JOURNAL SPORTS
Watch out for the Woodlawn Knights this fall – they believe they’re on the verge of a breakthrough.
The Knights want better than last year’s first-round playoff exit and 5-6 record (4-4 in District 1-4A). Veteran coach Thedrick Harris and two of his top players see the program’s slow but steady improvement paying off in 2025.
“We’ve had years of getting better every year,” said Harris. “These guys have done a tremendous job of battling. We’ve been close in games, we’ve gotten ourselves into the middle of the pack. We competed with every team last year, except in the playoffs (a 44-0 loss at North DeSoto).
“Now it’s time for us to get a signature win or two, and get over the hump,” he said.
Senior linebacker and tight end Semaj Snow is determined to do his part leading the Knights to success.
“Last year we were knocking on the door. We had to overcome so many obstacles. Going into my senior season, being a leader, I will be pushing these guys over the hump,” he said. “This will be the season we’re really going to take off. I have a lot to leave out there, and I want my name to be heard at Woodlawn for a little minute.”
Woodlawn has demonstrated desire and effort preparing for the season, which has a final jamboree tuneup Friday against Booker T. Washington before the official kickoff Sept. 5 squaring off with Green Oaks.
“I’m pleased with their effort and their ‘want-to.’ A lot of times it’s hard to get kids out, but these guys worked hard all summer,” said Harris. “They want to be good and that’s half the battle.”
After not showing a lot of firepower offensively last season, the Knights look ready to have their experience and abundant ability combine to create problems for defenses.
“We have a really good receiving corps and running back corps. We have good size on the offensive line. We have to be able to consistently play-action and throw the ball to keep people loose, so they can’t key on the run,” said Harris.
Woodlawn’s defense looks solid, he said. “In the secondary, if we can stop big plays and perimeter runs, we’ll be OK.”
Harris brought two defensive standouts, Snow and cornerback Javion Washington, to the High School Media Day hosted by the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Aug. 6.
About Washington, Harris said, “He’s an outstanding corner. He’s a multiple-sport athlete and we will use him in several ways, on offense and returning kicks. He’s fast, he’s smart and he has really good instincts – and he listens.
“Semaj has great size, and is a strong and aggressive kid. He has a lot of experience, probably more than anyone on our defense. He’ll do a lot of adjusting, putting us in certain calls for certain situations. He does a good job of communicating with the other players. He keeps them all together,” said Harris.