This season has been rough for The Woodland Highlanders (1-2), losing the 1st two games and dropping low from the rankings. However, they will not let that get them down when they travel to play against The Oak Ridge War Eagles (1-2). Oak Ridge might not have the highest ranking, but they do have three high-ranked athletes; linebacker Justin Williams, defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, and running back Frankie Arthur, all of them ranked in the top 20 in all of Texas.
Early in the 1st quarter Oak Ridge running back #12 Larry Debose scored the 1st touchdown, but Woodlands retaliated with quarterback #7 Mabrey Matteur beautifully rushing down the field for a long 62-yard touchdown. Woodlands scored again before the end of the 1st quarter, with Matteur throwing an 18-yard touchdown to #0 Quanell X Farrakhan Jr., ranked #33 in the class of 2025. Making the score 14-6 by the 2nd quarter.
The game was a seesaw in the 2nd quarter, with both teams repeatedly scoring, but Woodlands was able to maintain their lead, and by halftime, the score was 35-20. At the start of the 3rd quarter, Matteur threw a touchdown pass to #4 Patrick Rebel. After that, Woodlands had complete control of the game, with no comeback in sight for Oak Ridge. The final score was 55-26, with The Woodland Highlanders getting their 1st win of the season.
MVP has to go to Mabrey Matteur he had 105 rushing yards with one touchdown and 410 passing yards and threw six touchdown passes. Matteur, with time, can stay in the pocket and make deep passes and has the build and speed to run the ball efficiently. His wide receivers are nothing to sneeze at either Quanell X had only 4 receptions but with 112 yards and two touchdowns. Quanell was able to outrun all of Oak Ridge’s defenders, quickly cut upfield, and evaded a good amount of tackles. #4 Patrick Rebel and #1 Aden Self are names to remember both of them made decisive plays when it mattered most.
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