War Eagles beat Suwannee, 28-21

War Eagle running back Sion Ransom points at defenders on his way to scoring a touchdown. (PHOTOS BY KEN FIELDS)

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

“Nobody picked us to be 7-3 and hosting in the playoffs,” said Head Coach Scott Klees. He lost a bunch of seniors after last year, and some of his best juniors defected to other teams.
“Nobody gave us a chance,” Klees said.
But his young team has come through the fire – they beat distric rival Suwannee Bulldogs 28-21 on Thursday night to cement their spot in the first round of the playoffs:
Ranked No. 4, Wakulla will host the No. 5-ranked Menendez Falcons out of St. Augustine on Friday night. The Falcons are 6-4 overall.
Thursday night’s game against Suwannee was “must-win,” Klees said. And he praised his team for how well they played, especially coming off a 49-6 loss the week before against a very talented Gadsden County team.
“We got beat pretty good the week before,” Klees said, but said his players didn’t hang their heads or give up. They bounced back against the Bulldogs and played well.
“It’s a tough thing to do,” the coach said.

Receiver Jayden Jean makes a diving catch along the sideline.

COMING UP

The Menendez Falcons are “a lot like other teams we’ve played this season,” said Klees. He said they’re well-coached, got a quarterback who can spread it around, and a big Mike Alstott-type running back.

The Falcons play a 50 defense and are big upfront, Klees said.
Keys for victory in the playoffs are to do everything right, limit mistakes, he said. “The offense has to control the ball and time of possession. Defense has to make them earn everything. And special teams needs to make all extra points and field goals.”
“It should be a heck of a football game,” Klees said.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

MVP was quarterback Owen Klees, who went 13 of 21 passinbg for 223 yards and a touchdown. He also had a punt of 64 yards and two punts downed inside the 10 yard line, plus four tackles on defense.
Offensive Player of the Week was lineman Sam Wright, for the second week in a row. He graded out at 92 percent. Klees said aboutb 85 percent of the War Eagles’ running players were behind Wright and fellow lineman Mason Blair.
Defensive Player of the Week was safety Andrew Nelson, who had 2 sacks, caused a fumble and 6 tackles.
Special Teams player was Auvion Thomas, who had a 44 yard kick return that set up the War Eagles in great field position. On offense, he had 2 catches for 44 yards. And on defense, he had an interception returned 95 yards for a touchdown.

RECAP

Suwannee scored first on a 12-yard rush play in the first quarter to go up 7-0.
Later, Auvion Thomas had his pick 6 to tie the game.
Long pass for score put the Bulldogs up 14-7 in the second quarter.
War Eagles came back to tie on a touchdown pass to tight end Christian Nicholas.
Running back Sion Ransom gave Wakulla a 21-14 lead at halftime.
Ransom broke a run and score in the third to go up 28-14.
Suwannee scored on a tipped pass late in the fourth.
Final: 28-21.

Wakulla Head Football Coach Scott Klees

Coach’s Corner

Last week: The War Eagles got a big win against the Suwannee Bulldogs that cemented them hosting a first-round playoff game.
Scouting: The Menendez Falcons are well-coached and big upfront. Quarterback spreads it around; defense has 5 man front.
Keys to victory: War Eagles need limit mistakes. Offense needs to control the ball and time of possession; defense needs to make the Falcons earn what they get; and special teams needs to play well.

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