Tigers respond, outlast Rebels
Woodbine advances to 8-Man State Final, first since 1997
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
Gladbrook-Reinbeck may have thrown the first punche at key moments all game long. What Woodbine fans and coaches didn’t know, how would the players respond if challenged or facing any type of deficit.
Woodbine had an answer for everything the Rebels through at them, as the #2 Tigers held on for a thrilling 38-30 win over #3 Rebels in the 8-Man State Semifinals at the UNI-Dome on Nov. 12 in Cedar Falls.
“Once we settled in, we were fine,” stated Head Coach Dustin Crook. “We were excited to be there, and it was fun to be part of a back-and-forth game. We had a few mistakes, but when it counted the most, we buckled up, made the plays, and shut them down when it counted the most.”
KEY DRIVE / 4th Quarter
After Gladbrook-Reinbeck rallied from a 30-14 deficit, tying the score (30-30) on an interception returned for a touchdown to start the fourth quarter. But as they had all game long, the Tigers responded.
Woodbine put together a masterful drive, covering 65 yards in 16 plays, and chewing up 8:13 of the fourth quarter clock. The Tigers secured four first downs, capped off by a leaping fourth down touchdown grab from Landon Blum (second TD of the day), giving the Tigers its final lead of the day.
“Our guys have taken the ‘next play’ mentality all season long, and the G-R defensive back made a great read,” Crook added. “Our guys were not going to let one play decide the game. They came right back to the sideline and said, ‘Its our turn’. We knew we had to execute, and everyone stepped up and did their job.”
Moores – Workhorse
Micah Moores delivered a standout performance, finishing with 102 yards rushing and one touchdown on a solid effort on the ground for the Tigers, while adding 77 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.
“We knew we had a size advantage at the line of scrimmage, and we could get a push a the point of attack,” Crook added. “Micah had a solid game on both sides of the ball.”
Gladbrook Reinbeck starts fast
Gladbrook-Reinbeck started fast, as they took the opening possession, scoring on the first drive the game, marking the first time all season Woodbine has allowed an opening drive score. G-R scored on the final play of the first quarter, taking a 14-8 lead after one quarter of play.
Woodbine responded, scoring on the final two drives of the second quarter, a Micah Moores three-yard run, followed by a Moores 41-yard touchdown reception, giving the Tigers a 22-14 lead at halftime. The Tigers continued to put the pressure on in the second half, scoring on their opening possession, a Pryor screen pass to Landon Blum, who raced 53-yards for the first score of the second half.
“Our guys locked in and made the timely plays all game long, both sides of the ball,” Cook concluded. “Offensively, we responded with a time-consuming, game-clinching drive to seal in the fourth quarter. Defensively, we kept everything in front of us, held G-R to a season low points, and still have not allowed a 100-yard rusher. Our depth is paying off, and we still have another one to play.”
Feeling of playing for a state title
Crook finished off, “I told the guys to soak in and enjoy every moment, as not every team gets a chance to do this. We earned the opportunity to be here for one more game, as both the coaches and players have the utmost trust in one another right now. We have to shake it off, be confident, and keep making plays.”
Up Next (Nov. 20): Woodbine (11-0) will face #1 Algona Bishop Garrigan (12-0) in the 8-Man State Championship on Nov. 20 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, with kickoff set for 9:30 a.m.
2025 State Football Playoffs, Semifinals
FB: 11-12-2025 @ UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls
Team 1 2 3 4 T
Gldbrk-Rnbk 14 0 8 8 30
Woodbine 8 14 8 8 38
Woodbine 11-0; Gladbrook-Reinbeck 11-1
Team Stats Wb G-R
Passing Yds 21-231 17-109
Rushing Yds 38-133 30-149
Total Yds 59-364 47-158
Woodbine Stats
Passing Comp-Att-Yds: Brody Pryor 13-21, 231 yds, 4 TDs, 1 Int.
Rushing Att-Yds: Micah Moores 27-102 (1 TD); Brody Pryor 11-31.
Receptions-Yds (TDs): Landon Blum 5-82 (2 TDs); Micah Moores 4-77 (2 TDs); Dillon Reed 1-13; Brenden Wagner 2-46; Brenner Sullivan 1-13.
Tackles: Brenner Sullivan 7.0; Lucas Olson 7.0; Cal Pryor 5.0; Joe Freund 4.5; Brody Pryor 4.5; Brenden Wagner 2.5; Matthew Tremel 2.5; Micah Moores 2.0; Jacob Cogdill 1.0; Connor Murdock 1.0; Landon Blum 1.0; Jax Pryor 0.5; Layne Thomas 0.5.
Interceptions: Brody Pryor 1; Landon Blum 1.
