Wildcats win on penalty kicks at Cherokee

February 13, 2026

The Woodland Wildcats edged out the Cherokee Warriors 2-1 in a tense penalty kick shootout on Friday night in Canton, improving to 2-0 on the young season.

The non-region clash at Cherokee's home field went to penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw through regulation.

Cherokee struck first in the first half when a Warriors player found the net in the 6th minute, putting the home side ahead. Woodland responded quickly, with Hunter Limbaugh equalizing in the 15th minute. Goalkeeper Seth Goodall made one key save to keep it level heading into halftime at 1-1.

The second half was a defensive battle, with no goals scored. 

Goodall stood tall in net for Woodland, turning away 7 saves to preserve the tie and force extra time and penalty kicks.

In the shootout, Luis Sanchez, Saul Ortega, and Limbaugh converted for the Wildcats, while Goodall blocked one Cherokee shot. The Warriors had an opening attempt sail high, and another banged off the side post. 

With the Warriors’ final miss, the Wildcats secured the dramatic victory.

Goodall’s eight total saves across regulation and the shootout proved decisive, anchoring a Woodland defense that bent but never broke in the second half.

The loss dropped Cherokee to 1-2 on the season.

Woodland (2-0) will host North Cobb on Tuesday at 5 p.m., looking to keep their perfect start rolling.

CHEROKEE 8, WOODLAND GIRLS 0

The Cherokee Lady Warriors blanked the visiting Woodland Lady Cats on Friday night, 8-0.

Cherokee improved to 3-0 in the young season. Woodland dropped to 0-2.

Woodland will host North Cobb at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.