We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Fleming Island High School football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the Golden Eagles this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 6-4
- Points Scored: 273
- Points Allowed: 262
Key Roster Losses
Head Coach Tom MacPherson’s Golden Eagles will have to replace six starters on offense and eight on defense from last year’s 6-4 squad. Among the key players who have graduated and will not be returning are Sebastian Cruz. The two-way standout running back and free safety made quite an impact in his final season with the Golden Eagles last year. He rushed for five touchdowns on offense as one of the team’s backs, and from his safety spot on defense, he finished with 44 solo tackles including four tackles for loss. He also had nine pass breakups and two interceptions. Cruz also added three special teams touchdowns with two kickoffs returned for touchdowns and one punt returned for a score. Cruz also had a field goal block, along with an onside kickoff recovery. The three-star safety signed with Rutgers University.
The other big loss is defensive end and edge rusher Jarius Rodgers. After a stellar high school career capped off with an outstanding senior season last year, Rodgers was receiving attention from college programs from all over the country, including West Virginia, Illinois, Vanderbilt, and many others. The four-star edge rusher decided to take his talents to Syracuse University. Rodgers was a Florida Times-Union Super 11 selection, which recognizes eleven of the top players on the First Coast.
Key Players Returning
Fleming Island will return five starters from last year’s offensive unit, according to MacPherson. They are senior running backs Brady Digman and Zion Longmire. The two combined for 112 carries and 637 yards rushing last season with each back rushing for three touchdowns. Wide receiver Gavin Boysen will return for his junior season to give the Golden Eagles experience in the passing game. As a sophomore receiver last year, Boysin caught 15 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, up front the team returns senior offensive lineman Noah Moreno and junior offensive lineman Easton Isbell.
On defense, the three starters returning are defensive tackle Landon Howard, linebacker Garrett Dewey, and cornerback Chase Donaldson.
What to Expect From the Fleming Island Golden Eagles in 2026
Head Coach Tom MacPherson will be entering his second season at Fleming Island, and the veteran North Florida coach says his goal is pretty simple and straightforward.
“We are looking to compete for a district title this season and get back to the playoffs,” MacPherson said.
The team just missed making the playoffs last season despite winning three of their final four games to finish 6-4 overall.
The Golden Eagles finished the season with an 8-4 record two seasons ago, capturing the district championship in the process.
For MacPherson, the goal is to do it again in 2026.
2026 Season Prediction
Fleming Island finishes 8-4 and captures their second district championship in three years.
Game to Watch
Aug. 21 at Atlantic Coast
Fleming Island’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 at Atlantic Coast
- 8/28 at Creekside
- 9/04 vs. Oakleaf
- 9/11 vs. Ridgeview
- 9/18 vs. Ponte Vedra
- 9/25 at Orange Park
- 10/09 vs. Clay
- 10/16 vs. Middleburg
- 10/23 at St. Augustine
- 10/30 at Bishop Kenny
