By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

The title “Kendal Haynie, 2026 State Champion” has a nice ring to it and now her copious collection of awards does too.

On Aug. 21st, at J.D. Jones Stadium, Wakulla High honored a legend in the making as Principal Michele Falk, joined by coaches Jon Sanchez and Tommy Haynie, presented Haynie with a ring commemorating her 2026 FHSAA girls state wrestling championship.
Last season, Haynie compiled a 24-0 record while only surrendering one takedown. Haynie simply dominated her competition via 20 pins and 4 technical falls while becoming the first girl to win a state title in any sport at Wakulla High.
Currently, Haynie is ranked No. 1 in the state, and 12th in the nation by FloWrestling.

With the cancellation of last week’s preseason game, we didn’t have a photo of this Color Guard for the Football section.

Here they are: Top row: Autumn Bodziak, Emma Carnivale, Lyla Sealy, Chase Hall, Kinley Ledington, Shannon Miller, and Makenzy Coring.
Bottom row: Kinslee Benton, Autumn Mckenzie, Emilee Mason, Violet Sexton, Annaleyse Roland, Paisley Allen, and Olivia Drapeau.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The Wakulla War Eagles and their new head coach got their first victory of the season, a 27-7 win over the Gadsden Jaguars in a weather-shortened game.
There were two lightning delays. The first delay came in the third quarter, and the game went on until the second lightning alarm, which sounded with 9:18 left in the fourth quarter.
The game was eventually called.

Head Coach Derek Allen Jr. was somewhat disappointed with his team’s performance.
“We didn’t play our best football, but still able to get the job done,” he said.
He attributed the off-play to lack of a preseason game – last week’s exhibition game against Evans High from Orlando was cancelled due to weather.
“Us not having an opportunity to play a preseason game (took away) time to clean up mental mistakes,” Coach Allen said.

GAME STATS

Cornerback Ryheem Moore had an amazing game: three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Plus a 41-yard touchdown catch on offense.
“I’ve never seen numbers like that from a corner,” said Allen, noting that it’s usually a safety who’s sitting back and able to react to a pass and make a pick.
Quarterback Ashton Brooks went 7 for 10 passing for 115 yards, plus rushing for 72 yards, most of that picked up on scrambles.
Jaylen Jones, known for his defensive play, also took some snaps as quarterback and rushed three times for 29 yards.
Running backs got some work: Danny Godbolt carried 6 times for 34 yards; Nigel Cloud had 5 carries for 10 yards; Bryce Manning had 4 carries for 39 yards.
Offensive Player of the Week Jarell Randolph had one catch for a touchdown. RB Danny Godbolt had one catch for 31 yards.
Defensive Player of the Week, lineback Rayshon St. Hilaire, had 10 tackles in the game, 7 solo and 3 assists.
Allen was pleased with his team’s defensive play, saying they played really well.
The lone Gadsden touchdown was on a play where the corner got caught looking into the backfield and the Jaguar receiver got in front of him and caught the ball and made it to the end zone.

GAME RECAP

Wakulla took the opening kickoff and drove the field – rushing plays only, no passes, and capped by a 15-yard run by RB Armon Lindsey. Kicker Colby Carranza kicked the PAT. Wakulla 7, Gadsden O.
Gadsden scored on their possession, a 96-yard TD pass and run that Coach Allen attributed to the corner looking in the backfield and letting the receiver get by him. Extra point good, tied at 7.
Wakulla responded with a 41-yard TD pass to Ryheem Moore. Wakulla up 14-7.
The War Eagles drove down to the 5 but couldn’t score; Jaguars take over on downs. A few plays later, Moore makes a diving interception, his first of three.
The offense scores on that, RB Jarell Randolph starts one way, shakes a defender and cuts back across the field to score. Extra point was hindered by a 5 yard penalty for false start. Wakulla up 20-7 and that was the score at halftime.
Gadsden got the second half kickoff, and Moore got his second pick of the night.
There was the first lightning delay at 4:51 in the third. When play resumed, Wakulla was driving and attempted a field goal to start the 4th quarter, but it was no good.
Moore had his third pick and took it to the house. Wakulla up 27-7 when second lightning delay happened.

UP NEXT: TAYLOR COUNTY BULLDOGS

Wakulla travels to Perry this Friday to take on the Taylor County Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have won the past two meetings, and Allen said the team is well-coached and disciplined.
The War Eagles have to stop the Bulldogs’ athlete who wears the No. 1 jersey and plays QB, RB, receiver and some defense.
And they have to win upfront. Against Gadsden, Wakulla’s O-line was moving people around.

Coach’s Corner

From the coach

Last week: First game was not our best. Lack of preseason game meant no time to clean up mental mistakes.
Scouting: Taylor County Bulldogs are a well-coached and disciplined team. On the road, so crowd will be into it.
Key to victory: Win up front, and stop the Bulldogs player wearing No. 1 who plays quarterback, running back, receiver and defense.

MVP

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Ten years ago, 2016, Derek Allen was getting ready to take over the Wakulla War Eagle offense as quarterback. He led the team, under Head Coach Scott Klees, to the playoffs.

For more Football stories see our Football Special Section

Allen makes his return to the War Eagles as the new head coach, after Klees retired from coaching at the end of last season.
Allen comes to Wakulla after coaching at Blountstown as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and before that as wide receivers coach at Harris County High School.
In addition to serving as head coach, Allen is the offensive coordinator and play caller for the War Eagles.
He is a run-first coach, he says, but when the defense starts crowding the box, he goes for deep passes.
New quarterback Ashton Brooks has a strong arm, Allen says, and can throw a ball 60 yards in the air.
Brooks will be looking downfield for a receiving corps that includes Jarell Rudolph, Rhyeem Moore, Randy Moore, and Demarkus Roberts.
The offensive line will be headed by senior Brice Rowan at center, and senior Wyatt Jones at left tackle.
The defense includes lineman Antonio Harvey, linebacker Rayshon St. Hillaire, and safety Jaylen Jones – who returns to Wakulla after playing last year at Blountstown.
Allen says he sees his role as a football coach as “Preparing these guys for life. As a coach, everybody wants to win football games, but the main thing is setting these guys up for life.”
Other coaches on the staff include defensive coordinator Chris Beverly, who played at Citadel, D-line coach Doot Engram, who Allen brought from Blountstown, and longtime linebacker coach Vic Culley. Other coaches include Marcus Farlin, Michael Pierce, Paxton Tomaini, Ra’Kwan Allen, and Bre Hill.

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

“I wasn’t the fastest kid on the block,” said Sam Harris Sr. “So when I started getting these phone calls and talking with Coach Kam, he was like, ‘Mr. Harris, your son is pretty fast.’ I’m like OK, cool. He said, ‘I don’t think you get it, he’s really fast.’ I said, OK, well let’s see. From there it took off.”

In Sam Harris Jr.’s first year competing in track and field, the 14-year-old eighth grader set school records at Riversprings Middle School in the 50 meters (6.1 seconds), 100 meters (11.35 seconds), and 200 meters (22.94 seconds).
Although Harris only competed in the long jump a few times, he also set the school record for that event as well, with a leap of 19 feet 8 inches.
His performances during the season qualified him for the FLYRA Middle School Track and Field State Championship held in Bradenton at the IMG Academy.
On the biggest stage, Harris recorded his best numbers of the season, resulting in a 6th place finish in the long jump, 6th in the 200 meters, and 11th in the 100 meters. Harris’ stellar performance earned him an invitation to compete in the Under Armour Track and Field Nationals. It is the first time a middle school track and field athlete from Wakulla County has received the honor.
Riversprings Principal Joshua Sandgren described Harris as the “total package.”
“Sam is the type of kid that has his priorities in the right way,” said Sandgren, “where it’s always school first and academics are most important. As tremendous of an athlete as he’s grown to become, he still hasn’t lost that vision of ‘I’m a student before I’m an athlete.’ I think a lot of that probably goes back to what his mom and dad have instilled in him.”
Harris’ dad, Sam Harris Sr. said, “I can’t give all the credit to me and his mom. Just like he brags about his parents, Sam brags about Coach Knight, he brags about Coach Kam, he brags about all the teachers out there, the principal, just everybody. You know it takes a village to raise these kids.”
Kam Rosier, Harris’ track and field coach, said, “Sam is very humble, very self-motivated, and very outgoing. He’s always willing to put in the work and go above and beyond, with no questions asked.” Rosier continued, “He exceeds all expectations that he has set for himself. Even the goals that I had set for him as a coach, he set his own goals even higher. He’s an overachiever, a real true go-getter when it comes to sports, academics, all around. He’s the definition of a student-athlete.”
Tom Robison is another coach and teacher who has had the pleasure of having Harris as a pupil. Robison, who played professional football in both the USFL and the NFL, raved about Harris saying, “He is one of the most respectful kids his age. It’s pretty amazing. He’s very polite and no trouble. If you ask him to do something, there is no argument, there is yes sir and he does it.”
“At some point, you’re going to be playing against people that have just as good or better physical abilities as you do,” says Robison. “If you’re better, you’re just barely better.” Robison believes diligence, discipline, and preparation make the difference.
Rhetorically, Robison asked, “Do you put in the work? Are you prepared? Do you know what you’re going to do? Do you put in the practice time? Do you pay attention? Are you studying?” Robison affirmed, “Sam is unbelievably coachable. He will respond and work hard.” He added, “He’s really an amazing kid. If the school was full of kids like Sam, what an easy job teaching and coaching would be. He’s a tremendous young man with a great future.”
Harris’ optimistic outlook and affable demeanor have made a positive impact on everything he does and everyone he meets. Harris’ math teacher Sierra Miles said many students claim Harris as “their best friend.” Harris’ parents recognize these traits in their son as well and are proud of how he conducts himself. Harris’ mother, Janay said of her son, “He is so sweet.”
That may sound like a mother just saying what mothers are expected to say, but her words were seasoned with such love and tenderness that you could not help but feel the truth in them. Harris Sr. said, “He knows how to uplift people around him. When he’s out there with the other kids, they are happy to see him. He comes around, he gives them a little advice, not only that, his energy rubs off on them, he’s always staying positive and saying you know what, we can do better today, let’s do better tomorrow, every day we come in let’s just get better.”
High achievement is something that everyone has come to expect from Harris, leaving Principal Sandgren to conclude, “If he continues to work at it, I think Sam Harris could be one of those names that people remember for a very long time.”

Staff Report

The Wakulla High School Lady War Eagles are in the Final Four after a walloping of Paxon 13-2 on Thursday, May 14.

In the semi-final to be held this week on Thursday, May 21, the No. 2 Lady War Eagles will face the No. 3 Eustis Panthers at the Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, in the Orlando metro area. The winner plays in the state championship game on Friday against the winner of No. 1 Coral Springs Charter and No. 4 McKeel Academy.
Because the semi-final is on Wakulla’s graduation day, a special graudation for the five seniors on the softball team will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 11 a.m.

The Wakulla War Eagles, under new coach Derek Allen, traveled to Chiles to play halves against Tallahassee schools Lincoln and Rickards on Thursday. Photos by Ken Fields

In a game from a couple of weeks ago, Lady War Eagle Allison Stephens is safe sliding into home as Wakulla defeated Franklin County 14-4.

The team has gone on to win the district title, and shellacked the Suwannee Bulldogs 16-1 and moved up in the playoffs on Wednesday of last week with an 8-0 win over Wolfson. On Tuesday, the Lady War Eagles travel to Yulee to take on the Hornets in the regional semifinals.

By WALT JACOBS
Special to the Sun

On Tuesday, April 14th, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and festive at Wakulla High School, where the WHS Lady War Eagle wrestling team gathered to celebrate a wonderful season. Head Coach Jon Sanchez capped off an evening of food, fellowship, and frivolity, with the presentation of awards.

Sophia Barron was awarded The Heart of the Eagle, which is given to the wrestler who demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, and resilience.
Rose Cooper was honored as The Rookie of the Year. This award is given to someone who is new to wrestling, demonstrates skill, performs well, and shows potential for becoming a great wrestler.
Kameron Easter received the academic award, given to the wrestler with the highest GPA.
Julia Baggett took home a pair of awards. She was chosen by her peers as the Queen of the Nest, which is awarded to the individual who is most friendly, supportive, personable, positive, and who fosters camaraderie. Baggett also received the PAFF award. The acronym stands for Perseverance, Attitude, Fight, and Focus which were qualities that were emphasized by former War Eagle Coach Will Pafford throughout his coaching career.
Kendal Haynie was honored with a couple of awards as well. She was selected as the MVP, which is awarded to the wrestler who was most valuable to the team and had an enormous impact on the team’s success. Haynie also received the Outstanding Achievement award, which recognizes exceptional performance and significant accomplishments.
Head Coach Jon Sanchez said, “It was a great banquet, filled with family and friends who were so supportive throughout this season.” Sanchez continued, Having the opportunity to celebrate these young ladies was an honor. They’ve put in so much work this season and collectively they’ve helped build the culture and environment that I’ve expressed a need for.” Sanchez elaborated, “A place where you work hard, earn what you put in, a place where you learn life lessons, the importance of teamwork, the value of accountability, and make lasting friendships.” Sanchez added, “I am beyond proud of what these girls have accomplished this year and we look forward to what they’ll do next year.”

Special to The Sun

The Wakulla War Eagles Varsity Baseball Team brought home a District Title on Friday, April 17th night!
The War Eagles built a 5-run lead in the first inning and then held off the Arnold High School Marlin’s charge in a 5-3 victory.

The War Eagles offensive charge started when Sam Bruce (Sr.) and Owen Klees (Sr.) collected hits that put them into scoring position on a wild pitch. A walk by Wesson Stanley (Jr.) and a line drive double by Kendall Wimes (So.) quickly put the War Eagles up 3-0. A big hit by Tucker High (Jr.), another by Fletcher Brown (Sr.), a walk drawn by Armon Lindsey (So.) and a hard hit by Jayce Hoffman (So.) advanced runners to allow the War Eagles to go up 5-0 in the top of the first. The hard-hitting War Eagles racked up a total of 8 hits on the night including one by Cason Marlow (Sr.) in the top of the third.
Kendall Wimes started on the bump for the War Eagles. The righty lasted 4 innings surrendering just 2 earned runs while walking 3 and racking up 3 strike outs. Landon Lawrence (Jr.) appeared in relief and finished the game out on the mound for the War Eagles and gave up only 1 earned run while striking out 2. The War Eagle defense was on full display with solid plays backing up their pitchers all night.
The FHSAA 4A District 2 Championship is the first for this new coaching staff headed by Coach Paxton Tomaini, and assistant coaches Aiden Driscoll and Joseph Perini. This solid staff brings a wealth of experience on the diamond with all three coaches coming off successful college baseball careers and the results speak for themselves. The team and the community are excited to see what the future holds for this talented group of baseball players.