War Eagles get by Taylor, 25-19
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
The Wakulla War Eagles got their second victory of the season, a hard-fought 25-19 win over a tough Taylor County Bulldog team.
Head Coach Derek Allen Jr. said it was a “sloppy” game – lots of mistakes and penalties. “Difficult playing in that environment” of Perry. But he was pleased that War Eagle fans packed the stands as well, and credited the fans with helping get the win.
Some of the sloppiness included four unsportsmanlike penalties on Wakulla – with two of those going against Ryheem Moore, receiver and safety, which led to him being ejected.
The first call was after a receiving touchdown. Coach Allen said players get 5 seconds to celebrate and Moore exceeded that limit, according to referees.
The second foul came after referees met with both coaches and warned there was lots of unsportsmanlike conduct. Right after that, Moore made a tackle on the scrambling Bulldog quarterback and appeared to flex as he stood up, drawing a flag and ejection.
The game was notable as well in seeing Coach Allen’s rushing attack with multiple running backs. Quarterback Ashton Brooks shared time with Jaylen Jones, who played quarterback for Coach Allen last season in Blountstown, and RB Danny Godbolt came in and ran a wildcat play.
With the game on the line in the 4th quarter, the War Eagles up by 6 points, they took over with about 4 minutes left.
“I told the boys we only need one or two first downs to run out the clock,” Coach Allen said.
And that’s what they did.
The team combined rushing totaled 281 yards. Offensive player of the week was RB Nigel Cloud who gained 90 yards on 17 carries, including a touchdown.
QB Brooks was named MVP of the week, going 10 of 13 passing for 158 yards and a TD.
Defensive player was linebacker Cedric Hicks who had 3 tackles and a forced fumble.
A special teams player was Jaylen Jones with a blocked PAT and a tackle. (He also scored an offensive touchdown.)
GAME RECAP
Wakulla took the opening kickoff and the first drive stalled behind numerous penalties. On the punt, the ball sailed over the punter’s head and was a scoop and score by the Bulldogs. Extra point was blocked. Taylor up 6-0.
Taylor tried an onside kick, but Wakulla recovered it at midfield. The War Eagle drive was feeding running back Nigel Cloud, who completed the drive with a touchdown run, dragging defenders into the end zone with him. War Eagles go for 2 point conversion but come up short. Tied at 6.
Bulldogs couldn’t move the ball and punted. Wakulla takes the punt at the 45 and drive down and score on a 10-yard TD pass to Rhyeem Moore. He’s called for unsportsmanlike on celebration. Extra point missed. Wakulla 12-6.
Bulldog next drive: long pass to inside the 20. Couple of plays later it’s first and goal at the 4. Halfback pass for a score. PAT good. Taylor up 13-12.
On Wakulla’s next drive, they get a 27-yard field goal by kicker Colby Carrranza to take a 15-13 lead.
Bulldog fumble on their next drive, but Wakulla can’t move the ball. Punt from deep in their own territory goes off the side of the punter’s foot, downed at 25. Bulldogs take advantage of the short field and score on a touchdown pass. Extra point no good. Taylor up 19-15 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Jaylen Jones as QB scores on a rushing touchdown. Extra point makes it 22-19.
In the 4th quarter, Carranza added a 30-yard field goal to make it Wakulla 25-19 with 6 minutes remaining.
Bulldogs forced to punt on their next possesion and Wakulla ran the ball to run out the clock. Final: Wakulla 25, Taylor 19.
While it was sloppy, Allen said “It’s always good to find a win.”
War Eagles are 2-0 on the young season.
UP NEXT: CHILES
TIMBERWOLVES
Wakulla travels to Tallahassee this Friday night to play the Chiles Timberwolves.
Coach Allen noted Chiles is 1-1. He noted they won their first game by 50 points and then were locked in a 14-14 tie with Florida High last week before falling in the second half 24-14.
“They’re no pushover,” Allen said, addding that his War Eagles would have to play more fundamental football.
“We’ve got to play more disciplined,” he said.
Coach’s Corner
From the coach
Last week: Sloppy game against Taylor but always good to get a win.
Scouting: Chiles is 1-1, and no pushover.
Key to victory: War Eagles need to play fundamental football, play disciplined. Focus on getting Wakulla’s athletes the ball in space this week.
2026 War Eagle schedule
- 8/21 at 7:00p vs Gadsden County (Havana, FL) at Wakulla High School – (W) 27 – 7
- 8/28 at 7:00p vs Taylor County (Perry, FL) at Taylor County High School – (W) 25 – 19
- 9/4 at 7:00p vs Chiles (Tallahassee, FL) at Chiles High School
- 9/11 at 7:30p vs Pace (Pace, FL) at Pace High School
- 9/18 at 7:00p vs Rickards (Tallahassee, FL) at Wakulla High School
- 9/25 at 7:00p vs Suwannee (Live Oak, FL) at Wakulla High School
- 10/9 at 7:00p vs Godby (Tallahassee, FL) at Wakulla High School
- 10/23 at 7:30p vs Baker County (Glen St. Mary, FL) at Baker County High School
- 10/30 at 7:00p vs Leon (Tallahassee, FL) at Wakulla High School
2026 War Eagle JV schedule
- 8/20 at 6:30p vs Madison County (Madison, FL) at Wakulla High School – (L) 34 – 6
- 8/27 at 6:00p vs Gadsden County (Havana, FL) at Gadsden County High School – (L) 18 – 16
- 9/3 at 6:30p vs Rickards (Tallahassee, FL) at Rickards High School
- 9/9 at 6:30p vs Gadsden County (Havana, FL) at Wakulla High School
- 9/17 at 6:30p vs Taylor County (Perry, FL) at Wakulla High School
- 9/30 at 6:00p vs Florida State University High School (Tallahassee, FL) at Florida State University High School
- 10/15 at 6:30p vs Leon (Tallahassee, FL) at Leon High School