FLEMING ISLAND – Fleming Island High football coach Damenyum Springs likes the “team” element in his 2019 version of Golden Eagle football, thus far.

“This year we want to fine tune on our mistakes of last year,” said Springs, who finished at 6-4 with a season opening win over rival Clay (27-20), but critical district losses to Buchholz (38-35) and Bartram Trail (51-42) both games that saw Fleming Island lead throughout the game. “We are bringing the team chemistry together this year. This team has guys who hang out together, practice and train together and fellowship together.”

Notable in recent practices has been the four year leadership of quarterback Dean Hyams and his one-on-one relationship with scatback Broden Domenico. Domenico, though not a big physical presence at 5’-8”, has been showing multiple formations in practice with Hyams acutely aware of his presence.

“Dean is more relaxed and confident back there,” said Springs. “He’s actually hungry to have a big year. This is his graduating class. He has guys around him that can catch the ball.”

Domenico leads a cadre of pass catchers that includes Will Stephens (5’-8”), TK Kocak (5’-10”), Kaleb Seyboldt (5’-10”) with junior Darryl Nesmith (6’-1”) and freshman Darion Domineck (6’-3”) all part of coach Ryan Wolfe’s multiple attacks.

“Kaleb is likely my second target, but we have a lot of reads downfield,” said Hyams. “Brody and I have a good relationship and I know if I throw it, he’ll get it.”

Hyams was confident that his offensive line; led by Bennett Corey and Evan Sheets, will give him the time to find his targets.

“They have been working hard to get ready,” said Hyams. “We should be quick hitting at the point of attack. I trust the line more this year because we’ve been together for four years.”

In the backfield, junior Tim Thomas, younger brother of last year’s Andrew Thomas, and just as fast, leads Wolfe’s ballcarrying crew with Kocak, a transfer from Clay High, a fullback and X-back threat. Freshman Sam Singleton, a standout at Lake Asbury, has also been getting plenty of varsity reps and creating a breakaway threat.

“Tim will be a solid leader, Sam can get on it if he gets outside,” said Springs.

Fleming Island hosts Westside in their August 16 preseason game with the annual Clay rivalry game set for August 23 at Clay High School. Fleming Island falls into a new district 2-7A lineup with Atlantic Coast, Buchholz, First Coast, Creekside and Fletcher.