Wakulla wallops Gadsden, 46-14

Second round of the playoffs will have the Florida High Seminoles come to town for an expected ‘war’

War Eagle receiver Samron Brinson snags a pass. He had three touchdown catches in the game.
War Eagle Sion Ransom breaks a run outside.
The student section showing their spirit at the game
Quarterback Haden Klees, right, with little brother Brody late in the fourth quarter.

PHOTOS BY KEN FIELDS

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

The Wakulla War Eagles got through the first round of the playoffs with a big win over the Gadsden Jaguars, 46-14.
Wakulla Head Coach Scott Klees said Gadsden was probably the biggest, most athletic team Wakulla has faced this year. The difference, Klees said, was depth. While Gadsden kept it close in the first half – it was 17-14 at halftime – Wakulla blew the game open in the second half.
This week, the War Eagles will face a very good Florida High Seminoles team at home at J.D. Jones Stadium.
“In my opinion, I think these are the top 2 teams,” Klees said of the Wakulla-Florida High matchup. “I think the winner of this game will have a good chance to advance in the playoffs.”
The War Eagles are the No. 2 seed in the region behind Walton County, which plays No. 4 seed Pensacola Catholic this week. Florida High is the No. 3 seed.
Klees’ scouting report on Florida High is that they’re big, and they have a good running back.
“They’re good where we’re good,” Klees said.  The Seminoles defensive backs are good, and it will be interesting to see how they play against Wakulla’s receivers.
“There is going to be so much on the field Friday night,” Klees said.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Samron Brinson was named MVP for Player of the Week: he had two tackles on defense, and on offense he had six catches for 149 yards and three touchdowns.
Offensive Player of the Week was quarterback Haden Klees, who completed 17 of 26 passes for 298 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Defensive Player of the Week was Tanner Lanier, who had a blocked punt, caused a fumble, and had 11 tackles and a sack.
The Special Teams Player of the Week was kicker Luis Quintonilla, who had a 32-yard field goal, had great kickoffs all night, and was perfect on extra points.
 
INJURY REPORT

Klees is hoping to have receiver Del Zanders back for the game against Florida High. “We need him,” he said.
Last week marked the return of Bradley Kelly to the lineup. The running back got some game time in playing outside linebacker in passing situations to rush the quarterback.

Coach’s Corner

Wakulla War Eagles Head Coach Scott Klees

Last week: Big first round playoff win against Gadsden, “a tremendous team.”
Scouting report: Florida High is big and very talented, with some Division 1 commits. “They’re good where we’re good.”
Keys to victory: No turnovers – that’s the most important one. And to be the most physical team. If there’s no turnovers and you’re the most physical – that’s the key to winning.