War Eagles beat Chiles, 17-14
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
The War Eagles got a big win Friday night against Chiles, 17-14, to improve to 2-1 on the season.
“You hate to say ‘must-in’ this early int he season, but that was a must-win for us,” said Head Coach Scott Klees.
After falling last week to the Taylor County Bulldogs, “Kids and coaching staff really responded well.”
And it was obvious in practice in the week before the game, Klees said. He had expressed concerns about practice the week before the Bulldog loss.
Against Chiles, “the defense stepped up (under defensive coordinator Grady Guess) and played just really really good.”
That included four takeaways: a fumble and three interceptions.
“Special Teams played unbelievably: kicker (Colby Carranza) kicked really really well, and the punter (Owen Klees) did the same.
“On offense, we did what we needed to do: run the ball, run the clock.
“I was happy with every aspect of the game,” Klees said. “We’re a young team – needed to get a big win and bounce back.”
GAME STATS
Quarterback Owen Klees went 12 for 20 passing for 155 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Offensive Player of the Week Sion Ransom rushed 22 times for 142 yards.
Danny Godbolt caught three passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Jaylen Jones had one catch for 11 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Chris Smith had a fumble recovey and 8 tackles.
Christian Nicholas had 7 tackles and a sack.
Jaylen Jean had one interception and 7 tackles.
MVP Player of the Game Auvion Thomas had two interceptions and five tackles.
GAME RECAP
It was a defensive battle to start: neither offense could get a good drive going and they exchanged punts throughout the first quarter.
Halfway through the second quarter, Wakulla got the ball to the 12 on a alant pass and from there Klees connected with Jaylen Jones in the end zone for a score. Extra point made it 7-0.
Chiles responded with a drive of their own, capped by a 1-yard run for a score. Tied it at 7 all.
Later, a Klees pass was intercepted. Next play, Chiles pass is tipped and picked off by Auvion Thomas, one of two he would have on the night.
At halftime, score was tied 7-7.
Wakulla took the second half kickoff, and Klees connected with Danny Godbolt who took the ball 70 yards for a touchdown. Extra point put Wakulla up 14-7.
Later, War Eagle running back Sion Ransom broke a 65-yard run inside the Chiles 10, first and goal Wakulla
The third quarter would end with Wakulla facing third and goal from the 9.
On 4th down, kicker Colby Carranza came in and kicked a 24-yard field goal to put Wakulla up 17-7.
On Chiles’ ensuing drive, Auvion Thomas intercepted a pass at the goal line and took it back 100 yards for a touchdown, but the score was called back on an illegal block – but the interception stood, with Wakulla taking over at its own 4. The offense couldn’t get ouot of the shadow of its own end zone and was forced to punt.
Chiles fair catch at Wakulla 40.
A deep pass was intercepted by War Eagle Jaylen Jones at 7. The Wakulla offense again struggled to move the ball and again had to punt from its own end zone.
Ensuing drive, Chiles moves ball to Wakull 10, but a bad snap sails over the quarterback’s head and it’s recovered by Wakulla at the 25 with 2:30 left.
Wakulla ends up giving the ball back to Chiles and the Timberwolves score on a 30-yard pass play with 19 seconds on the clock.
They go for an onside kick, but it’s recovered by Wakulla. War Eagles go into victory formation and run out the clock.
Final: Wakulla 17, Chiles 14.
Coach’s Corner
Last week: War Eagles are a young team and got a big win against Chiles, a team that was favored to win. “Biggest thing for me is the week of practice we had” before the game.
Takeaways: Defense played well, Special Teams played well, and Offensive did what it needed to do: run the ball, run the clock. It’s a bounce-back win.
This week: Bye is coming at the right time. Players are banged up.
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
