Wildcats conquer Raiders for their second win

October 19, 2024

The Woodland Wildcats secured their second win of the season at Southeast Whitfield on Friday night with three touchdown passes from senior quarterback J.D. Trail and two touchdown runs from freshman running back Solly James in the first half, resulting in a 43-10 victory.

Trail connected with fellow senior Traver Graves for the game’s first touchdown with 5:04 remaining in the opening quarter. The 15-yard play gave the Wildcats a 6-0 lead, but the extra point attempt failed.

Early in the second period, the same duo hooked up again for an 11-yard touchdown play. Nick Miranda’s successful PAT kick gave Woodland a 13-0 lead with 10:20 remaining in the first half.

On the Wildcats next possession, Trail found Cam Williams for a 34-yard strike and a 20-0 lead with 7:46 left in the second quarter.

Southeast Whitfield broke their scoring ice on the ensuing possession. The Raiders drove to the Woodland 15-yard line but settled for a 22-yard field goal by Julian Villa with 4:22 remaining in the quarter.

Seconds later, Solly James broke free for a 53-yard sprint and the first of his two touchdowns. Miranda’s kick put the Wildcats up 27-3 with 4:02 left in the half.

On the next Woodland possession, James scored again. This time on a 10-yard run for a 34-3 advantage with 2:54 remaining before the intermission.

Woodland’s defense added to the scoring in the second half. A safety gave the Wildcats a 36-3 lead just two minutes into the second half, and a fumble return for a touchdown secured the final Woodland points with 7:49 to go in the third quarter.

Cam Collins scooped up a Raiders fumble and returned it 42 yards to give Woodland a commanding 43-3 lead.

With a running clock in effect, Southeast Whitfield added a touchdown in the game's final seconds.  Fullback Noah Singleton punched in a five-yard run over the right side with 0:23 remaining for a 43-10 final score.

“I’m just super proud of our seniors and their leadership,” said a pleased Wildcats head coach Andy Scott. “Our seniors have helped steer us in the right direction all year and will help us finish the year strong.”

The loss dropped the Raiders to 0-8 on the season. They have games remaining at Towns County next week and at Grace Baptist Academy in Chattanooga on November 1.

Woodland (2-6) will finish the season with road games at Cedartown next Friday and at Dalton on November 1.