Local Sports
War Eagle receiver Samron Brinson hauls in a 45-yard long pass for a touchdown against North Florida Christian. PHOTOS BY KEN FIELDS
Big defensive end Todd Williams, a Tulane commit, adds to his sack total against NFC.
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor
The Wakulla War Eagles lost to the North Florida Christian Eagles, 38-35, in a battle on Friday night. Wakulla Head Coach Scott Klees took responsibility for the loss, saying “I have to do a better job as head coach.” Klees said there was a miscommunication with the team on the fake punt play that scored a touchdown for NFC. “There’s no way that pass should have been completed,” Klees said.
Still, he said, he was “super proud” of his team, though he acknowledged there were some mental mistakes. Wakulla’s special teams and defense didn’t play well, Klees said, but said of his offense that “They played about as well as they can play.” The O-line faced a stiff defense that stacked the box knowing Wakulla was going to run, and still blocked well.
Proof of that is in the stats for running back Xavier Blake, who ran 32 times for 183 yards, 3 TDs and a 2-point conversion. The War Eagles did miss injured QB Haden Klees, out with a broken collarbone, who had been fourth overall in the state in passing yards. Younger brother Owen, the backup, did a good job and threw the ball when needed. But Coach Klees said this week he’s going to have to open the play book this week and roll Owen out against Suwannee for the district championship. “We need to get him out of the box.”
GAME RECAP
Wakulla kicked off the NFC. On their first offensive play, the Eagles took it 80 yards for a TD to go up 7-0. Wakulla responded with a grind it out drive that was capped by a 20-yard Xavier Blake TD. The extra point was blocked. At start of the second quarter, Wakulla took the lead on a 45-yard strike from freshman quarterback Owen Klees to receiver Samron Brinson. NFC came back with a drive of their own to score and re-take the lead at 14-13 before halftime.
Brinson took the second half kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. War Eagles go for 2 and Blake scores to go up 21-14. NFC scored on a fake punt to tie it at 21.
On their next drive, NFC got as far as the Wakulla 2 but had to settle for a field goal to make it 24-21.
Next drive, NFC scores on an 80-yard run to go up 31-21.
In the 4th quarter, Klees connected with receiver Jeremiah Thomas to NFC 15. A few plays later, Blake scored to cut the lead to 31-28.
Next drive, Wakulla attempts a field goal, it’s no good, but penalty on NFC for jumping over the center. Blake scored from the 10 to put Wakulla back in the lead 35-31 with 3:48 left.
NFC returned the kickoff to the Wakulla 30 and scored a few plays later to go up 38-35. Wakulla gets the ball back with 53 seconds left but an interception seals the win for NFC.
Final: NFC 38, Wakulla 35.
NEXT UP: SUWANNEE
Wakulla faces the Suwannee Bulldogs on Friday night with the district championship – and a first round home game for the playoffs – on the line. “It’s the most important game of the year so far,” says Coach Klees. “We need our fans to come out.” Suwannee has a very good defense, but the offense is average, Klees said. The O-line will need to play well and defense will need to tackle.
This Week's Game
Friday, Oc t. 28 at 7 p.m.
Wakulla War Eagles host the Suwannee Bulldogs for a district game at J.D. Jones Stadium.