FLEMING ISLAND - Fleming Island High football head coach Chad Parker was instructing his summer practice athletes on a bit of wrestling tactics Monday afternoon with the intent of teaching some body leverage and control.

“I want them to be able to know where their opposing guy is and how to move him effectively,” said Parker, who coached wrestling at Orange Park and also at Bartram Trail high schools with state champions produced at both. “We don’t want to be aggressive at the point of attack, but to control that point of attack.”

Parker, who opened his tenure as a Golden Eagle with an impressive spring game output against Middleburg High saw an offensive display of firepower and strength, said that his summer will be to improve conditioning and build more team camaraderie.

“We had some dumb penalties out there and one that cost a touchdown,” said Parker, “Overall, I liked what I saw but we always want better. Our discipline and our self discipline are two things we have to work. I understand it was kind of a rivalry game, but some things we did are not acceptable.”

Parker was coy about his Middleburg game and the explosiveness of his offense.

“I wasn’t too much surprised because I see that everyday at practice,” said Parker. “We weren’t at full strength and the conditions (rain) were not perfect, plus we had some guys who couldn’t play but will help us out in the fall. We knew what we were capable of. Whether we execute that capable of on game day is the key.”

For the total game, Parker liked his run game; Tracy Burney and Tyler Beverly both ran amuck on the moppy turf.

“Beverly, a state champion weightlifter, that we knew was strong had like three carries for 120 yards,” said Parker, who was concerned of the loss of seniors Sam Singleton (FSU) and Musthafa Marshall. “We knew he would be strong, but holy cow. We were firing on all cylinders; 21-0 at half, should have been 28-0.”

On defense, Parker liked the game of freshmen Sebastian Crews and Demere Jackson.

“We moved Ladarius Jackson back to linebacker, but Jackson was a stone cold missile out there,” said Parker. “The whole defense did a great job. Crews had a nice interception.”

Parker will travel to Southeastern University for a team camp in mid July after competing on June 23-24, along with Ridgeview and Oakleaf, in a huge 7 v 7 FHSAA State Championship tournament at the Villages.

“We’ll get a whole bunch of games out there (Villages) against a lot of great teams,” said Parker. “The Jaguars will host a 7 v 7 program on the following Tuesday, so we’ll be busy in July.”

Parker was reminded daily on that initial first rivalry game against the Clay High Blue Devils.

“That’s what people talk about all the time,” said Parker. “The Middleburg game was intense as a first game.”