Bobcats end season with loss to Westbrook

The Woodland Bobcats’ season came to an unceremonious end at the hands of Westbrook Christian, 26-0, in the first round of the state playoffs.

Westbrook Christian, the number-two seed from Class 2A Region 6, held the Bobcats out of the end zone for four quarters, a feat accomplished only by 3A power Piedmont this season.

“We just felt like we never could get anything going,” Woodland head coach Larry Strain said. “They had a good game plan for us.”

Strain said it was Woodland’s intention to run the ball heavily against Westbrook to control the pace of the game and keep Westbrook’s high-powered passing attack at bay.

The Bobcats rushed for 87 yards on 29 attempts, and quarterback Trey Fetner was 8-of-29 for 90 yards.

But after getting behind two scores in the first quarter, that plan was scrapped.

“We started off running the ball, but when you get down two or three scores you have to start throwing the ball a little more to catch up,” Strain said.

Westbrook put its first touchdown on the board with a 3-yard run with 7:19 left in the first quarter.

A 5-yard touchdown pass with 0:48 left in the first quarter put Woodland in the hole, 12-0.

Westbrook’s offensive attack was more balanced than what Woodland expected. Westbrook rushed for 214 yards on 37 attempts and passed for 144 yards.

“We expected them to throw a little more,” Strain said. “They did a good job mixing the pass and running game.”

With the Bobcats already trailing 12-0, Westbrook Christian put another score on the board with a 34-yard touchdown run with 8:58 left in the second quarter. The point after gave them a 19-0 advantage.

Strain said another reason for Woodland’s seemingly flat performance was the field conditions. Westbrook’s playing field was soggy, and although the Bobcats played in their fair share of rainy games this season, Westbrook may have had a slight advantage because of the unique drainage issues at their home field.

“The biggest factor in the game to us was their field didn’t drain at all,” Strain said. “They were used to playing in that condition and we weren’t.”

Westbrook came out of the locker room after halftime and put up one more score, a 37-yard touchdown pass with 6:15 left in the third quarter. The point after made the final 26-0.

Strain said that while the Bobcats played a less-than-stellar game, the credit for the win goes to Westbrook Christian.

“They just did a better job than we did,” Strain said.

The Bobcats’ exit from the playoffs in the first round marks the first time that has happened since 2003.

Strain said Woodland (6-5 overall) had a decent season, but felt like it could have gone on a little longer.

“It was a good season, but you’re always disappointed when you lose, especially when you feel like you can go farther,” Strain said.

“The hardest part is you lose this group of seniors that you’re so close to,” Strain said. “They become like your own kids.”