Wildcats crush Raiders for their first win

October 18, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

Woodland's Solomon James heads for the end zone in the Wildcats' home win over Southeast Whitfield on Oct. 17. RANDY PARKER / DTN

The Woodland Wildcats delivered a dominant performance on Friday night, overwhelming the Southeast Whitfield Raiders 42-3 at Wildcat Stadium. Led by an electrifying five-touchdown effort from sophomore running back Solomon James, Woodland secured their first victory of the 2025 season, improving to 1-7.

The Wildcats wasted no time asserting dominance. With 10:17 left in the first quarter, James broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for the night. The extra point gave Woodland an early 7-0 lead. Just over two minutes later, James struck again, powering in from seven yards out to extend the lead to 14-0.

James continued his onslaught in the second quarter, scoring on 10-yard and 2-yard runs to push Woodland’s advantage to 28-0. 

Southeast Whitfield managed a response late in the half when their kicker, Gabriel Fraire, drilled a 34-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to 28-3. However, James delivered a final blow before halftime, returning the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for his fifth touchdown of the night, sending the Wildcats into the break with a commanding 35-3 lead.

Woodland's Clayton McArdle hauls in a pass in the Wildcats' home game against Southeast Whitfield on Oct. 17. RANDY PARKER / DTN

The Wildcats maintained control in the second half. In the third quarter, quarterback Sammy Ray connected with Korbyn Jarrett for a 12-yard touchdown pass, stretching the lead to 42-3. 

With the score lopsided, the fourth quarter was played with a running clock, and neither team added to the scoreboard.

James finished with 157 yards rushing on 12 attempts and scored five touchdowns, including his kickoff return. Ray was 8-for-11 passing for 108 yards and one touchdown. Ray also rushed for 47 yards. Clayton McArdle had three receptions for 52 yards.

"I'm just so happy for the players and coaches," said Woodland head coach Andy Scott on Saturday morning. "This has been a tough season from a win-loss perspective. I'm proud of them for continuing to work hard and see the fruits of their labors. It feels good to put a win on the board."

The loss dropped the Raiders to 2-7 on the season, with their final game looming next Friday at home against Towns County.

For Woodland, the win was a long-awaited breakthrough in a challenging season. The Wildcats return to Region 7-4A play on Friday when they host the Cedartown Bulldogs.

~~ Stuart Morse contributed to this report.

PHOTOS BY RANDY PARKER / DTN -- Woodland quarterback Sammy Ray IV looks downfield for an open receiver in the Wildcats' home victory over Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland head football coach Andy Scott high-fives a player on the Wildcats' sideline.