By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer
garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
The annual Battle of Highway 221 is one of the oldest rivalries in Upstate, SC. Woodruff and Chesnee are two county programs that share a long history of meetings on the gridiron, more often than not going in the Wolverines’ favor. This week is another critical region matchup for Woodruff, and the first time the Wolverines and Eagles have shared a region in over a decade. Two teams, two different styles, and a heated rivalry that brings out the best in both programs.
Coaches
Woodruff — Brett Sloan (4th season)
Chesnee — Brett Chappell (3rd season)
2026 records
Woodruff — 4-3 (1-1)
Chesnee — 5-2 (1-1)
Last week
Woodruff lost to Southside Christian 63-21.
Chesnee defeated Clinton 36-20.
By the numbers
Points scored — Woodruff 258 (36.9), Chesnee 278 (39.7)
Points allowed — Woodruff 196 (28.0), Chesnee 152 (21.7)
Series history
First meeting — Woodruff won 19-0 in 1933.
Last meeting — Woodruff won 52-17 in 2025.
Woodruff leads the all-time series 42-9.
This is the 52nd all-time meeting between Woodruff and Chesnee, and the Wolverines have won the last eight matchups.
About the Wolverines
It is soul-searching time for Woodruff after the Wolverines were profoundly dominated at home by Southside Christian last week. Woodruff has no time to dwell on that game, however, with a talented Chesnee team in front of them.
Last week, the defense was gashed by the Sabres’ run game, and the Wolverines will once again face a team with a potent rushing attack. The defensive line and linebackers must regroup and refocus and come out on fire.
Offensively, it was clear what Southside Christian wanted to do. They limited touches by MiCah McClintock and Curtis Bell in the passing game, with the Wolverines’ two standout receivers combining for just four catches for 15 yards. Jaylen Lyles did have another big night on the ground with 118 yards on 17 carries, and the senior will need to have another big night once again.
About the Eagles
Chesnee is a team with a lot of confidence. Led by talented veteran quarterback Evan-Reece Lawter and junior tailbacks Brymier Miller and Marquez Franklin, the Eagles are a potent offensive team that averages just shy of 40 points per game. Defensively, they have been solid, giving up just under 22 points per contest.
Chesnee does not throw the ball much, and instead relies on a punishing rushing attack that aims to control the clock and wear down defenses. On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Caleb Morris is a playmaker, along with linebacker Zach Henderson and defensive lineman James Davis.
This is one of the more talented Eagles teams in years, and they would love nothing more than to win the Battle of 221 for just the 10th time ever.
Players to watch
Woodruff
- No. 14 — QB Connor Davis — Sr. (6’2”, 210)
- No. 3 — RB Jaylen Lyles — Sr. (5’9”, 185)
- No. 8 — WR Tee Glenn — Jr. (5’9”, 150)
- No. 6 — DB/S Jay Glenn — Jr. (5’6”, 160)
- No. 0 — LB Mekhi Norman — Jr. (6’0”, 211)
- No. 31 — LB/P Brycen Davis — Sr. (5’9”, 200)
Chesnee
- No. 8 — QB Evan-Reece Lawter — Sr.
- No. 11 — RB Brymier Miller — Soph.
- No. 2 — RB Marquez Franklin — Jr.
- No. 5 — DB Caleb Morris — Jr.
- No. 30 — LB Zach Henderson — Jr.
- No. 57 — DL James Davis — Jr.
Coach’s Corner with Brett Sloan
“We had one of our best practices of the season on Monday. I am really pleased with the response of the team to this point.”
“I think (the Southside Christian loss) will help us if we use it and learn our lessons from it. We have made some adjustments but those adjustments will not matter if we are not more physical.”
“On offense (Chesnee) skill guys are very talented. They run really well. We will have to tackle well defensively. On defense, they are physical and they play the run well. They don’t mind committing numbers to the box. We will have to execute in the run game and we will need to get the pass game going.”
