perfect, and Kepley’s kick sailed through the uprights, adding three more points to Woodland’s lead. With 1:55 left in the half, Woodland was up 9-0. However, Timberland answered back just before halftime, scoring a touchdown and a successful PAT with 30 seconds left, closing the gap to 9-7.
Halftime brought a showcase of talent and tradition as the Woodland band and JROTC took to the field, while the homecoming court lined up for the ceremonial walk down the 50-yard line. Each contestant sparkled under the stadium lights, making for a memorable moment. The 2nd runner-up was announced as Ava Fortner, 1st runner-up as Jaiden Mondo, and, crowned as the 2024 Homecoming Queen, Taniyah Rivers received an enthusiastic applause.
The third quarter saw Timberland come out strong, quickly intercepting a Wolverine pass and running it back for a touchdown. Although they missed the PAT, they took the lead at 13-9 with 9:33 left in the third. Timberland kept up their momentum, adding another touchdown and PAT late in the quarter to extend their lead to 20-9.
Woodland fought back with determination, stringing together solid drives, but Timberland’s defense proved a tough barrier to break. Midway through the fourth quarter, Timberland’s quarterback completed a keeper play to score again, with a successful PAT bringing the score to 27-9. Despite Woodland’s tenacity, the final whistle blew with Timberland securing the win on Woodland’s homecoming night.
The Wolverines may not have achieved the outcome they wanted, but the night was filled with memorable moments of community pride, skillful plays, and a showcase of Woodland spirit. As the Wolverines regroup, they’ll have a bye week to prepare for the first round of playoffs at Hampton County High School on November 15.