By Hunter Jones, Jackson County Sentinel

WOODVILLE – The Woodville Panthers picked up a program-best seventh football win on Friday night with a 52-30 victory over visiting Gaylesville.

Woodville’s football program has come a long way since its inception back in 2006. The Panthers made their first playoff appearance in 2015. They finished runner-up to Appalachian in Class 1A, Region 8 this season and will host their first home playoff game on Nov. 7.

But Gaylesville (3-6, 1-5) made Woodville earn its record seventh victory on Friday.

The Trojans played it slow to open the game, only attempting three passes in the first half, all coming within the final four minutes. The outside runs and pre-snap movement gave the Woodville defense issues, with the Trojans scoring on two long runs by junior Jack Sentell for 45 and 34 yards, respectively.

The Panther offense showed no issues scoring quickly. Their three scoring drives combined for a total of 12 plays, led by junior Jonah Sparks, who broke 100 rushing yards in the first half along with two scores.

Sparks accumulated 222 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns.

In the second half, Woodville continued to build on its lead, with junior Kaden Franklin scoring two rushing touchdowns. Franklin finished with three rushing touchdowns and 81 passing yards with a score.

In the fourth quarter, Gaylesville tried moving to the passing game to try and kick start its offense to bring the game back to within one possession, but Woodville senior Elijah Sparks intercepted a pass, which led to Franklin scoring a touchdown to effectively seal the game.

Both teams exchanged late touchdowns for the final.

Gaylesville closes out the 2025 season on Friday at Notasulga.