The Woodland Beavers earned the right to practice another week after sending the Bainbridge Spartans back to the island with a 28-14 win in Week 10 postseason action on Friday, Nov. 6.
Woodland head football coach Glen Flanagan was pleased to see his team extend its season into the state playoffs. Flanagan's first message to his squad after the victory was the simple fact that the Beavers will have practice on Monday.
Flanagan said the Beavers' postseason victory over Bainbridge provided a reminder that there is still room for improvement.
Facing an opponent known for its passing attack, Flanagan said Woodland's defense set the tone early, limiting Bainbridge's opportunities during the opening possessions. However, mistakes later in the game allowed the opponent to remain within reach longer than the Beavers would have liked.
“Yeah, I mean, Bainbridge puts up a million points, so I was nervous, I'm always nervous coming into these games, you know, because they sling it,” Flanagan said. “I was nervous, but our guys did a good job, you know, the first four possessions I think we held them to three and out.”
While Woodland's defensive performance helped establish control, Flanagan said the team could have done more offensively to create separation on the scoreboard.
“I wish we could put more on the board, and then we made some mistakes, we let them hang around, we got to be better than that,” Flanagan said. “But I mean, it's a win, they're a good program, they sling it, like I said, so we did enough.”
The 7-2 Beavers did enough in the 28-14 win over 6-3 Bainbridge that the state seeding committee placed Woodland above expectations as a Week 10 No. 12 seed to landing as the No. 9 seed in the 2A state playoffs.
Woodland will now travel to North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo to play the No. 7 seeded Vikings who capped off their regular season 8-1. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14 at 4 p.m.
Flanagan credited the team's preparation throughout the season, particularly the experience gained against different defensive looks within its league. He also pointed to Mikey Belvin's continued production in the secondary, where the defender added two more interceptions in the Week 10 win.
“Our kids did enough, they're smart enough, they're savvy enough, you know, our league prepared us,” Flanagan said.
Offensively, Woodland found success establishing its running game in both halves. Sophomore running back Dayton Morris continued to make an impact with his combination of physical running and ability to break outside for substantial gains.
“He's a dude, I mean, he puts in the time, he's wanted to be a football player since he was little,” Flanagan said of Morris.
Flanagan said Morris' work ethic, including spending time training throughout the week, has helped him develop into an important contributor despite being only a sophomore.
“He makes a difference, he gets us yards, he runs tough, so, as a sophomore to do it, you know, it's huge,” Flanagan said.
Beyond the immediate victory, Flanagan said extending the season is especially meaningful for a senior group that has invested considerable time into the program.
“They're fun, they're crazy guys, like I said, they're Woodland guys,” Flanagan said. “They enjoy the game. They don't get too amped out of their mind, because they just know. They enjoy the game, and they enjoy playing it.”
With another week of football secured, Woodland will turn its attention toward film study, evaluating its health and preparing for its next opponent, Flanagan said.
