By Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer
garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Woodruff Wolverines return to W.L. Varner Stadium for the second consecutive week Friday night as they welcome the undefeated Emerald Vikings to town.
Emerald has emerged as a high-powered squad and enters the matchup following a 70-point performance against Newberry. Woodruff is also riding a wave of momentum after earning a convincing victory over Class 4A No. 9-ranked Fountain Inn last Friday.
This week’s matchup features two undefeated teams and promises to be one of the Wolverines’ biggest early-season tests.
The Matchup
Woodruff head coach: Brett Sloan, fourth season
Emerald head coach: Tad DuBose, seventh season
2026 Records
- Woodruff: 2-0
- Emerald: 2-0
Last Week
- Woodruff defeated Fountain Inn, 32-15.
- Emerald defeated Newberry, 70-34.
By the Numbers
Points Scored
- Woodruff: 83 total, 41.5 per game
- Emerald: 91 total, 45.5 per game
Points Allowed
- Woodruff: 40 total, 20.0 per game
- Emerald: 40 total, 20.0 per game
Series History
- Woodruff leads the all-time series, 13-4.
- First meeting: Emerald won 29-16 in 1996.
- Most recent meeting: Woodruff won 50-22 in 2025.
- Friday’s game will be the 18th meeting between the Wolverines and Vikings.
About the Wolverines
Defense made the difference for Woodruff last week against Fountain Inn. The Wolverines intercepted Fury quarterback Sam Holiday three times, including a pick-six by Kelan Hunter, and held Fountain Inn to 15 points.
Junior receiver Curtis Bell continues to be a favorite target for quarterback Connor Davis. Thirteen of Davis’ 19 completions against Fountain Inn found Bell’s hands.
Jaylen Lyles carried the ball a career-high 22 times for 85 yards, while MiCah McClintock hauled in another touchdown reception.
Woodruff’s defense created a no-fly zone against the Fury. Aidan Lanford and Jay Glenn joined Hunter in recording interceptions, while linebacker Amari Gibson forced a fumble. Jayden Hunter also had a big night creating pressure along the defensive line.
The Wolverines will need another complete defensive effort as they attempt to slow Emerald’s explosive offense.
Junior kicker Diego Tranquilino—known as “Mr. Automatic”—also made history last week by setting a Woodruff school record with a 48-yard field goal.
About the Vikings
Emerald was an offensive machine last week against Newberry, scoring 70 points behind a career performance from senior quarterback Beau Hite, a three-year starter.
The Vikings have talent across the field, but their offense begins with Hite. Emerald lost starting tailback Chris Dean to a season-ending injury but still has a capable offensive weapon in Joe Moore, a transfer who enrolled during the summer.
Juniors Desiray Christian Jr. and Keirion Brown give the Vikings a dangerous combination at wide receiver.
Defensively, Emerald possesses the size and speed to make life difficult for opposing offenses. Junior defensive lineman Mylik Wright has recorded four tackles for loss and established himself as a disruptive presence.
Linebacker Lazohn Mobley is consistently around the football, while junior safety Trayvion Foster anchors the secondary. Foster has recorded one of Emerald’s two interceptions this season.
This may be Emerald’s most complete team in several years, and the Vikings will present a major challenge Friday night.
Players to Watch
Woodruff Wolverines
No. 14 — Connor Davis, QB
Senior | 6-foot-2 | 210 pounds
No. 3 — Jaylen Lyles, RB
Senior | 5-foot-9 | 185 pounds
No. 8 — Tee Glenn, WR
Junior | 5-foot-9 | 150 pounds
No. 5 — Amari Gibson, LB
Senior | 5-foot-11 | 200 pounds
No. 17 — Kelan Hunter, LB/DL
Senior | 6-foot-2 | 190 pounds
No. 95 — Diego Tranquilino, K
Junior | 5-foot-9 | 220 pounds
Emerald Vikings
No. 4 — Beau Hite, QB
Senior | 6-foot-1 | 165 pounds
No. 12 — Joe Moore, WR
Junior | 6-foot-1 | 190 pounds
No. 7 — Desiray Christian Jr., WR/DB
Junior | 6-foot-1 | 195 pounds
No. 13 — Lazohn Mobley, LB
Junior | 6-foot-1 | 208 pounds
No. 25 — Mylik Wright, DE
Junior | 6-foot-2 | 268 pounds
No. 3 — Trayvion Foster, S
Junior | 5-foot-9 | 155 pounds
Coach’s Corner With Brett Sloan
“I think we emphasize creating turnovers more than we have in the past. We even practice what to do after an interception. It is just creating a mindset and expecting turnovers. Forcing turnovers this week will be huge. If we create extra possessions, that means their high-powered offense is sitting on the sideline.”
“I think the quick passing game is going to be crucial for us. If we can get the ball out quickly and frustrate their defensive line, we can then have a lot of success in the run game.”
“They are a big, fast and physical football team. They run really well on both sides of the ball. They really stress you in the screen game and then the screen-and-go game on offense. On defense, their defensive line can cause havoc. They can be really difficult to handle.”
