War Eagles maul the Sharks, 41-14

War Eagle captains went out to midfield for the coin toss with a banner in remembrance of Kyla Love Parker, a 15-year-old student killed in a car crash last week.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The War Eagles came out ready to play last week.
The varsity dominated the Port St. Joe Tiger Sharks 41-0 through three quarters, and it was only when younger players got some time on the field, with a running clock in the fourth quarter, that the Sharks scored a couple of touchdowns as time ran out.
“I’m proud of our guys and all the hard work they did over the summer,” said Head Coach Scott Klees. “It really paid off.”

Jaylen Jones makes a touchdown-saving interception in the end zone.

GAME STATS

MVP was quarterback Owen Klees who completed 16 of 20 passes for 323 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Offensive player of the week was receiver Auvion Thomas who had 3 catches for 140 yards – all three were touchdowns.
Jordan Barnes had 6 catches for 52 yards, while Danny Godbolt had 3 catches for 38 yards and two TDs.
Bradley Kelly rushed twice and picked up 41 yards.
On defense, lineman Marlon Gardner had 4 tackles, 2 were tackles for loss.
Linebacker Derek Davis had 9 tackles, Dakota Greene had 5, and both Jaylen Jones and Jayden Jean had touchdown-saving interceptions.

Danny Godbolt scores the first touchdown of the season.

GAME RECAP

Tiger Sharks took opening kickoff. Three and out on offense, punt is off the side of kicker’s foot giving Wakulla good field position.
Three running plays with Jordan Barnes and Danny Godbolt and the War Eagles score a touchdown. Extra point no good, it’s 6-0 Wakulla.
Kickoff muffed by Tiger Sharks, recovered and gets to his feet but is tackled at the 5.
Defense stops the Sharks and takes over on downs at 35. Then QB Owen Klees throws a pass to Auvion Thomas for TD. Point after good,Wakulla up 13-0 with 4:53 left in the first quarter.
Wakulla’s next offensive series stalled after a quarterback sack.
The next series featured an 80 yard bomb from Klees to Thomas for touchdown. Extra point good. It’s 20-0 with 1:46 in 1Q
Couple of big runs by Bradley Kelly then a catch along the sideline by Jed Hoffman and the War Eagles have a 1st and goal at the 7. Julliun Harvey makes touchdown catch. Extra point good. It’s 27-0 with 8:19 left in second quarter, Wakulla up over Port St. Joe.
Next series: A few plays later, RB Danny Godbolt rushes for 20 yard TD, his second score of the game. Extra point good. It’s 34-0 Wakulla leads Port St. Joe with 5:11 remaining in first half
Couple of defensive pass interference calls give the Sharks a 1st down at 15 with 15 seconds left in half. Threat turned away by interception in the end zone by Jaylen Jones. One play and clock runs out. At halftime, Wakulla 34, Port St Joe 0.
Second half underway: Wakulla’s Brandon Hayes return kickoff to midfield. A couple of plays later, TD pass to Christian Nicolas. War Eagle lead is 41-0 with 10:57 in 3Q. Running clock starts.
Port St Joe drive stopped by an interception by Jayden Jean. That’s the end of 3Q.
Some of the younger kids get some playing time: Heath Milligan in as QB for 4th.
In the 4th, Port St. Joe scored and then recovered the ensuing kickoff at the 5 and scored again as time expired.
FINAL: 41-14.

NEXT UP: TAYLOR COUNTY

The War Eagles travel to Perry to take on the Taylor County Bulldogs, who are coming off a 20-14 season opening win against Fort White.
“Where Port St. Joe was massive, Taylor County has skill guys,” said Coach Klees. “They can match our speed. We’re gonna be on a fast track on Friday with a lot of speed on field.”
To win: “Turnovers. And control the tempo. And defense has to continue to play at a high level.

Wakulla Head Football Coach Scott Klees

Coach’s Corner

Scouting report: Taylor County has speed to match Wakulla.
Keys to victory: No turnovers. Control the tempo of the game. Defense continue to play solid.
Last week: War Eagles came out ready to play against Port St. Joe, reflecting the hard work players put in over the summer with weightlifting and camps. And the hard work paid off with a big 41-14 win.

2024 War Eagle schedule

  • Fri, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. vs. Port St. Joe at WHS.
  • Fri, 8/30 at 7:30 p.m. against Taylor County in Perry.
  • Fri, 9/6 at 7 p.m. at Chiles.
  • Thu, 9/20 at 7 p.m. vs. FAMU DRS at WHS.
  • Fri, 9/27 at 7 p.m. vs Suwannee at WHS.*
  • Fri, 10/4 at 7 p.m. vs. St. John Paul II at WHS.
  • Fri, 10/11 at 7 p.m. vs. Godby at WHS.*
  • Fri, 10/18 at 7 p.m. vs. South Walton at WHS.
  • Fri, 10/25 at 7 p.m. at Baker County. *
  • Fri, 11/1 at 7 p.m. vs. Gadsden County at WHS.
  • * – District Game

2024 War Eagle JV schedule

  • Thursday, 8/22 at 6:30pm vs Madison County at WHS
  • Thursday, 8/29 at 7:00pm vs Gadsden County at Gadsden County
  • Thursday, 9/12 at 6:00pm vs Munroe at WHS
  • Thursday, 9/19 at 6:30pm vs Taylor County at WHS
  • Wednesday, 9/25 at 6:30pm vs Chiles at WHS
  • Thursday, 10/3 at 6:30pm vs Florida State University HS at FSUHS
  • Thursday, 10/17 at 6:00pm vs Arnold at Arnold