The Woodland Wildcats were unable to overcome some early turnovers on Friday night and fell to East Paulding 17-7.
The Wildcats had little trouble moving the ball against the East Paulding defense in the first half, but several first-half turnovers kept Woodland from gaining any footing. East Paulding grabbed an early 10-0 lead with 11:26 left in the first half after a field goal and a rushing touchdown by Tyrell Robinson.
The Wildcats were able to answer on the next drive, which was capped on a Titus Jones 1-yard touchdown run on 4th down to give Woodland points and some late life in the first half. Both defenses stood strong for the rest of the half and into the fourth quarter.
Finally, in the fourth quarter, East Paulding grabbed a two-possession lead with a 44-yard rushing touchdown from Skyler Melton, which gave the Raiders the win and kept them alive in the playoff race.
Woodland will play Kell next week to end its 2018 campaign.