Game 9 Preview: Woodruff vs Chapman

By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer | garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com

The Woodruff Wolverines enter this week’s game with a chance to clinch their first region title in 10 years with a win, thanks to Woodruff’s dominating victory over Mountain View Prep last week. It was a high-water mark for the Wolverines, who dominated the #5-ranked Stars on both sides of the ball. With a Chapman team coming in that has struggled to score and to get stops, tonight’s senior night has the feel of a region championship celebration. Here is everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

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Players to Watch

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About the Panthers

Last Friday at Varner Stadium was a special one for Woodruff. In the state’s most anticipated 3A match-up of the season, the Wolverines ran over and through the MVP Stars on the way to a 21-point win. Junior running back Aiden Gibson had a career night with 299 yards rushing, just 13 yards short of the single-game school record, and four touchdowns while also recording a 50-yard touchdown reception. Sophomore receiver Curtis Bell continues to shine and added a 42-yard touchdown grab, too. Woodruff also welcomed back senior wide receiver and North-South selection Kori Moates from injury, making the Wolverines almost entirely healthy. The defense was outstanding, led by the front seven of ‘War Daddy’ Graybill, Jordan Hood, Travon Lee, Adrian Hill, Gunner Atkinson, and Jalen Roberson, holding MVP to just seven first-half points and 14 through three quarters. Look for the defensive unit to have another big night against a Chapman team that averages less than 15.6 points per game.

About the Stars

Chapman has struggled this season, with the Panthers having won just a single game, which came last week against Union County. The Panthers entered the year with higher hopes after fielding a young squad in 2024, but the offense has not been able to find a rhythm, and the defense has given up a ton of points. It has not helped matters that the Panthers’ schedule has been brutal, with a slew of excellent teams. The offense is led by senior quarterback Bryson Cothran, while the primary running back is sophomore Teagan Cantrell. J.T. Rollins will be one of Cothran’s primary weapons at wide receiver, with Cantrell also having the ability to go out wide as a pass catcher. Defensively, Chapman’s best weapon is senior defensive end Khamari Turner, a three-year starter for the Panthers. On the back end, senior Nazar Ackbar is a cornerback to keep an eye on against the Woodruff passing game as he stands at 6’2” and doubles as a wide receiver.

Coach’s Corner with Brett Sloan

(On maintaining focus)

“Two things. First, we are playing at home, on senior night, for the region championship. This is a big-time game for us. Second, we have to fight our own human nature. It’s natural to be happy and relaxed. We have to understand that there is still a lot of work to be done. Our players and coaches will respond.”

“Chapman’s record is a product of their schedule in a lot of ways. They have played one of the toughest schedules in the state, and they are much better than their record. They are very well coached on both sides of the ball. On offense, they use a lot of formations and motions in an attempt to outleverage you or create a numbers advantage. Their quarterback throws a nice ball, and they are one of the better offensive lines we have faced. Defensively, they are very sound. They change back and forth the between an odd front and an even front. Their defensive end, (Turner), is a North/South All-Star selection. He is a very good player. They have some good young players on the back end as well. We will have to execute against their cover three and man free coverage schemes.”

“I love this group of seniors. They were just freshmen when I came to Woodruff. They have completely bought into the culture and standards that we have tried to establish from day one. I will never forget what they have done for this football program and this community. They are a special group for sure.”