2A Prep Football: Woodland doomed by Cedarcrest orcs in playoff opener

Turnover Troubles — Beavers dammed by 10 giveaways, big foes across the line

Cedarcrest’s Isaac Sanchez-Godinez runs the ball while Woodland’s Josiah Graham (8) and Elijah Andersen (4) give chase during a playoff football crossover game, Friday, Nov. 8, at Beaver Stadium. The Red Wolves won 34-14. — Candy Durgeloh / Durgeloh Photography

Drew Lawson for Blast Zone Media

WOODLAND—Earlier this week, Woodland football coach told Blast Zone Media his team had drawn a preliminary round opponent in Cedarcrest that was “built like Lord of the Rings.” And unfortunately for the Beavers, Woodland was unable to drop its 2A GSHL league championship rings into the playoff fires of Mount Doom, instead seeing its season end at the ravenous hands of the Red Wolves 34-14, Friday night at Beaver Stadium.

And it wasn’t orcs that doomed Woodland, no pun intended. It was the Beavers’ 10 combined turnovers that saw the back-to-back GSHL champions’ season out the door before the Round of 16 is allocated Sunday morning.

Woodland’s Will Clemens picks up yards downfield during a 2A football playoff game against Cedarcrest, Friday, Nov. 8, at Beaver Stadium. — Candy Durgeloh / Durgeloh Photography

“I think we could (have beaten) them,” Flanagan said. “That’s a team we could beat. Credit to them, they did what they had to do, but we didn’t put ourselves in a position to win. Turned it over a few too many times and didn’t take advantage of our opportunities and we gave up some big ones from our defense.

“Play these guys 10 times, I think we beat ‘em 6 or 7, but not tonight.”

Woodland’s Karsen Northcut carries the football while Ceadercrest’s Reuben Mallory attempts to make a tackle during a 2A football crossover playoff, Friday, Nov. 8, at Beaver Stadium. — Candy Durgeloh/ Durgeloh Photography

The game’s opening drive indicated Woodland might be able to control the pace, as the Beavers marched downfield and found the end zone when two-way stud Elijah Andersen hit Will Clemens over the middle for a 30-yard scamper and score.