War Eagles beat Suwannee, 30-23
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
The Wakulla War Eagles got themselves where they want to be: a winning record and a win over district rival Suwannee.
The War Eagles are 3-2 and 1-0 in the district with Friday night’s 30-23 win over the Bulldogs.
“It was really special how they fought,” said Head Coach Scott Klees of the win. “The hard work is paying off and every single game they’re giving it everything they’ve got.”
Late in the game, after Suwannee took the lead 23-22, the War Eagles came right back with a touchdown and 2-point conversion to regain the lead, 30-23.
While the Bulldogs didn’t give up, it seemed their confidence was sapped.
The victory was sealed with a Jarrell Washington interception at the end of the game, and the War Eagles ran out the clock.
At the same time, the War Eagles are facing a spate of injuries: kicker Logan Smith pulled a quad and couldn’t play, meaning the War Eagles had to go for 2 after every touchdown. Defensive back Bryce Manning was out for the whole second half; and running back and receiver Jordan Barnes who has had big games all season long, was hobbled with a sore ankle that was all taped up in the second half, and yet he still played and scored.
“We’ll have to see how those guys are on Monday,” Klees said.
GAME STATS
Quarterback Owen Klees was named MVP for the game: He earned it on the ground and in the air. He rushed 12 times for 90 yards and a touchdown; and completed 16 of 21 passes for 251 yards.
Offensive Player of the Week was running back Jeremiah Washington who had 14 carries for 63 yards and a touchdwon.
Defensive Player of the Week was linebacker Derek Davis with 13 tackles.
And Special Team Player of the Week was Jarrell Randolph who had three tackles on special teams; two tackles on defense plus two interceptions; and 5 catches for 82 yards on offense. He had an all-around good game.
UP NEXT: FORT WALTON BEACH VIKINGS
Fort Walton Beach is 1-5 on the season, but Klees warned “They’ve played a tough schedule.”
The Vikings are extremely good on defense and special teams, Klees said, and the offense is physical – they can throw and run it.
“We have to be sharp, we have to stay focused,” he said. The Viking defense has kept opponents under 20 points.
Problems with staying focused include the 3-hour ride over there.
And the additional problem that this is a potential trap game where the team potentially looks past the Vikings and to the following week when the War Eagles play district rival Godby.
Godby is 2-0 in the district with victories over Suwannee and Baker County.
But Klees is warning that the War Eagles need the win against Fort Walton Beach for the power rankings.
He also noted that injuries have taken a toll on his team, and they’re in a “next man up” mentality.
Coach’s Corner
Last week: Big district win over Suwannee. Hard work paying off, guys giving it everything they’ve got.
Scouting: Fort Walton Beach have played tough schedule. Need the win for power ranking.
Key to victory; War Eagles have to stay focused. It’s a potential trap game if the team looks past this week to next week’s big showdown with Godby. And have to stay healthy.
2025 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
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