Allatoona wins a defensive struggle at Woodland

October 5, 2024

Woodland defenders stop an Allatoona running back.

Woodland and Allatoona's defensive units performed well Friday night and controlled most of the contest, but the Buccaneers generated enough offense to escape with a 17-0 road victory.

Allatoona quarterback Paul Cruz capped a 67-yard drive with a 2-yard keeper on the Bucs’ opening possession. That touchdown, with 6:41 remaining in the first quarter, would be the only points of the first half.

Woodland stopped the Buccaneers on their next five possessions but was unable to produce any points themselves.

The Wildcats attempted a long field goal in the opening half but missed the kick, and they trailed 7-0 at the intermission.

The two defenses continued their dominance in a scoreless third quarter, but the Buccaneers added some insurance in the final period.

A long run by the Bucs moved them inside the Wildcats 10-yard line before the Woodland defense stiffened again. Allatoona settled for a short field goal and a 10-0 lead with 8:55 left in the game.

Following the ensuing kickoff, the Allatoona defense produced back-to-back sacks and forced Woodland to punt from their own end zone.

The Buccaneers took advantage of the field position advantage and tacked on a quick touchdown with 5:38 remaining. Xavier Rucker took a handoff up the middle for a 40-yard scoring run and a 17-0 advantage.

The Wildcats had one final possession but turned the ball over on downs, and Allatoona could run out the remaining clock.

Woodland had a couple of big plays of 15-plus yards, including passes from J.D. Trail to Preston Sorrells and Soloman James for 17 yards each. Cam Williams also had several catches on the night for around 35 yards.

“I’m really proud of Coach Darby and our defensive staff,” Woodland coach Andy Scott told David Herron of The Daily Tribune News. “I thought we did a great job containing a really good offense to the bitter end. We just have to continue to find ways to score.

"I’m very proud of our kids. I feel like we’re getting better, even though the score doesn’t indicate it, but I think we’re getting better. We’re going to continue to keep working and keep pushing."

Allatoona (4-3, 2-1) hosts Cartersville on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Woodland (1-5, 0-3) will entertain Hiram on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

~~ David Herron of The Daily Tribune News contributed to this game story.