War Eagles get past JP II, 21-14
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
It was a chaotic game. Panther Field at St. John Paul II Catholic School in Tallahassee is cramped, there’s no space on the sidelines and the visiting team is up against the (limited) seating. And it’s dark.
And then the game itself: lots of taunting and name-calling by players.
While Wakulla was obviously the most talented team, it still felt lucky for the War Eagles to get out of there with a 21-14 win.
“We didn’t play what I call the Wakulla way,” said Head Coach Scott Klees. “We just didn’t execute.”
He later described it as “Things just weren’t in sync.”
Still, he added, “Anytime you go on the road and get a win that’s a good thing.”
The next week the War Eagles will need to be prepared for three games in the space of a week: a game this Friday against rival Godby Cougars; a makeup game against district rival Suwannee Bulldogs on Tuesday, Oct. 15 to play the game postponed because of Hurricane Helene; and then Friday, Oct. 18 against South Walton.
And next week is Homecoming week, with all the distractions that brings.
“It’s going to be brutal,” Klees said.
Added to which, two of Wakulla’s skill players were injured in the game and it’s not clear if they will be able to play: receiver Auvion Thomas has a hurt knee and running back Danny Godbolt rolled his ankle.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Jayden Jean was named MVP Player of the Week. On defense, he had 3 tackles and two assists. On offense, he had 3 catches for 40 yards.
Offensive Player of the Week was running back Sion Ransom, who carried the ball 14 times for 138 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive Player of the Week was linebacker Derek Davis, who had 10 tackles and a fumble return for a touchdown.
Special Teams Player of the Week was long snapper Ashton Harris, whom Klees described as having “all perfect snaps.”
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
Wakulla took the opening kickoff but went three and out and punted to JP II.
On the first series, the Panther quarterback was injured when his head hit the turf on a hard tackle and came out of the game.
In a later series, the Panthers wer backed up at their own 3 and the snap sailed over the replacement quarterback’s head and was recovered by War Eagle Derek Davis for a touchdown. Extra point made it 7-0.
Later, in the second quarter, War Eagle quarterback Owen Klees connected with receiver Auvion Thomas who made the catch in double coverage and was tackled at the 9. But then Thomas got to his feet and taunted the defenders drawing an unsportsmanlike penalty that backed the ball up to the 25.
A couple of plays later, Klees connected with receiver Julliun Harvey for a touchdown. Extra point put Wakulla up 14-0 at halftime.
In the second half, the Panthers took the kickoff and mounted a long, time-burning drive and scored. They went for 2 and didn’t make it. Score 14-6 Wakulla up.
They had an onside kick and recovered it and burned through most of the third quarter before finally being stopped. Wakulla offense got its first touch of the ball in the second half with just over 3 minutes left.
The War Eagles were driving but a pass went off the receiver’s fingertips, tipped and intercepted by the Panthers. They would score on a catch and run – and make the 2 point play to tie with 3:25 left.
Wakulla’s Sion Ransom broke a run for a touchdown with 2:47 left.
Final: Wakulla 21, St. John Paul II 14.
Coach’s Corner
Last week: Things weren’t in sync with Wakulla against John Paul II and the team didn’t execute well, but getting a road win is good.
Scouting: Godby is explosive on offense with 5 or 6 big plays in every game against opponents, and a good solid defense.
Keys to victory: Offense has to move the chains and no turnovers.For defense, don’t allow big plays. And win the Special Teams battle.
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
