War Eagles fall to Bulldogs, 27-20

The War Eagle offensive line opens up a hole for running back Sion Ransom against the Taylor County Bulldogs. (PHOTOS BY GERALD BROWN)

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The War Eagles stumbled at Perry on Friday, falling to the Taylor County Bulldogs 27-20.
Something seemed off with Wakulla, and they just don’t click.
“That’s what it looks like when you don’t practice well,” said Head Coach Scott Klees. “We just didn’t have a good week of practice… Not to make excuses, but we had a lot of sickness and some other distractions.
“Take nothing away from Taylor County,” he said. “They beat us. But we didn’t play our best.”
It was a back-and-forth contest, exchanging leads, until the Bulldogs broke a 20-20 tie with a punt return for a touchdown in the 4th quarter with 5 minutes left – and the War Eagles could not score.

Jordan Barnes catches a pass and gets into the open field.

GAME STATS

MVP Danny Godbolt had 4 catches for 73 yards, 4 rushes for 11 yards, on defense he had two tackles plus a pass defended.
Offensive player of the week was receiver Jordan Barnes with 8 catches for 91 yards, and 4 rushes for 24 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Dakota Greene had 4 tackles and a caused a fumble.
Special Teams Player of the Week was long snapper Ashton Harris who had a great game, said Klees.
And quarterback Owen Klees had a solid game, going 20 for 35 for 252 yards.

GAME RECAP

To start the game, Wakulla took the opening kickoff and drove right down the field. Extra point good. It’s 7-0 with 9 minutes left in the first quarter.
The teams both exchanged punts, unable to move the ball consistently.
Then in second quarter, the Bulldogs fumbled and it was recovered by Wakulla. A couple of plays later, the War Eagles fumbled it back. Then On 4th and 1 near midfield, Bulldog running back breaks a long run for score. Extra point ties it at 7.
On their next offensive series, Bulldogs complete a deep pass over the middle, sets up first and goal at 9. Less than 4 minutes until halftime.
Two plays later, pass for touchdown, extra point no good. Bulldogs up 13-7 over Wakulla with 2:38 remaining in the first half.
Big kickoff return by Auvion Thomas sets up War Eagles at Bulldog 40. Big catch and tun to Danny Godbolt down the sideline to Bulldog 12, then Jordan Barnes catch near goal line. Wakulla timeout with 38 seconds. Sion Ransom takes it in. Extra point gives Wakulla a 14-13 lead with 34 seconds remaining in first half.
Bulldogs took the second half kick off and driove deep into Wakulla territory. 1st down at 12. Bulldogs score on a pass to the back of the end zone. Extra point is good. Taylor County regains the lead, 20-14 over Wakulla early in third quarter.
In a subsequent series, Taylor punts, War Eagles start near 20. Danny Godbolt down the sideline for big gain for Wakulla to Bulldog 30. A few plays later, it’s 4th and 8 with 20 seconds left. Pass to Auvion Thomas for first down as third quarter ends.
First play of 4th, Jordan Barnes takes it to end zone. Extra point is missed. Wakulla and Taylor tied at 20.
The teams exchanged punts, and Wakulla lost field position with one Bulldog punt rolling all the way to the 6, where Wakulla started. War Eagles go backwards: 4th down at 2 1/2, forced to punt, short but high, fumbled, picked up by a Bulldog and taken to the end zone. Extra point makes it 27-20 Taylor leads Wakulla with 5:16 left.
Wakulla had chances with two more offensive series but could not convert.
Taylor held on to win, 27-20.

NEXT UP: CHILES

“This is by far Chiles’ best team since have been here,” said Klees.
They have three running backs, all three of whom are very good; a very talented quarterback, and some really talented receivers.
And, as the Timberwolves are known for, a stout defense.
“We have to have a good week of practice and play really well to meet our goals this week.”
Taking care of the ball and executing the game plan are keys to victory, Klees said.

Wakulla Head Football Coach Scott Klees

Coach’s Corner

Scouting report: Chiles has the best team its had in years, with talent on both sides of the ball.
Keys to victory: We have to take care of the ball, and execute the game plan. Do that, and we have a good chance.
Last week: War Eagles weren’t clicking with bad practices, sickness and distractions, and fell 27-20 to the Taylor County Bulldogs.

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