Photos Andy Calvert
The Woodland Wildcats finished last season 2-8, under former Head Coach, Brandon Haywood. They notched wins against Pepperell and Coosa in non-region play but ran into a buzzsaw of top-shelf competition in their region, having to play against programs like Cass, Cartersville, Calhoun, Hiram, and Dalton, who all could have made deep runs in the playoffs. Andy Scott takes over the Head Coaching duties for the Wildcats, after successful stints at schools such as Hiram, Lee County, Kennesaw Mountain, and LaFayette.
So far, the spring and summer have been promising for the Wildcats. In the spring, they scrimmaged against North Cobb Christian, losing 12-7. However, Scott was pleased with the performance and believed that they played extremely well on both sides. In the summer, they took part in at least one 7on7 a week and participated in padded camp with the Rockmart Yellow Jackets. Temple, McIntosh, and Trion were also schools that the Wildcats locked horns with throughout the summer to get ready for the season
“Teaching our kids how to compete and putting ourselves in position for a playoff spot is one of our main goals,” said Scott. “To achieve those goals we have to put in the work leading up to the season and I’m proud of the effort our kids put in this summer.”
Scott wants to build a winning culture at Woodland, and what they achieved in the spring and summer will only help the program’s postseason aspirations.
With a new coach, comes a new system, and Scott is no exception.
“We want consistency in schemes. We are learning a new offense and defense, and learning to get better at our craft each and every day whether it be at practice or competing against other teams at OTA’s, 7on7’s, or even during the regular season against other teams.”
As Scott puts his footprint on the program there are many names Wildcats fans will be familiar with in 2024. Isaiah Lipsey, an all-region RB, will return along with the likes of Caleb Dupree, JD Trell and Xavier Darpy. Cam Collins will make a big impact for the Wildcats on both the offensive and defensive line, while Josh Mcbroom, an upcoming TE and DE for Woodland, will be a big-time two-way starter in 24-25.
The pieces are in place for Woodland to climb the ranks in one of the state’s toughest regions and Andy Scott is preparing his Wildcats to do what it takes to get there.
