02/10/2026
Game 6 Preview: Woodruff vs Landrum
After a much-needed week of rest, the Wolverines return from their bye back to the friendly confines of Varner Stadium to host Landrum, a new member of Woodruff’s region, in their first meeting with the Cardinals since 2015. Landrum, meanwhile, has played good football through their first five games and are off to one of the best starts in recent memory for the program. This week’s game promises to be a unique and exciting matchup between the Wolverines and Cardinals.
Woodruff- Brett Sloan (4th season)
Landrum- Mike Reid (2nd season)
2026 Records:
Woodruff- 3-2, Landrum 4-1
Last week:
Woodruff- Bye
Landrum lost to Blacksburg 25-14
By the numbers:
Points scored- Woodruff 188 (37.6), Landrum 164 (32.8)
Points allowed- Woodruff 133 (26.6), Landrum 94 (18.8)
Series History:
First meeting- Woodruff won 59-0 in 1969
Last meeting- Woodruff won 55-0 in 2015
Woodruff leads the all-time series 3-0
This is only the 4th all-time meeting between Woodruff and Landrum.
Fact: Woodruff has outscored Landrum a combined 163-9 in their previous three meetings.
About the Wolverines:
Woodruff is coming off a loss to Chapman and the Wolverines have had to stew on it for two weeks. Coming off their bye, the Wolverines are ready to get back in action and compete for a region title. Behind quarterback Connor Davis and junior receiver Curtis Bell, the passing game has been solid all season. MiCah McClintock is always a big play threat at tight end, too, and running back Jaylen Lyles is averaging over 140 rushing yards per game. The run game has been particularly potent for the Wolverines, and should be a major catalyst for the offense going forward. Defensively, Woodruff got a big boost with the return of middle linebacker Mekhi Norman. Jayden and Kelan Hunter have also made big impacts on the defensive line and outside linebacker respectively. Malachi Thompson, Aidan Lanford, Jay Glenn, and Addison Davis have anchored the secondary all season, but could be called upon to add more in run support against the ground heavy Cardinals. Meanwhile, junior kicker Diego Tranquilino remains perfect on the season, making every one of his PAT kicks and field goal attempts.
Cardinals:
Landrum won three of their first four games to start the season before a 25-14 setback to Blacksburg last week, and the Cardinals’ schedule gets exceedingly tougher beginning with a trip to Woodruff’s Varner Stadium. Landrum never beaten Woodruff, though there have only been three prior meetings with the last one taking place 11 years ago. The Cardinals rely on just a handful of players to accumulate the majority of their yardage and it starts with quarterback Ian Patterson, a junior, who is the Cardinals’ leading rusher as well. J.P. Branyon is a young and talented two-way player, coming in as the team’s second leading rusher and among the team leaders in tackles while playing defensive line, too. Small but fast wide receiver Trey Nesbit gets the majority of targets when the run-heavy Cardinals pass the ball. Defensively, Landrum is also led by a trio of sophomores in defensive back Dallas Collins, defensive lineman Zeke Poore, and linebacker Ben Tydings. This youthful Cardinals team will certainly be tested against the battle-ready and talented Wolverines.
Players to watch:
Woodruff-
#14 QB Connor Davis- Sr (6’2” 210)
#25 RB Josiah Glover- Fr (5’8” 150)
#71 OL Daniel Haas- Jr (5’10” 200)
#35 DL K.J. Anderson- Soph (5’10” 170)
#34 DL Reco Abney- Sr (5’8” 215)
#4 S/DB Makhai Dummott- Sr (5’7” 150)
Landrum-
#3 QB Ian Patterson- Jr (5’10” 176)
#44 RB/DL- J.P. Branyon- Soph (6’1” 225)
#2 WR/DB Trey Nesbit- Jr (5’6” 120)
#4 DB Dallas Collins- Soph (5’5” 126)
#24 DL Zeke Poore- Soph (6’1” 215)
#15 LB Ben Tydings- Soph (5’9” 150)
Coach’s Corner with Brett Sloan:
“The team has responded well. We had three really good practices last week. We now turn our focus to region play and we are looking to turn the page to that chapter of the season.”
“We need to do two things (passing the ball). Connor has to be more consistent in his progressions and understanding of when to throw hot or get the ball out of his hands. Also, we have to be better in pass protection. Our fundamentals really failed us against Chapman.”
(Landrum is) a physical, well-coached football team. We can't allow them to hold the ball all night. Defensively, we have to stop the running game and get them off the field. On offense, we need to get the ball in space to our playmakers.”
