Stephan Woods is a very happy guy. And he has every reason to be joyful.

Woods and the rest of the Selma Saints are coming off a victory last week over Sidney Lanier for their second victory of the season.

And while winning may be nice, Woods is just happy to be a part of the team. At 5-foot-5, the junior is hardly a foreboding physical presence on the football field. But his happy-go-lucky demeanor also is masked by a strong will to win.

“It’s good to be a short player,” Woods said during practice Wednesday. “You’ve got to be tough to be a running back. And nobody can match my speed.”

The speedy Woods claims to have been clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash just before the season – a time on which he said he can improve.

Woods has been a three-position threat for the Saints this season. Not only is he one of the Saints’ top running backs, he also returns punts and kickoffs, and catches an occasional pass.

Don’t let his short stature fool you. Woods can catch the football.

“Everyone tells me I’m such a tough guy to be so little,” Woods said. “I’m just a good player who works hard and is trying to reach his goal.”

His goal, Woods said, is to “make it to a good college.”

If that doesn’t pan out, Woods could always consider being a comic. His relaxed, good-humor nature keeps his teammates loose and on their toes.

“He’s definitely not a guy who walks around with an uptight face,” Selma assistant coach Michael Trigg said. “He doesn’t have a game face and he doesn’t get in the zone. He’s not that kind of player. But when game time comes, he’s ready to play.

“He’s a leader,” Trigg added. “Stephan boosts morale. Some guys might be uptight. He’ll talk to them, tell them to relax.”

Woods said his ability to help his teammates comes from the ability to be focused and fun-loving.

“I’m intense, but I’m happy,” Woods said. “I’m both all at the same time. When Friday night comes, I’m ready to strap it up.”

Selma coach Woodrow Lowe Jr. said he loves Woods’ versatility on the football field. He added that while Woods does have a sense of humor, he’s always prepared for the task at hand.

“He’s a joy to be around,” Lowe said. “He’s very intense. He wants to do right and do great things.”

While Woods admitted that he can be very intense, he added that his happy-go-lucky ways sometimes get him into trouble with his coaches. During practice on Wednesday, Woods admitted to running the wrong pass route.

“They get on me about it when I’m too happy,” he said. “I was getting too happy today.”

Woods is especially happy this week because he’s returning to action after missing last week with an ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago against Northview.

“Oh, I’m sure he wanted to play last week,” Lowe said. “I’m sure he hated being on the sidelines.”

“It feels good to be back,” Woods said. “I’m happy.”