It’s time for War Eagle football!
Klees: Team is looking for guys to step up
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
Last year’s Wakulla War Eagle team were a young bunch, says Head Coach Scott Klees.
This year, he says, he’s expecting those guys to grow up and be the team’s leaders.
Those players include Owen Klees at quarterback, son of the coach, a senior this year and coming off being named FCA’s Player of the Year last year. He is also the punter, and expected to play defense as a safety in certain packages.
Heath Milligan will also get some playing time as quarterback as well.
And the War Eagle quarterback of the future appears to be Jace Hoffman, a sophomore who will be heading up the JV offense. “He’s just a dynamic quarterback,” Coach Klees said. “He’s gonna be a good one.”
The coach says he’s expecting big things from his offensive and defensive lines – though one lineman, Wyatt Jones, listed as 6-2 and 275 pounds, will miss half the year with a health issue.
The skilled positions on offense are headed by Jordan Barnes, who Klees identified as “key” and added: “We’re gonna get him the ball quite a bit.”
Also highlighted were young receiver Brandon Hayes and receiver Jayden Jean – “He can run,” Klees says, “very athletic.”
The team is also looking for big things from H-back Wyatt Brown, who scored three touchdowns in the spring game.
On defense, the front is really good with Antonio Harvey leading the defensive line.
Outside linebacker Leeanthony Green is expected to give a big pass rush.
And Linebacker Derek Davis is also expected to have a big season.
“Upfront oand linebacker we’re in good shape,” says Klees.
The defensive backfield features Andrew Nelson, a senior, who was third on the team overall on tackles, and cornerback Auvion Thomas of whom Coach Klees says, “Hopefully, if the Lord sees fit, he’ll stay healthy.”
The War Eagles enter the season in the Top 10 in the state in their classification, ranked at No. 9, with rival Godby ranked above them at No. 6.
War Eagles hang tough against Madison Cowboys
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
In the first half of the scrimmage against the Madison Cowboys, the Wakulla War Eagles varsity played tough, though they lost 12-7.
“We did a lot of things well,” said Head Coach Scott Klees. “We stopped ourselves.”
With three offensive drives in the half, the first drive looked good with quarterback Owen Klees scrambling and finding receiver Jordan Barnes, who caught the ball, faked out a defender, then ran to the end zone for a score.
The defense played well except for a couple of big plays where the Cowboys benefited from blown coverage for two scores.
Special teams blocked one extra point on a Madison kick; the other was no good.
“It was a very physical game, just toe-to-toe,” said Klees. “Great scrimmage.”
In the second half, it was mostly JV getting playing time.
“We have lots of work to do there,” Klees said.
His JV, he said, was outplayed as it was mostly freshmen seeing their first playing time.
Plus, there was a lightning delay in the second half.
Coach’s Corner
There was no Coaches Corner as this was the final game of the season.
Scouting report: Coach Ricky Bell comes out of retirement to lead the Leon Lions. ‘We don’t really know what to expect,’ says Coach Klees. The Lions look physical and look big.
Keys to victory: Somethings are going to need to adjust on the fly, so team has got to be ready.
Last week: The scrimmage with Madison showed a War Eagle team that continues to improve.
2024 War Eagle schedule
- Thu, 8/21 at 7 pm at Gene Cox Stadium vs. Leon
- Fri, 8/29, at 7 pm vs. Taylor County at Wakulla High School
- Fri, 9/5 at 7 pm vs. Chiles at WHS
- Fri, 9/19 at 7 pm vs. FAMU DRS at WHS
- Fri, 9/26 at 7:30 pm at Live Oak vs. Suwannee*
- Fri, 10/3 at 7 pm at Fort Walton Beach
- Fri, 10/10 at 7 pm at Gene Cox vs. Godby*
- Fri, 10/17 at 7 pm at Santa Rosa Beach vs. South Walton
- Fri, 10/24 at 7 p.m. vs. Baker County* at WHS
- Fri, 10/31 at 7 pm vs. Gadsden County at WHS
2024 War Eagle JV schedule
- 2025 War Eagle JV schedule
- Wed, 8/20 at 7 pm at Madison County
- Thu, 8/28 at 7 p.m. vs Gadsden County at WHS
- Wed, 9/10 vsTBA Opponent
- Thu, 9/18 at 7 pm at Taylor County
- Wed, 9/24 at 6:30 p.m. at Chiles
- Thu, 10/2 at 7 pm vs Florida High School at WHS