Local Sports
War Eagle running back Xavier Blake runs the ball towards the goal line against the Taylor County Bulldogs. PHOTO BY WILLIAM SNOWDEN
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor
The Wakulla War Eagles improved to 7-1 with a 35-12 district win over the Taylor County Bulldogs.
But it came at a price: Junior quarterback Haden Klees went down with what appears to be a broken collarbone and is likely out for the rest of the season.
Klees had been having a terrific year and his stats put him as the No. 2 passer in the state.
It meant Klees’ brother, 14-year-old 9th grader Owen Klees, had to step up to varsity. And he did – his first play coming in was a 25-yard pass completion over the middle.
“Nothing’s going to change,” Wakulla Head Coach Scott Klees said. The coach also noted the difficult spot the injury placed him in – the quarterbacks are his sons, his oldest and middle boys.
Klees noted that, with Haden, for the first time in his coaching career, his team was a pass first offense. The War Eagles dominated the Bulldogs – it was 35-0 before halftime. The two scores that the Bulldogs got came in the second half with a running clock: The 95-yard drive for their first score, against Wakulla’s young players, ate up the entire third quarter. And the second score came on the the final play of the game.
The Wakulla offense did exactly what it wanted to, Coach Klees said.
Before he went out of the game, Haden Klees was 10 of 16 for 271 yards and four touchdowns.
Receiver Jeremiah Thomas had three catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns.
Xavier “Bull” Blake rushed 12 times for 90 yards and a touchdown. The other back, Bradley Kelly, was out with an injury.
Gabe Carter had 2 catches for 66 yards and a TD and a big catch on a 4th down play.
On defense, Brady Jackson had 6 tackles and an interception. Tanner Lanier had 9 tackles, Cody Walker had 6 tackles, and Tulane-commit Todd Williams added to his sacks with 3 more with 6 tackles overall.
GAME RECAP
The opening kickoff from the Bulldogs went out of bounds and Wakulla started at the 46. They quickly drove down the field – facing a 4th and goal at the 6, Taylor defender tips the ball and Wakulla WR Samron Brinson catches it for TD. Extra point by Chase Linville is good. Wakulla up 7-0 early.
On the next drive, Wakulla QB Haden Klees connects with receiver Gabe Carter for a 35-yard TD pass. Extra point makes it 14-0 over Taylor.
Wakulla’s first drive of the second quarter has Klees connect with WR Jeremiah Thomas over the middle and he streaks to the end zone. It’s 21-0 Wakulla leads Taylor. Samron Brinson jumps in front of the Taylor pass for the pick. Wakulla starts at the Bulldog 20. Sideline pass to Jeremiah Thomas and he scores a second touchdown with less than a minute off the clock. It’s 28-0 Wakulla.
Next drive, Haden Klees down on the field, walks off. Backup Owen Klees comes in, first play he completes a 25-yard pass to Jeremiah Thomas, 1st down Wakulla at the Taylor 20. Then Xavier Blake down to the 9, then rushes to the 3, to the 1, and the next play he scores. Wakulla up 35-0.
Later, Wakulla kicker Chase Linville comes in to attempt a 45-yard field goal - it is just short. (He had kicked a 47-yarder last week.)
Just before halftime, corner Brady Jackson catches a tipped pass with one hand and returns it to the 10.
Young players were in for the second half, and there was a running clock. Taylor County drove 95-yards for a touchdown that burned through the third period. Extra point no good. Wakulla up 35-6.
In the fourth, Taylor got the ball back near midfield with just a few minutes left and scored on a pass that was the final play of the game.
Final: Wakulla 35, Taylor County 12.
NEXT UP: NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN
The North Florida Christian Eagles are undefeated and they play good football. “It’s going to be a challenge,” Coach Klees admitted. “We’re gonna have some new pieces, of course, with Owen.” But the coach continued to insist “We’re not changing anything.” Instead, he looks for young Owen to quickly grow into the position.
He expects to make some adjustments during the game, and that may slow the start somewhat.
To win, the War Eagles cannot turn over the ball. And they need to run the ball and play physical.
This Week's Game
Friday, Oc t. 21 at 7 p.m.
Wakulla War Eagles host the North Florida Christian Eagles at J.D. Jones Stadium.