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 ranked No. 36 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 season has been the best for Boone running the football since 2023, and it’s a major reason why the Braves are currently 9-1.
Woodrow was selected last month to take part in the U.S. Army Bowl senior All-American game, which will be held on December 21 in Frisco, Texas. Along with Woodrow, the talented Boone offensive line — including Trevin Reaves, Chase Brown, Eden Aldeus, Jayden Jimenez, and Zachary Windham — has paved the way for running back Aaron Hardy to rush for 1,207 yards and 20 touchdowns. Overall, Boone has put up nearly 2,000 rushing yards and scored 29 rushing touchdowns this season.
The Braves remained unbeaten until a tough loss to their Battle-for-the-Barrel rival, Edgewater, this past Thursday night. Reflecting on the setback, Woodrow said, “Obviously this hurts, but we’ve got 24 hours to get over it and get back to work on Monday for the playoffs. A lot of teams won’t be practicing on Monday, 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. This year, the Braves returned the favor by defeating Winter Park 44-28 earlier in the season. With renewed determination, the Braves are revved up to make a strong playoff run.
“I’m excited. We worked hard to get in,” Woodrow said. “It was a tough game against Winter Park.”
Woodrow 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,” he reflected. “I know my parents are proud, I’m proud of myself, and I couldn’t be more excited for my future.”
Looking ahead, Woodrow’s future includes the upcoming Class 7A playoffs with Boone, followed by his college football career 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. They have treated me like family since Day 1.”
Woodrow is especially excited to get an early start on the spring season with Miami. The presence of three other Orlando linemen already at Miami certainly helped ease 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 holds the No. 3 seed in the FHSAA’s 7A, Region 1 rankings. However, their loss to Edgewater, combined with Lake Mary’s victory over Class 3A, Region 2 No. 1 Bishop Moore, could move the Rams ahead of the Braves. Additionally, a key matchup between 7A-1 No. 1 DeLand and No. 2 Spruce Creek is scheduled for Tuesday night, potentially shaking up the rankings even further.
With the playoffs approaching, all eyes will be on Boone and Rhys Woodrow as they aim to keep their remarkable season alive.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/02/miami-commit-ol-rhys-woodrow-of-boone-earns-army-all-american-invite/