War Eagles crush Taylor, 61-0

War Eagle Del Zanders gets a lead block from Nehemiah Chandler as he runs for a touchdown. Zanders scored every time he touched the ball  – five touchdowns on the night.


Zanders races down the sideline for another touchdown.

Photos by GERALD BROWN


Zanders with teammates accepting a trophy from sideline reporter Emily Peters of Friday Night Rivals on CW.

Photo by WILLIAM SNOWDEN

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

The Wakulla War Eagles completely dominated the Taylor County Bulldogs on Friday night with a big 61-0 district win.
It was a breakout game for receiver Del Zanders – who scored a touchdown everytime he touched the ball: the opening kickoff he returned for a touchdown, and four pass receptions  in which he outran defenders to the end zone.
“Everything clicked for us,” said Wakulla Head Coac Scott Klees. “Just a good, good game for us in all three phases – offense, defense and special teams.”

GAME RECAP

Zanders took the opening kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown to put Wakulla on the scoreboard with 12 seconds off the clock.
On the next offensive series, a 40-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Haden Klees to receiver  Devontae Roberts and Wakulla is up 14-0.
Then a 30-yard TD pass from Klees to Zanders. Extra point good. Wakulla up 21-0, still in the first quarter.
First play of second quarter, 75-yard pass play from Klees to Zanders. Extra point makes it Wakulla 28-0. It’s Zanders’ third TD of the game.
Wakulla intercepts a Bulldog pass deep in War Eagle territory. Wakulla’s drive goes backwards. Facing a 3rd and 15 at their own 5, the War Eagles try a double flea-flicker but pressure forces Klees to scramble in the end zone, runs to the 1. Punter Owen Klees at the inches away from the end line when he punts, it’s returned to Wakulla 18.
The War Eagle defense makes a big stand, forcing Taylor County to turn it over on downs at the Wakulla 11.
Next play: Del Zanders scores for the fourth time - an 89 yard pass and run. Kick is good. It’s 35-0 with 6 minutes to the half.
On defense, a tipped pass intercepted by Wakulla defensive back Auvion Thomas. Wakulla ball at Taylor 40. Pass from Klees to Nehemiah Chandler for touchdown. Extra point good. Wakulla 42, Taylor 0.
Taylor goes to punt from their own end zone, snap goes over the head of the punter, out the back of end zone for a safety. Wakulla up 44-0.
Zanders fifth touchdown came on a bomb from Klees. Extra point makes it 51-0 at halftime.
Second half underway with a running clock. Taylor takes kickoff, but can’t move ball. Wakulla takes over ball on downs. Second string gets some playing time.
On first down at the 10, Coach Klees elects to kick a field goal. JV kicker Colby Carranz nails a 20 yarder and Wakulla goes up 54-0 over Taylor with 3 minutes left in 3Q.
Later, Jordan Barnes scores on a 50-yard run. Extra point puts Wakulla up 61-0.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Overall Player of the Week was Del Zanders, with his five touchdown performance: a 73-yard return of the opening kickoff, and four catches for 244 yards and four touchdowns.
Offensive Player of the Week was offensive lineman Kane Tucker who graded 88% blocking.
Defensive Player of the Week was Brady Jackson with 7 tackles and 2 assists.
Special Teams Player of the Week was Sion Ransom who had three special teams tackles.
Other notable players included quarterback Haden Klees, who went 11 of 21 passing for 385 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Receiver Nehemiah Chandler had one catch for 37 yards and a touchdown. On defense as defensive back, the receiver he covered had no catches. (Chandler is a Georgia Tech commit as a DB.)
And running back Jeremiah Thomas had 5 carries for 38 yards and two catches for 20 yards.
Linebacker Tanner Lanier had 9 tackles and linebacker Brandon Burton had 8 tackles.

NEXT UP: NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN

Wakulla travels to Tallahassee to face North Florida Christian on Friday night.
“That’s gonna be another good game,” said Coach Klees.
He noted that NFC had nine of last year’s starting 11 offensive players back this year. And NFC beat Wakulla last year.
“Both teams have a lot of speed,” Klees said. “There’s a lot of guys on the field who will be playing at the next level next year.”
Wakulla’s offense is playing at a high level and the defense is playing so well, Klees said.
“We can’t turn the ball over, because both teams and score and score quick. You don’t want to fall behind.
“Whoever is the mot physical team will win,” Klees said.
In addition to the game being broadcast on WAVE 94, it will also be televised on the CW, the fourth game to be televised locally this year.
 

COACH'S CORNER

Wakulla Head Football Coach Scott Klees

FROM THE COACH

Last week: Big district win over Taylor. War Eagles played well.   
Scouting report: North Florida Christian is fast and talented like Wakulla. Both teams can score quick. You don’t want to fall behind.
Keys to victory: Can’t turn the ball over. Whoever is the most physical team will win.