Junior running back Tanner Skogen played a substantial role in proving that Woodstock's 2008 journey into the state quarterfinals was no fluke.

Even though the Wolverines fell one game short of returning to the quarterfinals this season, they came six points away from an undefeated regular season and a Region 5AAAAA championship.

Skogen's offensive numbers had much to do with that.

The 2009 Cherokee Tribune Offensive Football Player of the Year eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season, finishing at 1,154. He also had 17 receptions for 190 yards, plus 435 punt return yards for three touchdowns, including the game-winner against archrival Etowah.

"We had the best record in school history and showed everybody that our run to the (2008) quarterfinals wasn't just a fluke," Skogen said.

Now, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound rising senior has his focus set on strengthening himself for one last run with the Wolverines in 2010.

"(I'm just) going to lift weights and work on my speed so I can get faster and stronger.

Woodstock coach Mike O'Brien knows what kind of weapon he has in the backfield and is thrilled to have him for another season. He said Skogen is a speedster, but his true strength is his vision as a runner who can adjust his speed based on what he sees ahead.

"He's good at seeing what happening," O'Brien said. "He's worked hard to be a quick and darting runner and has excellent speed. As he coming through (the trenches), he may slow up and then accelerate. He can see things well and is able to accelerate once there is a opening."

The Wolverines' only setback during the regular season was a 37-31 loss in overtime to McEachern in their second game of the season. But knowing who he was up against, Skogen delivered one of his better performances. He finished with 185 yards on 13 carries, and his 2-yard touchdown helped Woodstock build a 31-16 lead in the fourth quarter before McEachern rallied.

Woodstock overcame adversity and won its final eight games to secure a playoff spot as the region's No. 2 seed. Skogen played well down the stretch, finishing with 217 yards and four touchdowns Oct. 16 against Kennesaw Mountain. He went on to score three more times a week later in sealing a playoff berth with a 42-14 win over Cherokee.

While Skogen's 46 rushing yards in Woodstock's 24-7 playoff win over Dacula didn't look astonishing, he had several key punt returns to give his team good field position, and his 18-yard scamper set up one of Woodstock's touchdowns.

In the second round, however, North Gwinnett came prepared for Skogen and he was held to minus-4 all-purpose yards in Woodstock's 24-0 loss.

Now that 2009 is behind him, Skogen already has his sights set on 2010.

"My main goal is to win a state championship," Skogen said. "So, really, that's pretty much the only goal."