Vavra Era Begins with Overtime Thriller: Etowah Tops Woodstock in Battle of Towne Lake

The Battle of Towne Lake is one of Cherokee County’s fiercest rivalries, and Friday night’s showdown between Etowah and Woodstock lived up to the billing. It was also the first game for new Eagles head coach Brett Vavra, who was looking to start his tenure with a statement win.

The game opened with a defensive spark for Etowah, as Drake Mason jumped a route and returned an interception for a touchdown, giving the Eagles an early 7-0 lead. Woodstock answered quickly, with Trace Washington powering in for a 3-yard score, knotting the game at 7-7 with 7:49 left in the first quarter. The score remained tied as the first quarter came to a close.

As the second quarter began, Woodstock grabbed momentum on a big play with Washington breaking free for a 69-yard touchdown run, giving the Wolverines a 14-7 advantage. Etowah responded with a 33-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 14-10 midway through the quarter. Then, just before halftime, the Eagles regained the lead when Zeke Douglass scored on an 18-yard touchdown rush, putting Etowah ahead 17-14 at the break.

The third quarter swung back toward Woodstock. Graham Burmeister exploded for a 60-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for the Wolverines at 21-17 with 10:11 left in the quarter. Later in the frame, Tyler Howard drilled a 20-yard field goal, extending the margin to 24-17 with just 21 seconds left in the third.

Etowah rallied in the fourth quarter. Douglass added on with a 21-yard touchdown pass, tying the score at 24-24 with 8:33 to play. Not to be outdone, Burmeister answered again, this time through the air, connecting on a 41-yard touchdown pass to push Woodstock back in front 31-24 with 7:02 remaining.

With time winding down, Etowah’s offense struck once more. Douglass delivered his second touchdown pass of the night, and after a penalty negated a two-point try, the Eagles converted the extra point to tie the game 31-31 with just 1:28 left; sending the Battle of Towne Lake into overtime.

In overtime, Etowah struck first. Walker Hughes muscled his way in for a 7-yard touchdown run, giving the Eagles a 38-31 lead. Woodstock had one last possession, but Etowah’s defense sealed the game with an interception, clinching a dramatic rivalry win.

The final score stood at Etowah 38, Woodstock 31 — an unforgettable debut victory for Coach Brett Vavra, as the Eagles opened a new era by reclaiming bragging rights on Towne Lake Parkway.