WHS Football

War Eagles lose to Suwannee, 22-14



War Eagle receiver Samron Brinson scored both of Wakulla’s touchdowns, including this catch just before halftime. PHOTOS BY KEN FIELDS


Quarterback Owen Klees scrambles from a defender.


Chase Linville, playing corner, makes a great defensive play on a Suwannee pass.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

The Wakulla War Eagles had the district title slip away from them on Friday night, as they got beat by the Suwannee Bulldogs, 22-14.

Wakulla, at 7-3, is still in the playoffs, but don’t yet know who they play or where.

The War Eagles have a bye week this week, and much of their playoff fate will be determined by other teams finishing out the final week of the regular season.

“Give Suwannee all the credit, they played well,” said Head Coach Scott Klees. He noted that Suwannee dominated time of possession in the first half.

“We were down 19-14 in the second half, and just couldn’t get anything going on offense,” he said.

And the Wakulla defense played good in the second half, Klees said, giving up only a 4th quarter field goal.

“I’m extremely proud of this team,” Klees said. “Now we have a week to rest up, get healed up, and get ready for next week.” He expected the team to practice through Thursday, and give them Friday off.

The rankings and playoff games are expected to be set this Sunday afternoon by the FHSAA. Wakulla will find out its playoff opponent then.

GAME RECAP

First offensive play of the game for Wakulla: QB Owen Klees connects with receiver Samron Brinson for an 80-yard TD. Kicker Chase Linville adds the extra point. 10 seconds into the game and War Eagles up 7-0 over Suwannee.

Suwannee’s first play is a pass for 70 yards, horse collar penalty is half the distance to the goal. Two plays later, Bulldogs push in for TD. Extra point is wide left. Wakulla 7, Suwannee 6.

Suwannee takes the lead on a 29-yard field goal: Bulldogs are up 9-7. Ensuing kickoff is muffed by Wakulla recovered by Suwannee at the 25, which sets up a 42-yard field goal: Suwannee up 12-7.

Suwannee set up by a great run by their RB Marquavious Owens shrugging off Wakulla defenders, spinning to 16. Three plays later pass play for TD. Suwannee up 19-7.

Later, Suwannee misses a 25-yard field goal. Wakulla takes over with 1:50 left in the half.

On a scramble by QB Owen Klees, Targeting and unsportsmanlike penalties on Suwannee set up Wakulla at 15. Klees throws ball into back of the end zone for Samron Brinson for TD. Wakulla cuts into Suwannee lead, it’s 19-14 at halftime.

It was a scoreless third quarter.

And in the fourth, Suwannee’s kicker nailed a 49-yard field goal.

Final: Suwannee 22, Wakulla 14.