Football
Three Takeaways from Woodland's 58-23 Win over Talihina in State Championship
2024-12-14
In the electrifying Class A-II state championship game on Friday night, Woodland emerged victorious with a resounding 58 - 23 score over Talihina. This remarkable victory marked Woodland's first state title since 2010 and showcased the exceptional skills of their star quarterback, Trey Bennett.

Player of the Game: Trey Bennett

Bennett's performance was nothing short of stellar. He completed an astonishing 10 out of 11 passes, amassing 155 yards and two touchdowns through the air. On the ground, he was equally impressive, rushing for 100 yards and an additional three touchdowns. His leadership and on-field prowess were instrumental in leading Woodland to victory.In the first half alone, Bennett completed 8 out of 9 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, while also producing 9 carries for 42 yards and two scores. His ability to make quick decisions and execute plays with precision was evident throughout the game.

Key Moment: Bennett's Second-Half TD Run

As Talihina attempted a comeback, their hopes were dashed when Bennett scored on a 10 - yard touchdown run to open the second half. This crucial score not only cushioned Woodland's lead but also demoralized Talihina, who managed to put 23 points on the board later in the game. Bennett's determination and ability to seize key moments were crucial in securing the win for Woodland.

Tailback Jaston Terry's Impact

Tailback Jaston Terry also had a standout performance. He rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and added 55 receiving yards. His ability to break tackles and gain yardage was a significant factor in Woodland's offensive success.In addition to Terry, Dray Long also rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown. The combined rushing efforts of the Woodland backs, with a total of 323 yards compared to Talihina's 19, demonstrated the team's dominance on the ground.

First-Half Shutout and Bennett's Early Success

In the first half, it was all Woodland. They shut out Talihina early, with Bennett leading the charge. His ability to find open receivers and make accurate throws set the tone for the game. As the half progressed, Bennett continued to dominate, completing passes and rushing for touchdowns with ease.Talihina's quarterback, Landen Griffin, struggled in the first half, completing only three out of 12 passes for 42 yards and an interception. This contrast in performance between the two quarterbacks highlighted Woodland's superiority on the field.
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