Woodstock nips Norcross, seals third-round bid

Woodstock’s defense played big all night, and the offense did just enough to propel the Wolverines (8-4) to a 14-10 victory at Norcross (8-4) and into the third round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs.

After upsetting Walton, a No. 1 seed, in dominating fashion last week (28-7), this victory wasn’t sealed until the final minutes.

With just more than 4 minutes remaining and Woodstock clinging to a 14-10 lead, Norcross faced third-and-11 from its 49-yard line.

Quarterback Charles King dropped back to pass and attempted to fool the Woodstock defense by looking downfield, although he really wanted to dump the ball to running back D.J. Adams in the flat.

Wolverines defensive end Shawn Haley was not fooled. He cut off his rush and blanketed Adams.

King then tried to force a pass over the middle that was intercepted by linebacker Corey Carmichael.

“We practice that all the time,” Haley said. “I saw [Adams] going to the flat, and I know we didn’t have anyone over there.

“I just broke off my rush and went with him, and we made a play.”

Woodstock’s game-sealing play came on their ensuing possession. On third-and-7 at Norcross’ 44-yard line, quarterback Taylor Trotter faked to fullback Nick Rhodes, kept the ball and ran around the right end for a little more than 6 yards. On fourth-and-inches, Trotter and the Wolverines’ offensive line surged forward for a first down to put away the game.

The runs made a statement. Trotter had fumbled on a similar play 5 minutes earlier, halting a Woodstock drive and giving Norcross a little hope. And on a previous fourth-and-inches play, Woodstock’s offensive line jumped offside.

“[The fumble] was frustrating, but our defense gave us the ball right back,” Trotter said. “I just told myself, I’m going to get this [first down].”

Even if he had not, Woodstock’s defense probably would have had his back, as it did all night. The Wolverines held Norcross to 109 yards of total offense, 85 by Adams — who has committed to Maryland — on 19 carries. The Blue Devils managedponly five first downs.

“Our coaches came up with a great plan, and our kids executed,” Woodstock coach Mike O’Brien said.

In his sixth season at Woodstock, O’Brien has the Wolverines in the third round of the state playoffs for the first time in school history. Woodstock will travel to South Georgia to take on Camden County next week.

“Our kids believe in our system,” he said, “and they’re playing hard.

“You can’t ask for anything more.”