WOODLAND - On Sept. 13, the Woodland Beavers were 0-2 after being shut out in a nonleague loss to La Center.

To any cynic, winning a second consecutive Class 2A Greater St. Helens League title seemed like a longshot.

Seven weeks later, it's the Beavers' believers with the last laugh. Woodland is back-to-back 2A GSHL champs for the first time since 2007.

Friday's 14-7 win over previously unbeaten Ridgefield was a showcase not just for Woodland's stout defense, but also the championship heart that saw the Beavers go unbeaten in league play.