War Eagles wallop JP II, 45-0

War Eagle receiver Nehemiah Chandler reaches across the goal line for a touchdown.


Running back Jeremiah Thomas dives forward for yardage.

Photos by KEN FEILDS

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor The Wakulla War Eagles improved to 7-0 with a dominating win Friday night over the St. John Paul II Panthers by a score of 45-0. Wakulla Head Coach Scott Klees said he was “very pleased” with his team’s performance, noting that JP II, while winless, had played very competitively against some very good teams – especially Lincoln and IMG. “Our kids came out hitting on defense,” Klees said, “and our offensive line set the tone – those were keys.” The only flaw in the War Eagles high-powered offense were dropped passes. Klees atrributed it to a loss of focus by receivers who are looking to make a move and make a play before the ball is in their hands. Of that offense, Klees commented that his team has “Four or five guys who can score anytime they touch the ball.”

GAME RECAP

Wakulla took the opening kickoff and, on that first series, facing 4th and 5 deep in their own territory, fake a punt and make it. Next play deep pass to Del Zanders puts Wakulla at the Panther 40. Couple of plays later, QB Haden Klees to Nehemiah Chandler for Wakulla touchdown. Extra point good, Wakulla up 7-0 with 9:14 left in 1Q.
The Panthers had a good offensive series going but it was stopped by War Eagle safety Jeremiah Thomas’ interception at the 9. The War Eagle offensive drive would stall at the Panther 4 and turn it over on downs. The Panthers would be forced to punt and the War Eagles would drive the field from the 15 and score on a 3-yard Jeremiah Thomas run to go up 14-0.
On the Panthers next drive, they go to punt and the ball sails over the punter’s head into the end zone and he’s tackled for a safety. On the free kick, War Eagle Del Zanders receives it and returns it 65 yards for a touchdown. Fake the extra point kick and go for 2 with a toss to Brandon Burton who scores. In three plays, the War Eagles score 10 points to make it 24-0.
On the next series, receiver Samron Brinson makde a brilliant diving catch in the end zone for the score, to make it 31-0 at halftime.
On the second half kickoff, the JP II runner has the ball knocked loose, it’s recovered by Wakulla at 30. Next play, Klees to Nehemiah Chandler for TD. Extra point makes it 38-0. That started a running clock under the mercy rule.
The final score came in the 4th quarter with the second string in for Wakulla and defensive back Auvion Thomas jumps the route on a JP II pass and returned in 80 yards for a touchdown. Extra point puts War Eagles up 45-0.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Overall Player of the Week was Nehemiah Chandler, who allowed no catches as a defensive back. On offense, he had 4 catches for 95 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Offensive Player of the Week was Jedd Hoffman, a player just returning after breaking his hand earlier in the year. The wing back had 1 catch for 28 yards and graded 88% blocking.
Defensive Player of the Week was Auvion Thomas with his interception returned for a score and 6 tackles.
Special Teams Player of the Week was Chris Smith, caused a fumble, receovered a fumble, and had 4 tackles on special teams.
Other notable players included quarterback Haden Klees, who went 23 for 41 passing for 339 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Receiver Del Zanders had 5 catches for 92 yards and that kickoff return for a touchdown.
And running back Jeremiah Thomas had 6 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown, and 6 catches out of the backfield for 68 yards.

NEXT UP: TAYLOR COUNTY

Wakulla play its final home game of the regular season at J.D. Jones Stadium on Friday night against the Taylor County Bulldogs.
It’s the first district game of the year and it’s being played against a longtime rival.
Taylor is 1-4 on the season so far, and they’ve faced a lot of obstacles this season with Hurricane Idalia leading to some game cancellations.
“They’re coming to our place, which is good, it’s our last home game, and it’s Homecoming, and all the distractions that come with that,” Klees said.
He said Taylor is very athletic and have two quarterbacks – one who runs and a lefty who is a passer.
“Defense has to get after them and stay aggressive,” Klees said. “And offense needs to be patient and take what they give us.”
 

COACH'S CORNER

Wakulla Head Football Coach Scott Klees

FROM THE COACH

Last week: “Very pleased” with how team played against a talented John Paul II Panther team.
Scouting report: Taylor is athletic and has two QBs – one is a runner who makes plays with his feet, the other is a passer.
Keys to victory: Stay focused. Defense has to stay aggressive, and offense has to be patient and take what they give us.