Crawfordville, Fla (WTXL) -- After losing in the State title game and losing two division one athletes many schools would call the next season a rebuilding year. However, the Wakulla War Eagles refuse to label themselves as rebuilders. A season after losing quarterback Felipe Franks to Florida and star receiver Keith Gavin to Florida State, the War Eagles are primed to win a state title with another stellar senior class. Assistant Head Coach James Vernon says the program has to take a step forward with the players remaining on the roster.
"You don't replace a guy like Felipe," Vernon said. "You move on to the guys that you have in the program that have committed themselves to working hard. We feel like we have a very strong senior class and a great senior quarterback."
Running the show at quarterback for Wakulla is Derek Allen. The Wakulla coaches don't expect him to be Felipe Franks. Instead, just be the best of himself.
"He's going to be him. He's not Felipe Franks," Vernon said. "He's not going to try and be Felipe Franks and in our opinion that is more than adequate. He is very good at what he does. He is a great vocal leader and he also leads by example."
Quarterback Derek Allen is just one of the many running back weapons in the backfield for Wakulla. With Franks and Gavin gone, Wakulla plans to return to running the football like they used to. Brandon Berry and Demarcus Lindsey are there two dynamic running backs.
"Brandon Berry is just a load in the backfield." Vernon said. "He does a great job and is very intelligent and understands our offense very well. Then Demarcus Lindsey rushed for over a 1,000 yards and had over 500 yards receiving last year. "
Wakulla last won a state title in 1981. The War Eagles open the 2016 season August 27th against Trenton.
