Football Preview: Woodward Academy War Eagles

Woodward is not hiding from anyone, and they shouldn’t. They’re experienced and have a state-title-game-loss-sized chip on their shoulders. The War Eagles dropped from Class 6A to 5A this season and in the team’s first two weeks, they will face two of the best teams from Class 6A, the state’s new highest class. The season-opener against Carrollton could shape up to be one of the best regular season games this year. Coach John Hunt took over at Woodward in 2011 and has won eight region titles but after the
49-28 loss to Thomas County Central in last year’s 6A championship game, the War Eagles were left wanting more.

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Returning experience could get Woodward back in the same position this season. Senior quarterback Landon Walker returns after going 107-of-182 passing for 1,437 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Walker split duties with the graduated Griffin Marshall last year. The team’s top rusher from last year, Lucas Farrington (11 TDs), transferred to Walton High School in Cobb County. In the receivers’ stall, Ben Grice led production last season with 11 touchdown receptions but has since graduated. Senior Josiah Abdullah had 52 catches for 786 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and returns alongside Jerome Bettis Jr. (4 TDs), Farrington (2), and London Merritt. The team graduated its leading tackler Andrew Hines III but returns Tyree Myrick who had 63 solo tackles, 19 assists, and nine tackles for loss last season.

Head Coach: John Hunt
Coach Record: 131-36
2023 Record: 12-3
2023 Region Record: 7-0
2023 Region: 3-6A
2024 Region: 4-5A
Stadium Name:
Graham Hixon Field at Colquitt Stadium

2024 Schedule:
8/16 vs. Carrollton
8/23 @ Collins Hill
8/30 vs. Marist
9/13 vs. Shiloh
9/20 vs. Chamblee
9/27 vs. Arabia Mountain
10/4 @ Tri-Cities
10/11 vs. Dunwoody
10/25 @ Decatur
11/1 vs. Lakeside

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