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Eagles's defense stumps Creekside

By Ray DiMonda Correspondent
Posted 10/2/19

ST. JOHNS - The Fleming Island High football team flew into the Kingdom of the Creekside High Knights and built a defensive brick wall in the first half that the Knights could not break through on …

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Eagles's defense stumps Creekside


Posted

ST. JOHNS - The Fleming Island High football team flew into the Kingdom of the Creekside High Knights and built a defensive brick wall in the first half that the Knights could not break through on their first six possessions as the Golden Eagles stayed perfect with a 37-21 district win Friday night in St. Johns County.

“It was a huge motivator facing the number one ranked offense in northeast Florida,” said Golden Eagle Head Coach Damenyum Springs, now 5-0. “We really had to step up in the passing defense with our defensive backs. They have one of the top ranked quarterbacks (Quinn Sieger) who likes to scramble. We worked all week on containing with our D-line and Linebackers. They stayed in their rush lanes and stayed focused all night.”

Offensively, Fleming Island amassed a 24-0 point lead heading into the half, then kept their foot smashed deep on the floor, never letting off as the Golden Eagles shut down the Knights with a 37-21 district win as the team heads into a much looked forward to BYE week before the team makes a three week run with the rest of their district opponents.

District 2-7A

Fleming Island (5-0, 2-0) First Coast (Oct. 11), Buchholz (Oct. 18)

Buchholz (4-2, 1-0) Fletcher, Fleming Island, Creekside Oct. 11-18-24

Creekside (3-3, 1-1) Fletcher (Oct 18), Buchholz (Oct. 24)

Fletcher (1-3, 0-1) Buchholz (Oct. 11) Creekside (Oct. 18), First Coast (Oct. 25)

First Coast (1-3, 0-2) Fleming Island (Oct. 11), Fletcher (Oct. 25)

After winning the toss and deferring, the defense went out and immediately made a statement as Creekside faced a three and out punt. Fleming Island had their jitters as well as quarterback Dean Hyams was picked off on a third down with four yards to go.

On the counter, the defense again came through as Fleming Island defensive end Jeremiah “the Bus” Jackson came up with a fumble recovery that put the Golden Eagles right back in the driver’s seat.

Fleming Island fullback T. K. Kocak had his number called early with the Wild Cat offense that pushed in the last 23 yards in five plays to put Fleming Island up 7-0 when Kocak used his offensive line to open a gaping hole behind tackle Evan Sheets for an 11 yard score.

“The O-line did amazing tonight. I have to give them all the credit,” said a humble Kocak as he evaluated his performance. “Our defense really stuck in there and our D-backs were absolutely amazing. We practiced all week on the scramble drills, knowing this Quarterback moves out of the pocket. It really paid off.”

After another Creekside three downs and out, it was kicker Garrett Godfrey with the nod for a 33 yard field goal, 10-0.

Another Knights three and out, and another Golden Eagle drive, this time highlighted with a Broden Domenico 25 yard reception, a Timmy Thomas 16 yard run, and a four yard Thomas touchdown at 8:31 of the second quarter, 17-0.

Another Knights three and out punt, and another Golden Eagle drive with back to back one-two punches with Domenico catches, and Thomas runs that had Creekside on their heels. As the Knights tried to shut down the one-two combination, Kaleb Seybolt was open on a third and 13 situation, taking it to the house to go up 24-0 at the half, stunning the Knights.

“Our coaches warned us this is one of the best second half teams we’ll see,” said Thomas. “The three games they won, were all comeback wins. At Nease, they were down like 30 points. We were not going to let up either.”

Asked to grade his performance, Thomas was extremely hard on himself.

“B+. I did okay," said Thomas. "I demand perfection out of myself. When I transferred from Middleburg, I wasn’t that good with my vision of the field. Coach Anderson helped me to see all of the field and opened my eyes a little more.”

Knowing the Knights were a second half team, Fleming Island came out of the half break on fire. Taking the kickoff from deep in their own end due to a penalty, the Golden Eagles drove deep until they faced a fourth down and called on Godfrey once again. From 31 yards, Godfrey stayed perfect on the night for a 27-0 lead.

On the counter drive, Creekside saw their first points with a deep pass to the right corner, 27-7.

After the kickoff, Fleming Island started on their six yard line, and went back to Thomas for a 56 yard run, backed up with a 19 yarder that threw ice on any hopes Creekside started to build.

As the game moved to the fourth quarter, the Fleming Drive was capped with another Kocak Wildcat look that faked out Creekside as the ball was handed off to freshman tailback Sam Singleton who went around the left corner to put Fleming Island up 34-7.

“He is an absolute stud,!” said Kocak of Singleton. “He’s only a freshman and is super-fast. Just an awesome running back.” Creekside came back, facing a fourth down and little time left for any comeback, went for it, and turned the ball over on downs. The next drive was a Singleton highlight reel as Fleming Island drove and faced fourth down again. Godfrey would come in and nail a career long 39 yarder that had a good 5-7 yards behind the crossbar, putting the Golden Eagles up 37-7.

“I was ready to hit it from wherever the coaches asked” said Godfrey. “It’s up to the coaches in the end. I’m not perfect but my goal is to make every kick and get points on the board for my team.”

Creekside, going for it on another fourth down, found an open receiver in the endzone to move to 37-14 with 3:37 to play.

Fleming Island would make their only punt of the game on their last drive with 1:00 to play. Creekside took advantage of the non-starters in the game and drove for a no-time on the clock touchdown for the 37-21 final that will move Fleming Island up, and Creekside down in the district.

The only sore spot on the night was Golden Eagle holding penalties.

“We minimized our offensive line holds” said Springs. “Now we have to step up on our receivers more and help them (with holding penalties).”

Asked for his highlight, Springs was proud of his defensive backs. “We were not tested like this yet in the beginning of the year. Last week against Ridgeview they were tested, and tonight we matched up real good because Creekside is the number one passing team. I’m real proud of these guys”

Fleming Island takes the week off to heal a few minor bumps and bruises as the bye week comes at just the right time. October 11th, Fleming Island will travel to First Coast High School.