War Eagle Watch

The boys tennis team began the season with seven seniors, seven returners, an 8th state championship title in their sights, and nine beautiful new courts fully decked in War Eagle red (thanks Woodward Fund!). 

The boys season was tough–seven of the teams on the schedule played in 2019 Final Four matches (AAA and AAAAA), and three of those teams advanced to the 2019 state finals. Led by senior captains, Sanil Sawja and Derek Zhou, the boys went undefeated in region play and finished the regular season schedule with a 12-4 record.  The boys defeated Eastside (3-0) and Hampton (3-0) in the region tournament to claim their third straight region championship title. The team was anchored by our All-Region Team members Sanil Sawja in singles and Derek Zhou/Michael Azadi and Jason Escolar/George Henderson in doubles.  

After capturing the Region 4-AAAA Championship, the boys team advanced to the AAAA State Playoffs. The War Eagles played host to Shaw HS in round one and Upson-Lee in round two, winning both matches 4-0. The boys squad then traveled to Denmark High School for the state quarterfinals. The boys faced a very tough Denmark team, winning a thrilling match 3-2, which sent the War Eagles to the state semifinals. In the semifinal match, Woodward Academy hosted rival St. Pius X.  While several matches were closely contested, the War Eagles defeated St. Pius without losing a point 3-0, advancing Woodward Academy to the state championship match. With the GHSA State Championships at Berry College getting rained out, the AAAA State title match was played at the Shailendra Tennis Complex at Woodward Academy. In the finals Woodward Academy faced last year’s AAAA champion North Oconee High School. The War Eagles fought hard in all five matches in front of strong home crowd, but the Titans proved to be too much for Woodward, taking the title 3-0.  

The boys team finished an outstanding 2019 season with 18 wins and 5 losses, the Region 4-AAAA Championship, and as the GHSA AAAA State Runner-Up.  Come out and support your War Eagle Tennis squads in the spring of 2020!