War Eagles defang Rattlers, 52-0
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
The Wakulla War Eagles dominated the FAMU Rattlers last week, 52-0. Most of the scoring was in the first quarter, and the varsity first string was out of the game and there was a running clock in the second half.
“We weren’t sure how the players would come out after the bye week,” War Eagle Head Coach Scott Klees said. “We weren’t sure if they’d be sluggish or play at a high level.”
The War Eagles came out and dominated, scoring 42 points in the first quarter. They added a touchdown in the second quarter; and Colby Carranza kicked a 36-yard field goal in the fourth.
The War Eagles are 3-1 with the win and face their biggest game of the year so far with the district rival Suwannee Bulldogs coming to town this week.
“They are really, really good,” Klees said. “Talent-wise, they’re the best team we’ve played this year.”
But Klees noted the Bulldogs have had some lingering injuries with a number of their key players banged up and it’s unclear if they’ll back.
(There’s also the threat of tropical storm weather in the area by the end of the week. Check thewakullasun.com website for updates.)
For Klees, his players have to keep their cool. “With a rivalry game, controlling your emotions is key,” he said. “Staying even-headed.”
He added another key to winning: “It always comes down to who’s the most physical, and whoever turns over the ball the least amount of times.”
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Antonio Harvey was named MVP Player of the Week. On defense, he had 3 tackles and a fumble recovery. On offensive line, he graded out at 82%.
Offensive Player of the Week was Mason Blair, a lineman who graded out at 96%.
Defensive Player of the Week was Andrew Nelson who had 9 tackles and one assist.
Special Teams Player of the Week was Dakota Greene with 3 tackles. On defense, he added another 4 tackles.
Quarterback Owen Klees had an outstanding night, going 12 of 15 for 262 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Jordan Barnes had 94 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
GAME RECAP
State Sen. Corey Simon was on hand to do the coin toss to start the game. FAMU won and deferred to the second half.
Squib kick recovered by Wakulla at midfield, a run by Sion Ransom then a pass over the middle to Julliun Harvey for a touchdown. Extra point by Colby Carranza is good. Less than 45 seconds have lapsed and War Eagles are up 7-0
FAMU had a three and out and punted. On the War Eagles next possession, Jordan Barnes took it 52 yards down the sideline for score. Extra point makes it 14-0 with 9:06 left in 1Q
FAMU fumble recovered by Wakulla at 28. Couple of plays later, Sion Ransom runs it in from 18. Extra point good. It’s 21-0 with 7:23 left in 1Q
Another FAMU punt, Wakulla takes over at 46. Three plays later, QB Owen Klees connects with Jordan Barnes for a 20 yard TD pass. Extra point makes it 28-0 halfway through the 1Q
Next possession, a 27-yard touchdown from Klees to Amonta Harris. Extra point makes it 35-0 with 1:50 remaining in 1Q
FAMU pass tipped, intercepted by Wakulla’s Jaylen Jones. Next play Klees pass to Auvion Thomas for score. Wakulla up 42-0 with 35 seconds left in 1Q.
In the second, handoff to RB Danny Godbolt and he shows blistering speed for 85 yard touchdown. Extra point makes it 49-0 with 10 minutes left in 2Q.
Carranza kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to make it 52-0 with a running clock.
Coach’s Corner
Last week: War Eagles had a good bye week, and practice went really well..
Scounting: FAMU is fast but young, like the War Eagles are young. Klees wants to control FAMU’s speed and dominate at the line of scrimmage.
Keys to victory: Stay disciplined and keep to the game plan. Don’t try to be something you’re not.
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
