Tigers Title Chase ends in Heartbreak
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
Woodbine, even with seconds dwindling away, still felt they had a chance. But the final pass was knocked away, and the Tigers dropped to the UNI-Dome carpet as the ball bounced away. Woodbine came up seconds short in a 44-42 setback to top-seeded Bishop Garrigan (Algona) in the 8-Man State Championship game on Nov. 20 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.
“One week later, it’s still a tough loss, any way you look at it,” stated Head Coach Dustin Crook. “But, we proved we belonged, and we could play with anyone. They had to have a lot of things go right for them, and we played well enough to win. They had the ball last and made the final play.”
Second Half
The Tigers came out motivated in the second half. Once again, they scored on their first two drives, building the lead up to 36-14, with 1:40 remaining in the third quarter.
Woodbine also got a huge fourth down goal-line stop on the Bears opening possession, and the Tigers answered with a 63 yard scoring drive.
“Our defense gave an outstanding effort,” stated Crook. “They came in averaging over 9.0 yards per carry, and we held them to 3.7 yards per rush. We were up three scores late in the third quarter, and we were cautiously optimistic at that point.”
Fourth Quarter Swing
Algona Bishop Garrigan, who has been to the UNI-Dome the past three years, did not flinch even down 22 points. They responded, like their coach knew they would.
“Woodbine had our attention and utmost respect, you knew they would be good if they were playing today,” stated Bears Head Coach John Wadle. “We have not had our backs against the wall a lot this year, most likely against St. Marys (last loss, 2024 State Semifinals). The biggest thing I liked about our guys is we did not panic. These guys didn’t feel they were going to lose, and knew they were still in it. We stayed calm, kept doing what we do, and found a way. Woodbine has a tremendous team, and we tip our cap to them.”
Bishop Garrigan controlled the line of scrimmage (72 runs, 331 yards, 6 rushing touchdowns), scoring on five straight drives in the fourth quarter, including the game-winner with four seconds remaining.
Turning Point
A fourth quarter Tiger turnover allowed the Bears to score on their third straight possession (36-36). But Woodbine responded with a clutch seven play, 55-yard drive, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 1:09 remaining in the game.
“We weren’t planning on scoring on that first play, as we expected them to bring everyone,” Crook added. “If we’re stopped short, the clock keeps moving, and we planned to run a little more time off.”
Great Start / Solid First Half
Woodbine built a quick lead, scoring on their first three drives of the game after Bishop Garrigan took the opening kickoff in for the score. Woodbine held a 20-6 lead with 5:31 left in the first half. But Bishop Garrigan scored on the final play as time expired to pull them within 20-14 at halftime.
“We felt great about our start, as we knew it would be a battle,” Crook stated. “Their score (Garrigan’s) at the end of the half fired us up, as we felt we had them stopped short.”
Seniors / What they have meant to program
Woodbine, who started playing 8-man football in 2007, finished the season in the 2025 8-Man State Championship game.
“It took a while to build, but we did it the right way, and this team put our team on the 8-man state map,” Crook added.
Woodbine seniors finished their careers with 27 career wins, three straight playoff appearances, first district title and first 8-man state championship appearance since 1997. The 11-member senior class include Skyler Stolley, Joe Freund, Brody Pryor, Dillon Reed, Brenden Wagner, Layne Thomas, Brenner Sullivan, Glenn Promnitz, Matthew Tremel, Connor Murdock, and Jax Pryor.
Crook concluded, “The community support this team had the entire season was unbelievable, and the support, texts, and messages from all the past players were boasting with Tiger Pride. It was a tremendous season, outstanding players. These seniors have left their mark on the program, they were fun to coach, and they are true leaders.”
Woodbine caps the 2025 campaign at 11-1.
2025 State Football Playoffs, State Finals
FB: 11-20-2025 @ UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls
Team 1 2 3 4 T
Woodbine 14 6 16 6 42
Bish. Garrigan 6 8 0 30 44
Team Stats Wb BG
Passing Yds 21-214 13-131
Rushing Yds 24-127 72-331
Total Yds 45-341 85-462
Woodbine Stats
Passing Comp-Att-Yds: Brody Pryor 13-21, 214 yds, 3 TDs, 1 Int.
Rushing Att-Yds: Micah Moores 21-106 (3 TDs); Brody Pryor 3-21.
Receptions-Yds (TDs): Ayden Coenen 1-2 (TD); Landon Blum 8-116 (2 TDs); Dillon Reed 1-46; Brenden Wagner 1-14; Brenner Sullivan 1-13; Jax Pryor 1-23.
Tackles: Joe Freund 14.0; Cal Pryor 14.0; Brenner Sullivan 12.0; Brody Pryor 7.5; Lucas Olson 6.5; Micah Moores 4.0; Brenden Wagner 4.0; Matthew Tremel 4.0; Landon Blum 3.5; Jacob Cogdill 2.0; Connor Murdock 2.0; Jax Pryor 2.0; Dillon Reed 0.5; Layne Thomas 0.5; Blaine Leaders 0.5;
Interceptions: Brody Pryor 1; Landon Blum 1.
