War Eagles beat South Walton, 37-7
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
The Wakulla War Eagles rolled over the South Walton Seahawks on Friday’s homecoming game, 37-7.
“It was one of the best games we’ve played all year,” said head coach Scott Klees. “We played well in all three areas: special teams, offense and defense.”
He said the War Eagle defense was shaky on the first drive of the game but they settled in.
That first drive, the Seahawks took the ball at midfield on a Wakulla onside kick attempt that inadvertently hit a War Eagle player before going 10 yards. The drive by South Walton chewed up more than half of the first quarter and they scored on a 7 yard quarterback draw.
The 7-0 lead was the only time the Seahawks were ahead in the game.
The War Eagles scored on their possession with a 45-yard run by running back Sion Ransom. A 2-point conversion was good and Wakulla never looked back from the 8-7 lead.
In the second quarter, quarterback Owen Klees was scrambling and saw receiver Brandon Hayes in the corner of the end zone. There were two Seahawk defenders there but they couldn’t get over in time. The extra point put Wakulla up 15-7.
A Seahawk pass was tipped and intercepted by safety Jaylen Jones, who returned it for a touchdown. Another 2-point conversion put Wakulla up 23-7 just before halftime.
In the second half, the Seahawks fumbled the ball, recovered by Wakulla. Some big runs by Ransom set up the War Eagles in the red zone. QB Klees was scrambling and decided to run and took it 20 yards for a touchdown. Extra point made it 30-7.
Later in the third quarter, another Jones interception gave the War Eagles the ball.
A big catch and run by Amonta Harris to the 12. Then a catch by Auvion Thomas at the 4.
Then the War Eagles went backwards with a penalty for unnecessary roughness, and then an offsides penalty. From the 24, Klees connected on a pass to Auvion Thomas for the score and the extra point made it 37-7. That was the final score, and Wakulla improved to 5-2.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Owen Klees was named MVP Player of the Week. On special teams, his punts included one of more than 50 yards that was downed at the 2. On offense, the quarterback was 17 of 23 passing for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball 4 times for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Offensive Player of the Week was running back Sion Ransom, who had more than 150 yards rushing and scored a touchdown.
Defensive Player of the Week was safety Jaylen Jones, who had two interceptions in the game including one returned for a touchdown. He also caused a fumble and had 7 tackles.
Special Teams Player of the Week was long snapper Ashton Harris, who was perfect on his snaps and recovered an onside kick.
COMING UP
The War Eagles travel to Baker County on Friday night to play the district rival Wildcats, who are also 5-2.
Coach Klees says his team needs to hit some explosive plays, and limit those plays for the Wildcats.
“I’m really proud of this team,” Klees said of his War Eagles.
Coach’s Corner
Last week: One of the best games played by the War Eagles all year. Special teams, offense and defense all played well.
Scouting: Baker County is very talented, very physical and well-coached team. District rival is 5-2 as are the War Eagles.
Keys to victory; Make explosive plays on offense and make them earn everything on defense – don’t give up any explosive plays. have to play well to get the road 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
