Bears Blow By Rector; Earn Berth in State Title Game

  • SAELER HAS HUGE NIGHT - Woodlawn quarterback Ethan Saeler breaks outside for a nice gain with two Rector Cougars in pursuit. Saeler rushed for 345 yards on 26 carries with five touchdowns. Teammate Griffin Manes had 127 yards on 18 attempts with three touchdowns.
    SAELER HAS HUGE NIGHT - Woodlawn quarterback Ethan Saeler breaks outside for a nice gain with two Rector Cougars in pursuit. Saeler rushed for 345 yards on 26 carries with five touchdowns. Teammate Griffin Manes had 127 yards on 18 attempts with three touchdowns.

    Woodlawn’s Ethan Saeler led the Bears to a 68-44 victory over Rector in the eight-man football semifinals, rushing for 345 yards and five touchdowns. With the win, Woodlawn (10-0) advances to the state championship against Cedar Ridge (9-1)  at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The game featured multiple lead changes early, but Woodlawn pulled away in the second half following an onside kick recovery by Ace Culliford, some key defensive stops, and explosive runs by Saeler and teammate Griffin Manes. Coach Doug Means credited a switch to a spread offense for the momentum shift. Despite battling injuries, Saeler’s dominant performance was the difference as the Bears secured their championship berth. Manes rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns.