FOR 11 YEARS, two of Greer’s finest men walked side-by-side in their football journeys.
Steve Greer and Steve Woodward (both graduates of Greer High, class of 1965) grew up as good friends and played youth football together.
The supremely-talented pair of Steves quickly made names for themselves at the high school level. Both Greer and Woodward were local stars playing for the Yellow Jackets — Greer as a standout OL, Woodward as a shifty, powerful RB.
Greer, to this day, is considered one of the best linemen in school history. He was named to the Shrine Bowl and North-South All Star Game as a senior, being named the Most Valuable Lineman in both games. He was a two-time winner of the SC Class AA Lineman of the Year award.
Woodward, just like Greer, was unstoppable as a Yellow Jacket. He was an All-State running back, and he played alongside his friend, Greer, in the 1965 Shrine Bowl. During his junior season, Woodward was named the SC Running Back of the Year.
Both Greer and Woodward had college opportunities a plenty after their time with Greer High. But the two friends wanted to stick together. Greer and Woodward zeroed in on Georgia, took all of their college visits together, and after their senior seasons, both committed to be Bulldogs.
Greer and Woodward were integral parts of late 1960s success for Georgia, with the pair winning 2 SEC titles and playing in 3 bowl games as Bulldogs.
It was only after college, after 11 years of playing beside each other, that their paths branched off.
Greer stayed in Athens to coach some of Georgia’s top teams ever. He was the DE Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Bulldogs’ 1980 National Championship team. He coached at UGA for a total of 32 years.
On the contrary, Woodward came home shortly after college. He returned to help coach the Yellow Jackets for 34 years. He was the defensive coordinator for some of Greer’s best units ever — including the 1994 and 2003 state title-winning teams. In his time back at Greer, Woodward also coached tennis, track, and wrestling. He served as Athletic Director after finishing his coaching career.
Within the last 5 years, both Greer and Woodward have entered eternal life. Woodward passed just 6 months ago in February 2026. Greer fought a valiant battle against ALS for years, but succumbed to the condition in late 2021.
Both men are members of Greer High’s exclusive Ring of Honor for their contributions to Yellow Jacket athletics over the years.
Greer and Woodward’s paths began and stayed together for many years in their young lives. And once they both embarked on their own journeys, both men brought pride and admiration to their Alma mater and Greer community — both in their own unique ways.
11 days until high school football is back.
