Allatoona outlasts Woodland in a high-scoring region clash

October 4, 2025

In an intense back-and-forth Region 7-AAAA showdown, the Allatoona Buccaneers outlasted the Woodland Wildcats, securing a 49-35 victory on Friday night, powered by a dominant performance from Bucs’ running back Ethan Corpus.

The game was a tale of two halves, with the teams knotted at 21-21 at halftime after a frenetic first half. 

Allatoona struck first with 7:00 left in the first quarter when quarterback Jacob Wan connected with Myles Davis for a 34-yard touchdown pass, capping a quick 46-yard drive. 

Woodland responded swiftly, as quarterback Sammy Ray orchestrated an 80-yard drive, hitting Preston Sorrells for a touchdown to tie it at 7-7 following Hunter Limbaugh’s PAT kick.

Corpus then broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run, putting Allatoona back on top, 14-7. 

Woodland answered again, with Solomon James capping a 76-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown run to close the first quarter.

The second quarter saw more fireworks. 

After a Woodland punt and a crucial interception by Wildcats’ Jonathan Hart at their own 2-yard line, Allatoona capitalized on a short field, with Corpus scoring on a 36-yard run to make it 21-14. 

Woodland refused to back down, as Ray found Sorrells for a 28-yard touchdown pass with 1:14 left in the half, tying the game at 21-21.

The second half opened with both teams trading blows on the first five possessions.

Allatoona took the lead with Corpus’ 5-yard touchdown run, aided by a 49-yard pass from Wan to Kyle Downey. Woodland countered with a 14-yard touchdown run by James, knotting the score at 28-28. 

Allatoona then unleashed a trick play, as a double handoff from Wan to Corpus to Davis resulted in a 64-yard touchdown scamper, putting the Buccaneers ahead 35-28. 

Woodland responded with a 39-yard swing pass from Ray to James, tying it at 35-35. But Corpus stole the show with an 80-yard touchdown run up the middle, giving Allatoona a 42-35 lead to close the third quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Allatoona take the game’s first and only two-score lead. 

Starting at midfield, Corpus powered through with four straight carries, including a 32-yard run and a 2-yard touchdown plunge, extending the lead to 49-35 with 7:26 remaining. 

Woodland’s offense, despite a fumble recovery by Michael Berry on a punt return, couldn’t capitalize, turning the ball over on downs three times in the final frame.

Allatoona effectively milked the clock to seal the win.

Corpus was the star, rushing for 327 yards and five touchdowns on 21 carries. For Woodland, Ray and James led a valiant effort, with James scoring twice and Ray connecting with Sorrells and others for key plays, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Allatoona’s relentless attack.

James rushed for 210 yards on 26 attempts, including two touchdowns for the Wildcats. He also caught six passes for 95 yards and one score. Ray completed 21 of 33 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns.

Sorrells caught six passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Jarrett hauled in five balls for 38 yards, while McArdle had two receptions for 51 yards.

Woodland head coach Andy Scott was pleased with the growth his team showed, despite the loss. “I’m really proud of our kids and their ability to play four quarters against a very good Allatoona team. The kids gave themselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter. I’m super proud of the performance by our offense, which rolled up over 500 yards of total offense."

Allatoona (3-4, 2-1) heads to face third-ranked Cartersville next Friday at 7:30 p.m., while Woodland (0-6, 0-3) travels to Hiram for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, still seeking their first win.