War Eagles wallop Balboa, 41-0

War Eagle receiver Samron Brinson gets the defender turned around as he comes back for the ball and touches a toe down in front of the sideline. PHOTOS BY WILLIAM SNOWDEN


Running back Bradley Kelly dives for the goal line but was just short.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

The Wakulla War Eagles traveled to Orlando on Thursday to play the Balboa Buccaneers from San Francisco and came away with a big 41-0 win.
Wakulla Head Coach Scott Klees said he felt Balboa was not used to the humidity and the hour-long lightning delay sapped them.
“I was excited at how we came out,” Klees said. “Defense only allowed one first down in the first half. And Special Teams played very well: we didn’t punt, but they made all the extra points and kick offs.”
And then there was the offense.
“The offense was explosive,” he said. “As long as the line continues to block and we can get the ball in open space.”
Klees said this is a different type of offense this year. “We’re not gonna run the ball 30 times. If teams are gonna come up to stop the run, then we’re gonna pass. If they’re gonna drop back with two-high safeties, then we’re gonna run.”
Wakulla quarterback Haden Klees had a big first half, going 14 for 22  with 275 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Nehemiah Chandler had 2 catches for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Del Zanders catch 5 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Jeremiah Thomas had 2 catches for 9 yards and 2 touchdowns.
All in the first half because it was 35-0 at halftime and the second-team played the second half with a running clock.
On defense, Brandon Burton had 5 tackles and a sack.
Tanner Lanier had 5 tackles.
And defensive back Devontae Roberts had 3 tackles and an interception he returned for a touchdown.

GAME RECAP

After an hour-long lightning delay, the game finally gets underway with Wakulla taking the opening kickoff from Balboa.
Deep pass along the sideline and receiver Samron Brinson does a toe-tap along the sideline to set up Wakulla at the 11.
Touchdown pass to Jeremiah Thomas is called back because of a holding penalty against Wakulla. Then defensive encroachment penalty makes 4th and 5. Then another offsides against Balboa make it 4th and 1 at the 3.
But quarterback Haden Klees scrambling on 4th down is sacked. Ball goes over to Balboa deep in their own territory.
War Eagle defensive back Devontae Roberts picks off a Balboa pass and returns it for touchdown. Extra point puts Wakulla up 7-0 with 7:58 in 1st quarter.
On the next series, Balboa has to punt from their own end zone, War Eagle Delvon Zanders returns it to the 25. Facing a 4th and 2 at 8,  running back Bradley Kelly picks up the first down and dives but comes up just short of goal line. Next play: Klees touchdown. pass to Thomas. Wakulla up 14-0 with 2:38 in 1st quarter.
Balboa punts. QB Klees throws a 75-yard bomb to Nehemiah Chandler who catches it in full stride. Extra point makes it 21-0 with 29 seconds left in the 1st quarter.
Another Balboa pass picked off, this time by Andrew Nelson. Two plays later, Klees pass in the corner of the end zone and Wakulla is up 28-0.
Another offensive series, another touchdown pass - this time 65 yards from Klees to Zanders. War Eagles are flying high, 35-0 over Balboa with 6:34 left in the half.
War Eagle defense gets another interception, this time it’s Jaylen Jones with the pick off.
It was 35-0 at halftime, and the second half featured a running clock because of the mercy rule, and the second team got to play for the War Eagles, with the offense led by sophomore backup quarterback Owen Klees.
In the 4th, a couple of big passes by Klees to Auvion Thomas and a tough run by Danny Godbolt and Wakulla is inside the 5 with 2:15 left.
As time expires, running back Sion Ransom scored on a 5 yard run. No time on the clock, no extra point.
Final: Wakulla 41, Balboa 0.

UP NEXT: MUNROE BOBCATS

The Munroe Bobcats travel to Wakulla on Friday night and Klees says they are “big and athletic.”
One of their linemen is a FSU commit, and they have three or four other Division 1 athletes.
“We have to have patience,” Klees said. “As coaches, our game plan has to be on point.
“Our line has to give the quarterback time. On defense, just continue playing the way they’re playing. We’ve been able to create turnovers, which has been huge for us.”

COACH'S CORNER

Wakulla Head Football Coach Scott Klees

FROM THE COACH

Scouting report: Munroe is big and physical with several Division 1 athletes.
Keys to victory: Be patient. Give the QB time. And defense continue playing like they’ve been playing.
Last week: Offense was explosive against Balboa, with the first team scoring 35 points in first half. Defense was excellent, not allowing a first down in the first half.