Woodward Academy Blows Past McIntosh 37-7 Behind Suffocating Defense

Woodward Academy War Eagles dominated from start to finish, riding a defense that forced turnovers all night and a big-play passing attack to a 37-7 win over McIntosh.

Playing his first game back this season, McIntosh quarterback BJ Sumlin looked hesitant early, still adjusting and not showing much trust in his running backs yet. Costly penalties compounded the problem, handing Woodward Academy the field position it needed to strike first: a touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Hannigan to Bryce Woods. Woodward Academy’s defense settled in from there, making it difficult for the Chiefs’ offense to find any rhythm or push into Woodward Academy territory, and Hannigan struck again late in the quarter, connecting with wide receiver Harlan Hubbs on a 78-yard touchdown with 1:25 left to make it 13-0 after one.

McIntosh finally got on the board with a little over three minutes left in the half, as running back Julian Love, speedy and efficient whenever he finds a crease, punched in a touchdown. Woodward Academy’s defense showed its first cracks of the night as McIntosh started stringing together smaller plays. Chiefs wide receivers continued to drop long-yardage opportunities, so Sumlin adjusted by leaning more heavily on his running backs, and they broke through Woodward Academy’s front. Still, McIntosh’s execution lagged. The issue shifted from the bad reads and playmaking of the first quarter to simply not finishing drives fast enough, giving Woodward Academy’s defense time to regroup in key moments. Woodward Academy answered with 1:39 left in the half on another Hannigan-to-Woods touchdown, Woods’ second of the night, pushing the lead to 20-7 at the break.

Woodward Academy’s defense took over to open the third quarter. Myles Tate forced a strip that Keith Pinkney Jr. returned for a pick-six, and Tate added a quarterback sack minutes earlier in the quarter. War Eagles’ Elijah Lyles added another interception with 3:55 remaining, and Bryce Woods, already with two touchdowns on the night, had to be helped off the field after attempting an interception with 25 seconds left in the quarter. McIntosh’s offense stalled to open the second half but found a spark late, connecting on a screen pass to Knox Lafstad for a first down to close out the quarter with Woodward Academy up 30-7.

McIntosh tightened up defensively in the fourth quarter but still surrendered one more score, giving Woodward Academy running back Princeton Woods room to break off a 33-yard touchdown run with 7:33 left, sealing the 37-7 final.