There is a big reason why the Boone Braves and their running game have been so successful this season and he sits right up front, paving the way.
Senior offensive tackle Rhys Woodrow, who is the No. 36 player in the Sentinel’s 2026 Central Florida Super60, has been plowing holes for Boone running backs for the past three seasons, starting since his freshman year. This year has been the best season for Boone running the football since 2023, and a good reason why the Braves are 9-1.
Woodrow was selected last month to take part in the U.S. Army Bowl senior all-American game, which will be Dec. 21, in Frisco Texas.
Woodrow, along with the rest of the talented Boone O-line — Trevin Reaves, Chase Brown, Eden Aldeus, Jayden Jimenez and Zachary Windham — have paved the way for running back Aaron Hardy to rush for 1,207 yards and 20 touchdowns, and Boone has put up almost 2,000 yards on the ground overall and scored 29 rushing touchdowns.
Boone was unbeaten until a tough loss to Battle-for-the-Barrel rival Edgewater this past Thursday night.
“Obviously this hurts, but we got 24 hours to get over it and get back to work on Monday for the playoffs,” Woodrow said. “A lot of teams won’t be practicing on Monday, and so we’re lucky enough to be able to do that.”
Last season, a last-second loss to Winter Park knocked Boone out of the playoffs, but the Braves returned the favor this year, defeating Winter Park 44-28 earlier this season. So the Braves are revved up to get back in it this year.
Talented Boone offensive lineman Rhys Woodrow, who is committed to Miami, has earned an invitation to play in the Army All-American Game. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
“I’m excited. We worked hard to get in,” Woodrow said. “It was a tough game against Winter Park
He is the second Army Bowl selection from Orlando this year, joining fellow offensive lineman Ben Jones from Edgewater.
“I’m honored. Starting football in eighth grade I never would have expected myself to reach this kind of level,” Woodrow said. “I know my parents are proud and I’m proud of myself and I couldn’t be more excited for my future.”
His future includes, of course, the upcoming Class 7A playoffs for Boone, and then he is off to play college football at the University of Miami. The 6-foot-3½, 310-pound Woodrow, who will play on the interior line in college, committed to the Hurricanes in May.
He follows a line of former Orlando-area offensive-line stars who have also made their way to Miami. Last year, Max Buchanan of Seminole, Jaden Wilkerson of Edgewater and Demetrius Campbell of Orlando Christian Prep all signed with the Hurricanes.
“Ever since I made the decision, I knew it was the right one,” Woodrow said of Miami. “Even before I made the decision, I pretty much knew that was the one. The have treated me like family since Day 1.
“I’m excited to get up there, especially to get up there early and get a start on the spring season.
And the other three Orlando lineman already being at Miami, certainly eased his decision.
“It obviously helped because I knew those guys already,” Woodrow said. “It helps knowing people there and being able to talk to the players and everything, but, really, even without them being there, Miami would still be the one for me”
Boone currently sits with the No. 3 seed in the FHSAA’s 7A, Region 1 rankings, but the loss to Edgewater, and Lake Mary’s victory over Class 3A, Region 2 No. 1 Bishop Moore, could move the Rams ahead of the Braves. However, a big matchup between 7A-1 No. 1 DeLand and No. 2 Spruce Creek takes place on Tuesday night, and that game could also jostle the rankings.
The FHSAA will announce the playoff brackets at noon on Thursday, via the association’s YouTube channel.
Chris Hays can be fond on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.
