Hermitage Wins Overtime Thriller Against Woodlawn, Will Host Rector in State Playoffs

HERMITAGE, Ark. — The Hermitage Hermits closed out the regular season in dramatic fashion Friday night, November 6, defeating the Woodlawn Bears 48–42 in overtime to secure a home game in the opening round of the Arkansas 8-Man State Football Playoffs.

The hard-fought victory improved Hermitage’s record to 5–4 overall and 4–2 in conference play, giving the Hermits the third seed from the 8-Man South Conference.

With a home playoff game hanging in the balance, Hermitage and Woodlawn battled through regulation before the Hermits emerged victorious in overtime. The result extended Hermitage’s winning streak to three games and provided a memorable finish to the regular season.

The Hermitage School District celebrated the victory in a social media announcement, praising the team’s determination and resilience.

“We are proud of our Hermits for their determination, grit, and fight until the very end!” the district stated.

The victory carries particular significance for the Hermitage football program, which is making its first state playoff appearance since 2020.

Hermitage will host the Rector Cougars on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in the opening round of the 2026 Arkansas Centennial Bank 8-Man State Football Playoffs.

Rector enters the postseason as the fourth seed from the 8-Man East Conference, while Hermitage earned home-field advantage by finishing third in the South.

Should the Hermits defeat Rector, they will advance to the state quarterfinals on Friday, November 20, where they would travel to face Magazine, the top seed from the West Conference. Magazine received a first-round bye.

The overtime victory against Woodlawn gives Hermitage momentum heading into postseason competition, with an opportunity to continue its season in front of the home crowd.