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War Eagles’ Wings Clipped for Seventh Consecutive Loss
by John Reich
The Godby and Wakulla squads were seeking wins to snap their respective losing streaks. Godby, after starting their season undefeated at 5 - 0 - 2 had lost four consecutive matches. The War Eagles had dropped their seventh straight. Both squads had enough walking wounded and injured players to field a third team and presented a challenge to both coaches in fielding healthy players.
Godby nearly struck first in the eleventh minute as William Flores easily broke through the Wakulla defense for a fast break heading straight towards goal. Unleashing a cannon, the War Eagles Goalkeeper Josh Oliver (8 Saves) made a tremendous save as the ball bounced in front of his lanky body. Mere seconds after Flores could follow up his shot, Oliver had pounced on the loose to end the attack.
Like a mouse sneaking through Swiss cheese, Godby’s Nigel Morris (assist) found a huge hole within the Wakulla defense and headed towards the touch line. With a swift move, Nigel back-heeled the ball and easily beat the onrushing defender. Racing unopposed towards the goal on a fast break, Nigel blasted a shot near post initially saved by a stretched out Josh Oliver only for Brayant Farinas to redirect the sphere below the woodwork as Godby took the lead 1 - 0 in the 14th Minute.
Upon receiving a direct kick opportunity, Wakulla would nearly tie the match during the 33rd minute as Liam Daniels sent a bending ball towards goal snagged at the last second by Goalkeeper Morquel Colston (5 Saves).
Godby nearly added to their lead during the 51st minute upon a corner kick by Lazaro Martinez. Sending the arching ball back post, Nigel Morris timed his run perfectly and hit the ball squarely with his forehead. A great diving save by Josh Oliver prevented the certain goal.
Godby would control midfield and pass the ball efficiently not afraid to pass backwards and the entire width of the field in order to eventually exploit the holes within the Wakulla defense.
Keith Seabrook (assist) caught Nigel Morris sneaking through two unwary defenders and raced towards goal upon a fast break without opposition. Racing straight towards goal. Morris placed the ball within the inside corner of the post out of the reach of the diving keeper.
The War Eagles nearly struck back in the 78th minute. A series of impressive passes between Gage Martin, Jeffrey Bryan and Liam Daniels resulted in a blast from Daniels. Over the extended fingertips of the leaping Godby keeper, all ten Wakulla fans erupted in cheers as it appeared the ball had made it into the upper ninety.
Much to the dismay of the Wakulla faithful and players alike, the ball had just glanced over the cross bar and hit the top ninety of the onion bag.
With the loss, Wakulla drops to 2 - 12 - 0 overall and 1 - 5 - 0 in district play while Godby improves to 6 - 4 - 2 and 3 - 2 - 1 in district. All district teams are currently chasing Bay and East Gadsden which appear to have the first and second seeds at hand.
John Reich
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This article originally published on December 26, 2008.
Chances of defending their 2007 tournament title slipped away upon the devastating news of an ACL injury and bursitis endured by starting Goalkeeper Matt Reich. Aggravated during the Panama City Bay match the previous Friday, Reich is expected to be sidelined at least for the remainder of the calendar year.
Nonetheless, the third and final battle of the tournament between Suwannee and Wakulla ended up being an emotional rollercoaster for both squads. Having beaten the Bulldogs the last four consecutive matches, the War Eagles were determined to avenge their close losses earlier to Maclay and Mosley.
On the other end, Suwannee had lost earlier to Mosley but had come back from a 3 - 1 deficit at intermission to upset heavily favored Maclay.
Suwannee would quickly take the lead during the sixth minute of the match with a set piece off a throw in by Brad Scott. Jackson Brown (assist) trapped the ball and quickly passed between the Wakulla defenders and into space allowing Stuart Brown to catch up with the sphere right outside the penalty box. With a quick strike of his right boot, Brown chipped Wakulla Goalkeeper Josh Oliver (12 Saves - 66 Minutes).
The Bulldogs would add to their lead during the 16th minute as Stuart Brown (assist) sent a well struck corner kick towards the far post. Shielded by the number of players in front of the box, Josh Oliver never saw the ball sent near post by Jackson Brown.
Coach Bob Wallace would switch keepers during the 20th minute, placing Tony Castellano (0 Saves - 14 Minutes) within the posts. Fourteen minutes later and upon racing for a 50/50 ball with a Suwannee striker, both players would collide near the top of the eighteen yard box. After several minutes and in obvious pain, Castellano was aided to the bench placing Josh Oliver back into action.
The War Eagles would sharpen their talons and strike back with a goal minutes before intermission. Travis Harrell’s (assist) diagonal pass would leave the Bulldogs scratching behind their ears allowing Austin Lentz to race towards goal. With a quick outward step past the diving Suwannee Goalkeeper Jake Hayes (3 Saves), Lentz calmly placed the ball within the far post.
The Bulldogs would quickly take a two goal lead for the second time as Tripp Prevatt (assist) sent a cannon shot towards goal. Reacting quickly, Oliver deflected the ball away from goal seeking defensive assistance. Much to his dismay, a rabid Paul Ploetner had already marked his territory placing the ball into the back of the nylon netting.
A square pass from Liam Daniels to teammate Travis Harrell during the 54th minute would lead to Wakulla’s second goal of the match. Unable to obtain possession of the ball from Harrell, a frustrated Bulldog defender would send the junior to the ground within the penalty box. With a confident strike of his boot, Liam Daniels placed the penalty kick into the netting to bring Wakulla to within one tally, trailing only by 3 - 2.
Wakulla would tie the match during the 75th minute as Travis Harrell (assist) took charge of a set piece. Launching the ball, a Bulldog defender missed the sphere as it took an awkward bounce. Taking advantage, Jeffrey Bryan placed the ball past the diving keeper and inside the far post.
Still excited in tying the match, the War Eagles left the nest unprotected as Jackson Brown (assist) sent Paul Ploetner racing towards goal. Ploetner placed the ball within the far post and into the netting as Suwannee survived an upset to the War Eagles.
With the victory, the Bulldogs needed help from Maclay to upset Mosley to grab the tournament trophy. Mosley dominated Maclay 5 - 1 to earn the 2008 title.
This article originally published on December 15, 2008.
With starters Jeffrey Bryan, Liam Daniels, Travis Harrell, Brandon Maloy, Josh Oliver and Matt Reich all benched for disciplinary reasons, the match with East Gadsden (6 - 1 - 0 overall and 3 - 1 - 0 district) took upon a different flavor as the Jaguars ground the War Eagles into nuggets with relative ease.
It took but three minutes for East Gadsden to erase the oval upon the scoreboard. After a deflection along the far post, Willie Molena (unassisted) broke through the defense and raced towards near post. Before the goalkeeper could recover and close down the angle, Molena’s blast had already sailed inside the near post and back into the mesh.
Ten minutes later, Molena (assist) would place a perfect ball into space for Victor Ramirez to run onto without breaking his stride. Finding an open angle not covered by the keeper, Ramirez placed his shot perfectly between the keeper and post as Wakulla trailed 2 - 0.
The War Eagles would respond on a set piece in the 17th Minute as Austin Lentz sent a ball from forty yards out into the busy box. East Gadsden Goalkeeper Ernesto Quintanillo (7 Saves) rushed from his line to greet the ball but could only tip it. Morgan Henry (assist) would recover the sphere and make a square pass allowing Gage Martin to paste the ball inside the near post.
For the remainder of the half, the War Eagles dodged bullets as the Jaguars made numerous lightning strike counters with players from their respective midfield and defensive positions. The War Eagles nearly tied the match in the 39th Minute as Austin Lentz sent a through ball to Morgan Henry. With a nifty move Henry had beaten the keeper but watched as his shot went right of his intended target. It was that kind of a night for the War Eagles.
East Gadsden would notch their third goal of the match just two minutes into the second half on a perfect give and go between Francisco Nieto and Willie Molena (assist). From a difficult angle, Molena would send a screaming shot towards goal. Wakulla keeper Tony Castellano (4 Saves) was unable to collect the ball as Jose Reyes took advantage of the early Christmas present.
Wakulla nearly closed the match to one goal as Austin Lentz sent a powerful shot towards goal. Crashing against the upper woodwork and rebounding back into play, Wayne Murray one touched the ball missing wide right by inches. Willie Molena continued to be a thorn in the backside collecting a goal and three assists. During the 75th Minute, Molena (assist) sent a through ball onto teammate Ramiro Orosco. With the Wakulla keeper out of position, Orosco sent a well-placed soft touched shot into the rear of the net.
With the sound of the final whistle, East Gadsden had beaten Wakulla 4 - 1 and remain in the hunt for the top seeding within the district.
Panama City Bay 2; Wakulla War Eagles 0
Seeking to avenge their earlier 5 - 1 loss (Nov 18th) and despite the final outcome, Wakulla held their own against one of the two remaining unbeaten district teams. With thirteen of Bay’s twenty three shots, speedster Corey Newsome wreaked total havoc upon the War Eagles yet failed to score due to the fast recovery of Jacob Blume, Jeffrey Bryan, Rhett Harvey, Brandon Maloy, and Goalkeeper Matt Reich (12 Saves).
Wakulla nearly took the lead in the 18th Minute as Morgan Henry sent the ball from a thirty yard set piece into the crowded box destined for a goal. Mere seconds before a Wakulla player could take advantage, an onrushing Patrick Reed (4 Saves) wisely punched the ball out from danger. This would be the only shot on frame for the War Eagles during the entire first half.
During the 26th Minute, the War Eagles nearly broke the scoreless match as Tyler Horner sent a square pass to Morgan Henry. Reacting to the ball, Wayne Murray broke through the stingy Bay defense upon receiving a diagonal pass. Murray’s shot would sail just high.
Corey Newsome would initiate a goal scoring opportunity for Bay in the 27th Minute, passing the ball back towards teammate Jackson Craft. Having continued his run towards the center of the eighteen, Craft sent a cross towards Newsome creating a fast break situation. Having cut off the angle, Reich made a diving foot save denying the goal. The match would enter intermission as it had started - scoreless.
The Tornadoes came out the second half with a sense of urgency in wanting to score the first goal of the match. From a set piece twenty-five yards from goal, Corey Newsome would send a knuckling blast headed right under the crossbar. Initially screened, Reich reacted quickly and tipped the ball as it hit the woodwork squarely but bounced back into play. Two additional shots on frame followed only for Reich to save them by slapping the sphere against the crossbar.
A well placed blast caught the goalkeeper squarely in the chest. Unable to gather the cannon blast, Reich collected and fell upon the fifth shot finally ending the barrage and drawing applause from both benches and fans.
Not having shaken the previous barrage, Bay took advantage of the weakened defense had stopped play seeking an offside call. Jackson Craft (assist) took advantage of the defensive blunder and sent a wide diagonal cross towards the far post. Without any defensive presence and facing a two on one situation, Hugh Higgins would place the ball within the side netting for the first goal of the match.
The War Eagles nearly tied the match during the 70th Minute with a series of give and goes between Austin Lentz, Gage Martin and Wayne Murray. A Bay defender would step up and take possession of the ball but make a weak clearance allowing Morgan Henry to take a crack at goal. Although having beaten the unsuspecting keeper, Henry’s shot would miss the upper ninety and sail out of play.
Bay would respond and close out the scoring on a quick counter with a splendid give and go between Hugh Higgins and Blake Bauer (assist) sending Higgins directly towards the center of the box. With the defense caught flat-footed, Higgins placed the ball within the far post.
With the loss the War Eagles fall to 2 - 7 - 0 and 1 - 4 - 0 in district, while Bay remains unbeaten in district play at 3 - 0 - 1.
This article originally published on December 9, 2008.
First Annual Houston Taff Memorial Alumni Baseball Game to be Held
1st Annual
Houston Taff
Memorial Alumni Game
February 7, 2009
Houston Taff Field @ Wakulla High School
The fundraiser includes a seven inning
game, Alumni vs. 2009 Wakulla War Eagles, and a Homerun Derby Competition. Any
former Wakulla War Eagles interested in participating please contact Coach Mike
Gauger. Also, we will be selling a chicken dinner with potato salad and baked
beans. All proceeds will benefit the Wakulla
High School Baseball
Team.
For any additional information, please contact:
Coach Mike Gauger @
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or (850) 926-7125
This information originally published on December 9, 2008.
War Eagles Snap Skid with Authority (by John Reich)
After the Girls exciting soccer match and victory over Port St. Joe, the WHS Boys had a very tough act to follow. Not only did the Boys match the excitement, they did so by scoring eight goals surpassing their overall total of goals during the previous six matches. With Port St Joe knowing beforehand that Wakulla had won only one match to their one loss during their six matches, the confident Tiger Sharks entered the contest seeking a feeding frenzy upon the War Eagles.
Keeping the visitors on their heels, The energized War Eagles pressured the PSJ (3 - 2 - 2) defense often and early with five scoring opportunities
during the first four minutes of play.
Their hard work and renewed sense of teamwork and communication prevailed in the fourth minute as Rhett Harvey initiated a counterattack from his defensive position sending a ball back to midfield. Upon trapping the ball, John Lemon sent a diagonal ball into open space allowing Travis Harrell (assist) to run onto. Running along the far sideline, Harrell stopped and sent a high arching ball across the face of the goal towards the far post. Sneaking in from his position near the twelve yard area, an unmarked Wayne Murray met the ball near the face of the goal. With a solid strike of his head, the junior sent the ball past the stunned PSJ goalkeeper Chase Watford (14 Saves) and into the back of the net to give Wakulla the early 1 - 0 lead.
With a fast break opportunity, the Tiger Sharks nearly tied the match during the fifteenth minute as Austin Burke sent a square ball towards his teammate Jared Arnold. With a one-touch strike of his boot, Arnold sent the paneling sphere sailing in the direction he had received the pass from and destined towards the upper ninety of the far post.
Originally caught out of position, Goalkeeper Matt Reich (60 Minutes - 2 saves) reacted well and tipped the ball safely over the crossbar.
Wakulla would strike pay dirt again in the 20th Minute as Matt Reich cleared a ball towards the center of the pitch. Josh Oliver won the ball at midfield and found teammate Travis Harrell along the sideline ready to make another run. With Wayne Murray making a diagonal run towards an unoccupied space along the sideline, Harrell sent the ball between several Shark defenders. Without losing a stride Murray sent the ball towards the top of the eighteen yard box finding Morgan Henry (assist) running alongside. Executing the perfect give and go, Henry returned the ball to his fellow junior classmate. Like a bull in a china shop, Murray ran towards goal sending a blistering low shot too hot for the keeper to handle and watched as the sphere slowly bounced over the rear touchline for the War Eagles and Murray’s second goal of the match.
The visiting Tiger Sharks would bring the match closer during the 26th Minute as Jared Arnold (assist) flicked the ball over the Wakulla defense. Parker Harris would place a perfect chip into the upper ninety of the far post over the onrushing Wakulla keeper. With the goal drawing PSJ closer, the momentum quickly changed towards the side of the visiting Tiger Sharks as their once silent fans got back into the match.
The boisterous crowd would be silenced a mere six minutes later as Jeffrey Bryan, Josh Oliver, Jacob Blume and other Wakulla players placed shots on frame methodically chipping away at the Tiger Shark defense.
From deep within the PSJ defense, Jeffrey Bryan (assist) would send a high cross over two defenders and the face of the goal finding Wakulla’s Travis Harrell. Pounding on the ball, Harrell unleashed a powerful blast sending the sphere into orbit and testing the strength of the nylon mesh inside the near post and rear of the goal.
Port St Joe was fortunate to escape the first half of action trailing by only two goals as Wakulla nearly took advantage of two additional set pieces
that missed their intended target by inches.
Port St Joe came out the second half determined to cut the Wakulla lead back to one goal. Daniel May sent a diagonal pass slicing through the War Eagles defense and onto the foot of PSJ’s leading scorer Parker Harris. Speeding straight towards goal, Harris discovered an onrushing Reich heading out from his line to cut off the angle.
Striking the ball earlier than planned, Parker’s screamer veered wide right of the post and safely over the touch line. The Wakulla defense would keep Port St Joe and their scoring machine limited to only one shot on frame during the first twenty minutes of the second half.
A hustling John Lemon (unassisted) would fairly out muscle an unsuspecting Tiger Shark defender and head towards the near post. Blasting a ball from ten yards out straight at the keeper, Watford could only deflect the ball. Following up his own shot, Lemon megged the keeper to give Wakulla a 4 - 1 lead in the 46th Minute.
Play would become quite physical after Wakulla’s fourth goal of the match. In previous years this aggressive play would have easily taken the War Eagles out of their rhythm. Today the hosts thrived upon the battle waged at midfield.
With only one man to beat, Wakulla’s Wayne Murray was taken down in the box denying his efforts to record a hat-trick.
Liam Daniels would take the penalty kick from twelve yards out and confidently place the ball into the rear netting to give the War Eagles a 5 - 1 advantage during the 50th Minute.
With a solid four goal lead and momentum heavily on their side, Coach Bob Wallace was awarded the luxury of freely substituting his starters in anticipation of two key district matches the following week.
Moments later Wakulla would notch yet an additional goal. Originating from a defensive position, a series of consecutive passes between Brandon Maloy, Wayne Murray, Liam Daniels, Will Harvey (assist) and a diagonal ball into space, would free Tyler Horner. Like an artist painting a masterpiece, Horner placed the ball inside the near post with one confident and final stroke.
Making additional substitutions and position changes, backup Goalkeeper Tony Castellano (20 Minutes - 2 Saves) entered the match for Wakulla during the 60th Minute.
The War Eagles would pad their lead during the 63rd Minute as Liam Daniels (assist) placed a through ball for Gage Martin. Running straight towards goal, Martin quickly released a shot from fifteen yards out past the frustrated keeper for Wakulla’s seventh goal of the match.
PSJ Senior Parker Harris (unassisted) would score his second goal of the match after beating the keeper and simply placing the ball inside the far post. Castellano would quickly recover and make a pair of good saves throughout the remainder of the match.
Will Harvey (assist) would record his second assist of the evening during the final five minutes of play. Shaking off a Tiger Shark defender, Harvey sent a square ball across the pitch towards his Wakulla teammate streaking towards goal near the far post. Having cut his nails before the match, the pass glanced off the outstretched fingertips of the diving PSJ goalkeeper. Gage Martin placed the ball into the rear netting for his second goal of the match and close out the contest as Wakulla prevailed 8 - 2.
A total of nine players notched either a goal and/or an assist showing the most teamwork to date.
With the win, the War Eagles improved their record to 2 - 5 - 0 and travel to face East Gadsden (5 - 1 - 0 ) on Tuesday and Panama City Bay (Fri) for two district contests.
J Reich
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This article originally published on December 2, 2008.
Wakulla Storm Travel Volleyball Club will Kick Off 2009 Season
The Wakulla Storm Travel Volleyball Club will kick off the 2009 season
with open gym and team selection at Wakulla High School Gym on
Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. All girls ages 10 to 18 who are interested in playing club volleyball within Wakulla county
need to attend practice this day.
Teams will be formed based on
interest, age and skill level. If there are not enough interested players,
teams will not be created, and players wishing to play club ball in
2009 will need to travel to Tallahassee.
An informational meeting was
held previously, but parents with questions should feel free to contact
Coach Bunch at 926-7125 or Lorrie Harvey at 926-8131. You may also just
show up that day for more information.
This information originally published on November 24, 2008.
WHS Boys Soccer Endures Rough Week (by John Reich)
The War Eagles endured a very rough week with four matches in five days to include the Lincoln Tournament in Tallahassee.
Panama City Bay 5; Wakulla 1
The War Eagles were given their first four goal loss since December 8th, 2006 (vs. Bay) as Panama City took quick advantage of Wakulla’s poor defensive communication.
Registering an EF5 on the new rating system, the Tornadoes ripped through the Wakulla defense leaving irreparable damage where once a trailer park stood.
The War Eagles could not respond quick enough as Panama City hit netting during the 6th, 21st, 23rd and 29th minutes of play. Wakulla did not register a shot on frame throughout the entire first half of play.
The lone bright spot for the War Eagles came during the 46th minute on a direct kick after a Bay defensive foul. From a forty-five degree angle and approximately twenty-five yards out, Liam Daniels’ blast sailed past goalkeeper Chris Trotter (3 Saves) and inside the near post.
After sixty minutes and the substitute of goalkeeper Matt Reich (6 Saves), Coach Ron Houpt moved his back line to the front for the remainder of the match. The barrage of shots on frame continued as Wakulla keeper Tony Castellano (6 Saves) made his first appearance in goal and faired well.
Bay’s remaining goal took place during the 74th minute.
***Lincoln Tournament***
Lincoln 4; Wakulla 0
Handed their second four goal loss within three days, Lincoln’s sophomore Jarrod Ingram scored a hat-trick (3 goals) during the first eleven minutes of the match before being pulled out with most of the Trojan starters and rested for the next tournament match.
The War Eagles failed to place a shot on frame until the 58th minute and missed an open net during the 76th minute.
Goalkeepers Matt Reich (5 Saves) and Tony Castellano (3 Saves) endured twenty-two shots in the defeat.
Eastside-Gainesville 2; Wakulla 0
Despite playing their second match and Eastside playing their first match of the evening, the War Eagles put forth a tremendous showing.
Both teams battled for possession of the ball at midfield for the first twenty minutes of play limiting each opponent to only three shots. After discovering weaknesses, both teams squandered numerous scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half.
Wakulla defenders Rhett Harvey and Wayne Murray made several key defensive stops during the first half as both teams only managed two shots on frame during a highly contested first half of play. On the other side of the pitch, the Wakulla forwards failed to take advantage of five mishandled shots by Eastside keeper Michael Powers (10 Saves).
Wakulla’s Ben Anderson nearly gave the War Eagles the lead during the 54th minute with a blistering shot from twenty yards out only for it to hit squarely off the woodwork and cleared from harms way by the Ram defense.
Growing weary from the match played earlier in the evening, the War Eagles managed only two shots for the remaining twenty minutes of the match as the opposing forwards tested the weary Wakulla defense with no less than ten shots.
During a defensive lapse and diagonal pass into space, Eastside’s Olawale Alaoye ran towards goal making a square pass across the eighteen yard box to his unmarked teammate Nick Vander Meer. With no defensive help, goalkeeper Matt Reich (10 saves) could only watch as the Ram forward placed the ball softly inside the near post as Eastside took the one goal advantage in the 68th minute.
The Rams closed out the scoring during stoppage time with a fast break goal as the War Eagles were shut out for the second straight match.
Washington - Pensacola 3; Wakulla 2
The War Eagles and the Wildcats consolation match provided the spectators a highly spirited contest as neither squad wanted to leave Tallahassee without at least a win.
Despite being out shot during the first half, it would be Wakulla that took the initial lead during the eighth minute of play. Liam Daniels sent a hard shot towards goal only for the sphere to be cleared by a Wildcat defender. Travis Harrell (unassisted) left no doubt sending the ball past goalkeeper Erick Alidor (4 Saves) and into the back of the onion bag.
Harrell’s goal ended Wakulla’s scoreless drought at 200 minutes.
Washington would respond three minutes later after a Wakulla defender misjudged a bouncing ball in the box allowing Mark Yepishin to take advantage and pound the sphere past goalkeeper Matt Reich (7 Saves).
Wakulla’s defense would again fail in the 24th minute as Rams’ midfielder Yepishin (assist) sent a ball straight through two Wakulla defenders allowing an unmarked Peter Brou to race towards goal and unleash a cannon blast before Reich could respond.
With only one shot on frame ending in a goal , the War Eagles were fortunate to escape trailing the Wildcats by only a goal at intermission.
Washington came out at intermission seeking to put the match away with a third goal as they squandered fourteen scoring opportunities to Wakulla’s seven.
Instead, it would be the War Eagles striking back to tie the match at two apiece. Awarded a corner kick during the 79th minute, Wakulla’s Travis Harrell (assist) sent an arching ball into the box as an unmarked Tyler Horner placed the ball perfectly past goalkeeper Chad Clark (0 Saves) with a hard strike from his forehead.
Still celebrating, Wakulla let their guard down as the Wildcats strikers easily split the War Eagle defense upon a pass from midfield. With two unmarked strikers heading towards goal, Reich could only guess which Wildcat would strike the ball and hoping his defense would race back to assist.
The defense stood entranced as Reich guessed correctly but could only approach the ball with caution due to the unmarked Mark Yepishin waiting near the back post. The laser by Austin Crabtree (assist) glanced off Reich’s fingertips and unfortunately hit the post keeping the sphere in play allowing Yepishin to send it into the side netting.
Moments later, the final whistle sounded giving the War Eagles a five game losing streak since opening the season with a 2 - 0 victory over Panama City Beach Arnold.
NOTE
Although residing only thirty minutes away, it was quite disheartening for the Wakulla players to find the bleachers filled with more parents from Gainesville and Pensacola.
***COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM***
John Reich
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This article originally published on November 24, 2008.
With the loss of thirteen seniors and six additional starting players involved in other sports still in season, Coaches Bob Wallace and Don Gregg’s varsity roster consisted of only five returning players from the previous season.
To make matters worse, the soccer season opened with two consecutive physical district opponents. Much to the delight of the large crowd gathered Thursday within Reynolds Stadium against PCB Arnold, the action upon J.D. Jones Field would be well worth the price of admission.
Despite the 2 - 0 shutout and victory for the War Eagles, the match would be a nail biter for the entire eighty minutes.
With exception of one shot by Wakulla’s John Lemon during the fifth minute, the Marlins dominated play testing the War Eagle defense with a dozen scoring threats during the first ten minutes of the match.
The defensive corps of Jacob Blume, Rhett Harvey, Austin Lentz, and Wayne Murray would hold the relentless attacks by the Arnold Marlins in check.
A save and clearance by goalkeeper Matt Reich (10 Saves) landed at the feet of Jeffery Bryan.
A pair of diagonal runs and brilliant pass from Josh Oliver (assist) sent Austin Lentz through the Marlins defense and racing towards goal. Arnold goalkeeper Adam Ogburn (11 Saves) raced from his line in attempts to cut off the angle, but the junior Wakulla striker had already struck the ball. The paneled sphere sailed into the upper left side of the onion bag as Wakulla grabbed a 1 - 0 lead.
The War Eagles would nearly score again during the thirty-second minute. After a heavy foul, Wakulla’s Brandon Maloy sent the ball from forty yards out just over and grazing the cross bar.
Prior to the conclusion of the first half, Arnold would nearly tie the match as fleet-footed Jeremy Evans eluded the Wakulla defense and ran towards goal on a fast break. As goalkeeper Matt Reich raced from his line, Rhett Harvey sped back to cover the vacated goal. Eluding Reich’s efforts, the Arnold striker sent the ball towards goal only to find it cleared by Harvey.
On the ensuing corner kick. Reich could not gather the ball as it glanced off his extended fingertips and towards the far post. Having kept his defensive position, Wayne Murray cleared the ball harmlessly from potential danger.
The conditions of the pitch became slippery as a fog began to fall upon the stadium awarding both teams numerous scoring opportunities throughout the second half. Both goalkeepers were repeatedly tested as the intensity of the match increased with every minute. Coaches Wallace and Rick Sylvester (Arnold) knew that one mistake would lead to a certain goal for either team.
That critical mistake came during the 63rd minute as Travis Harrell received a ball into open space and raced down the sidelines heading slightly towards goal. Launching an unexpected blistering shot, the Arnold keeper misjudged the ball sending the rebound towards the opposite side of the goal.
Reacting quickly, an unmarked Tyler Horner (unassisted) raced to the top of the box sending the ball back towards the goal before an Arnold defender could cover the open net.
Dominating play for the remaining fifteen minutes, Arnold’s Kyle Crowley nearly responded with a quick goal sending a shot towards the far post requiring Reich to make a diving save deflecting the ball safely around the post and beyond the endline.
After an intense fifteen minutes, the final whistle would sound resulting in a 2 - 0 shutout.
Wakulla 2; Rickards 3
Hours after the previous match had concluded, it had rained throughout the night and heavily throughout Friday morning and early afternoon.
Surrounded by a bough resulting in poor field conditions and key defensive breakdowns during the second half, the combination would lead to the eventual demise of the War Eagles in this 3 - 2 district loss.
Rickards nearly struck first during the tenth minute as Ogi Colakovic raced through the Wakulla defense on a fast break towards goal. From his position between the posts, Reich (10 Saves) raced towards the Raiders striker only to have the talented senior sidestep him sending a low shot towards an open net.
Having raced back and still facing the open net, Wakulla defender Rhett Harvey stopped the shot mere grass blades from being a Rickards goal as teammate Wayne Murray cleared the ball away from danger.
Both teams squandered certain scoring opportunities throughout the first thirty minutes of the match. The first goal of the match came during the thirty-second minute as Travis Harrell found Austin Lentz (assist) running unmarked through the middle of the Raiders defense. With goalkeeper Dhyan Valle (9 Saves) beaten, Lentz sent the ball towards Jeffrey Bryan on the far post resulting in Wakulla’s first goal.
The War Eagles immediately struck again after a save and fast break. A clearance by Reich bounced over a Raiders midfielder only to be gathered by Wakulla‘s John Lemon (assist). With a well-placed through ball, Jeffery Bryan easily chipped the beaten goalkeeper as Wakulla had scored twice within as many minutes.
Ogi Colakovic nearly struck back less than five minutes later as he had side-stepped the Wakulla goalkeeper only to have Rhett Harvey once again clear the shot harmlessly from goal.
It was clearly evident prior to the conclusion of the first half, that the Wakulla defense had repeatedly frustrated Colakovic and the Raiders squad.
Rickards came into the second half of the match allowing Colakovic the freedom to travel throughout the striker position sideline to sideline in an effort to find holes and repeatedly test the reactions of the Wakulla defense.
The wheels began to come off during the 60th Minute as Wakulla fouled Colakovic within the penalty box resulting in a penalty kick from the twelve yard spot. Rickards’ Greg Herman did not hesitate in sending the ball into the back of the net as Reich anticipated the ball in the opposite direction.
Two minutes later Ogi Colakovic was at it again drawing the attention of three Wakulla defenders. Despite the traffic, Colakovic (unassisted) sent the ball inside the near post and past the screened War Eagle goalkeeper to tie the match at two apiece.
The momentum had changed heavily in the favor of Rickards as Wakulla dodged ten scoring opportunities while only creating four of their own.
A defensive breakdown during stoppage time allowed Greg Herman (assist) to run into space with an unmarked Colakovic on the far post catching the goalkeeper stranded upon an island. Having had to anticipate a near side strike by Herman, Reich was left completely vulnerable as the Raiders forward sent the ball across the face of the goal towards Colakovic. With a one-touch strike upon his boot softly sending the ball inside the post,
Rickards had taken a 3 - 2 lead.
The lead would stand throughout the remainder of stoppage time giving the War Eagles a disappointing loss after having established a two goal halftime lead.
The War Eagles host district opponents Panama City Bay on Tuesday before participating within the Lincoln Tournament on Friday and Saturday in Tallahassee.
John Reich
WHS Stats and Public Relations
This article originally published on November 24, 2008.
The 2008 Pee-Wee Tackle Football Superbowl was played last Saturday,
November 15th, 2008 at the Medart Recreation Park. The Mustangs (9-4) and
Cougars (9-3) both played superbly with the Mustangs coming out on top
by a score of 14 -12.
The Cougars, who were loaded with speed and size,
were led by quarterback Felippe Franks and tight end Austin Everheart.
The Mustangs had plenty of size and speed of their own. Their offense
was led by quarterback Brandon Geiger and tailback P.J. Rose. Two key
defensive interceptions were made in this game. The first interception
by James Gunn was returned for a touchdown. The second, made by Bailey
Metcalf, sealed the victory for the Mustangs in the final minutes.
Congratulations to the Mustangs and Head Coach Tim Metcalf.
This information originally published on November 18, 2008.
RMS Swimmer Joey Briggs Makes 2008 U.S. Top 20 Swimmers List
Riversprings Middle School swimmer Joey Briggs ranks 8th in the 50 freestyle and 20th in the 100 freestyle. The Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club has nine swimmers (five girls and four boys) listed in the first installment of the 2008 – 2009 National Top 10 Preview List as of November 4, 2008. ATAC’s nine swimmers recorded a total of 32 times on the preview list.
Cece Williams led ATAC with 10 individual times, including Top 5 rankings in the 200 yard freestyle (4th), 1000 yard freestyle (3rd) and 400 yard individual medley (4th). Hunter Hinson recorded 4 Top 5 times – 100 yard backstroke (5th), 100 yard butterfly (5th), 200 yard butterfly (4th), and 400 yard individual medley (5th).
In 2008, USA Swimming adopted age-specific (age 11 only, age 12 only, etc.) rather than age group-specific (e.g., age 11 – 12, age 13 – 14, etc.) rankings for swimmers ages 11 to 17. Even though named the “Top 10” Preview List, USA Swimming reports the top 20 times in each age and event.
Joey Briggs, an 8th grader at Riversprings Middle School, trains with ATAC in Tallahassee due to the lack of public pools in Wakulla County. His training schedule requires him to be in the pool from 5:00- 7:00 am, before school several days a week, and from 4:45 - 7:00 p.m. each day after school.
This article originally published on November 16, 2008.
Pee-Wee Tackle Football Superbowl Championship to be Held
Another exciting season of Pee-Wee tackle football will end with the
Pee-Wee Superbowl Championship game this Saturday, November 15th at the
Medart Recreation Park. The Superbowl begins at 10 a.m. and will
feature the #1 seeded Cougars, who finished the season with a record of 9 - 2,
against the #3 seeded Mustangs, who finished the season with a record of 8 - 4.
The regular season and playoffs have featured a very balanced and
competitive league this year with teams at the bottom of the standings
being able to upset teams from the top. The Falcons won their first
game in years by beating the Yellow Jackets during the regular season.
The Dolphins followed that with an upset victory over the Warriors in
the playoffs. Come out and support some future Wakulla County football
stars as they battle for the championship.
- Submitted by Calvin Sloan
This article originally published on November 13, 2008.
After losing thirteen seniors to graduation last year, the War Eagles open the season with a tough schedule ahead facing three district rivals in consecutive matches. PCB Arnold shall be visiting for the season home opener scheduled for Thursday, November 13th.
Wakulla shall face their district opponents twice as well as playing against Port St. Joe, John Paul II, Florida High and Chiles. The War Eagles are participating within the Maclay Tournament in November while also hosting the Wakulla Tournament in December.
John Reich
Wakulla Boys Soccer
Statemeister / PR
926-5970
This information originally published on November 3, 2008.
Wakulla Middle School Wildcats Take Capital Bowl Trophy 54 to 32
The Wakulla Wildcats met the Riversprings Bears in the second annual Capital City Bowl to determine the 2008 Middle School Big Bend Championship Game. The Big Bend Conference is comprised of Wakulla Middle, Riversprings, Perry, Havana, Marianna, NFC, Florida High, and Maclay middle schools.
The first half of the Game was a battle back and forth as Wakulla Middle matched scores with the speedy Riverspring Bears. Big plays were the story of the first two quarters, none bigger than an option pitch intercepted by Dustin Roberts which he returned for a 45 yard TD. Brandon Nichols and Caleb Weaver disrupted the Bears offensive backfield all night from their defensive end position allowing Line backers Fred Cumming, Vonte Ervin, and Justin Fisher to slow down the Bears ground attack. The Wildcat defensive front tightened as the game progressed taking away any sustained offensive drives.
In the second half the wildcats opened up the game with a power running attack. The offensive line drove a wedge through the defensive front allowing Kevin James to put on a power running clinic. KJ (Kevin James) totaled 400 yards of rushing out of a power I formation with his longest runs being 52, 75, 70, 35, 58, 28 and 22 yards. Fred Cummings and Vonte Ervin also ran for Wakulla with 65 yards of rushing for Cummings and 24 yards for Ervin.
Sheldon Johnson caught a 23 yard slant to contribute to the Wildcats scoring through the air. The game was decided on the offensive line where Justin Fisher, Hunter Hurst, Caleb Weaver, Caleb Brown, Chris Griffin, Clay Morrison, and Brandon Nichols blew open holes for the Wildcat running
game. The bowl game and the 2008 season ended when the Wildcats QB Dustin Roberts took a knee on the Riversprings three yard line leaving the final score at 54 to 32.
Kevin James was named the WMS most valuable player and McCale Cromartie was the MVP for RMS. Caleb Brown also received a trophy for the WMS Scholastic Athlete on the team and Jonathan Chunn received the award for RMS.
This article originally published on November 1, 2008.
Wakulla Sports 
After the Girls exciting soccer match and victory over Port St. Joe, the WHS Boys had a very tough act to follow. Not only did the Boys match the excitement, they did so by scoring eight goals surpassing their overall total of goals during the previous six matches. With Port St Joe knowing beforehand that Wakulla had won only one match to their one loss during their six matches, the confident Tiger Sharks entered the contest seeking a feeding frenzy upon the War Eagles.
The 2008 Pee-Wee Tackle Football Superbowl was played last Saturday,
November 15th, 2008 at the Medart Recreation Park. The Mustangs (9-4) and
Cougars (9-3) both played superbly with the Mustangs coming out on top
by a score of 14 -12.
Riversprings Middle School swimmer Joey Briggs ranks 8th in the 50 freestyle and 20th in the 100 freestyle. The Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club has nine swimmers (five girls and four boys) listed in the first installment of the 2008 – 2009 National Top 10 Preview List as of November 4, 2008. ATAC’s nine swimmers recorded a total of 32 times on the preview list.
The Wakulla Wildcats met the Riversprings Bears in the second annual Capital City Bowl to determine the 2008 Middle School Big Bend Championship Game. The Big Bend Conference is comprised of Wakulla Middle, Riversprings, Perry, Havana, Marianna, NFC, Florida High, and Maclay middle schools.
In the second half the wildcats opened up the game with a power running attack. The offensive line drove a wedge through the defensive front allowing Kevin James to put on a power running clinic. KJ (Kevin James) totaled 400 yards of rushing out of a power I formation with his longest runs being 52, 75, 70, 35, 58, 28 and 22 yards. Fred Cummings and Vonte Ervin also ran for Wakulla with 65 yards of rushing for Cummings and 24 yards for Ervin.