J.R. Tidwell/FCT The Red Bay Tigers come out of the tunnel before a game played earlier this season. Despite a chance to tie the game near the end of regulation, the Woodland Bobcats proved too much for Red Bay to handle, ending the Tigers’ season in the second round of the playoffs.

Matt Shelley

Special to the FCT

WOODLAND — The Woodland Bobcats will advance to the third round of the Class 2A state playoffs after defeating the (8-3) Red Bay Tigers Friday night in Woodland.

Woodland got plenty of rushing production from quarterback John Wes Adcock and running backs Michael Howard, Justus Herring and Colby Spears, with Howard leading the pack with 87 yards.

Red Bay’s Matt Belue proved tough for the Bobcats to handle as he rushed for 148 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries.

Red Bay took an early lead with a 53-yard touchdown pass to Michael Ramirez with 9:02 left in the opening quarter.

The extra point from Clay McNatt connected to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

Neither Red Bay or Woodland could put up any points through the rest of the first half.

Woodland’s offense gained momentum in the third quarter however.

Woodland got on the board with a 28-yard touchdown run from Spears with 10:23 left in the third quarter. The extra point attempt failed, leaving Red Bay with a 7-6 lead.

After a Red Bay turnover, Herring added Woodland’s next touchdown on a 6-yard rush with 8:48 left in the third quarter.

Woodland attempted a two-point conversion but was stopped short.

Adcock put up Woodland’s third touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

But again, Red Bay stopped the two-point try to keep Woodland’s lead 18-7.

Belue closed the gap for Red Bay with a 7-yard touchdown run with 0:16 left in the third quarter, and with a two-point conversion from Belue, Red Bay trailed 18-15.

The Tigers put together a drive in the final minutes of the game that began at their own 9-yard line and ended with a field goal attempt at the Woodland 5-yard line.

The field goal attempt missed, making the final 18-15 in favor of Woodland.