Woodbine rides defense, advances to State Semifinals
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
This was the final hurdle before their next step in the 2025 journey. Woodbine knew they would get their District 10 opponent’s best shot. But once again, the Tigers denied the Knights, scoring their 10th victory of the season.
Woodbine scored on all three first half possessions, and returned the second half opening kickoff for a score for a huge 50-12 win over Fremont-Mills in the 8-Man State Quarterfinals on Nov. 6 at Henry Boone Field in Woodbine.
“We knew we would get their best shot, as that’s a great team and program over there,” stated a soaking wet Head Coach, Dustin Crook. “Our offense made some plays, but our defense was locked in tonight, and that was the difference.”
Woodbine will make their first appearance at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls since the Class A State Finals in 1997. The will face Gladbrook-Reinbeck (11-0) in the 1 p.m. contest at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls
Quarterback Brody Pryor stated, “This has been the goal the entire season, get to this point. We knew we were going to get their (Fremont-Mills) top effort, as they are a lot better than the first time we saw them. But so are we. We’re not done yet.”
Fremont Mills held a massive time of possession advantage and forced two Tiger turnovers. But Woodbine’s state-leading defense slammed the door shut when it mattered the most.
Woodbine scored on all three first half possessions, and built a 24-0 halftime lead. The Tigers said good-Knight to open the second half, as Dillon Reed returned the second half kickoff 74-yard for the score to re-energize the Tiger faithful.
“I told the players to celebrate and enjoy the moment,” Crook concluded. “You just beat a quality opponent for a second time this season, finished your home season with a victory, and get the play another week on the biggest stage. We still have some more work to do, as we’re not done yet.”
Up Next (Nov. 12): Woodbine (10-0) will face Gladbrook-Reinbeck (11-0) in the 8-Man State Semifinals on Nov. 12 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.
2025 State Football Playoffs, Quarterfinals
FB: 11-6-2025 @ Woodbine
Team 1 2 3 4 T
Fre-Mills 0 0 6 6 12
Woodbine 16 8 12 14 50
Woodbine 10-0; Fremont-Mills 8-3
Team Stats Wb FM
Passing Yds 17-138 32-141
Rushing Yds 24-205 40-116
Total Yds 41-343 72-257
Woodbine Stats
Passing Comp-Att-Yds: Brody Pryor 12-17, 138 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int.
Rushing Att-Yds: Joe Freund 3-13 (1 TD); Brody Pryor 9-135 (2 TD); Micah Moores 12-57 (2 TD).
Receptions-Yds (TDs): Ayden Coenen 1-12; Landon Blum 5-45 (1 TD); Micah Moores 3-49; Dillon Reed 1-10; Brenner Sullivan 2-22.
Tackles: Joe Freund 12.0; Brody Pryor 8.0; Cal Pryor 7.0; Brenner Sullivan 6.0; Jax Pryor 5.5; Brenden Wagner 5.0; Micah Moores 4.5; Dillon Reed 1.5; Blaine Leaders 1.5; Connor Murdock 1.0; Layne Thomas 0.5;
Fumble Recovery: Layne Thomas 1.
Kickoff Returns: Dillon Reed 1-72 (1 TD).
