This was supposed to be the year Fleming Island was coming back and becoming a force in the area.
From 2007 to 2013, the Eagles were consistently in the playoffs, advancing to the third round of the playoffs in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
Assistant coach Damenyum Springs took over the program in late January replacing Frank Hall and was poised to bringing the program back to prominence.
Under Hall, the Eagles were 6-4 with three of those losses coming in district play to Bartram Trail, Oakleaf and Buchholz by an average margin of 10 points. That’s how close the Eagles were from getting back in the playoff conversation last year.
With several returning starters, the Eagles were poised for a breakout year in 2016.
However, that possibly changed with the loss of several starters abruptly leaving the program; wide receiver Farrell Turner, wide receiver Dylan Pate and tailback Deon Pate announced they were transferring to Trinity Christian, and quarterback Spencer Mollnow announced he was transferring to Mandarin.
The loss of four starters is a huge blow for the Eagles to overcome on offense. Prior to last seaso, they were dealt another blow after losing both Derrick Smith and DaeQuantae Showers to Trinity Christian last year, yet still managed to keep the ship afloat.
Based on the spring, it appears the Eagles will lean towards tailbacks Jawan Floyd and Kesean Young and a bunch of young players to fill their roles.
Many counted out Fleming Island last season and will count them out again this year, which will fuel the team all season long and could be the fire the team needs to shock the area.
Fleming Island Eagles
Eagles Still Rebuilding After Several Key Losses
Written by Corey Davis
Photo by jacksonville.com
