By Chrissy Voltoline
Contributing Writer
Twitter – @chrissyvolt
Fleming Island (Orange Park) Golden Eagles
Coach: Damenyum Springs
Record: 2-1
Key Players: Dean Hyams (Sr., QB), Dewayne McBride (Jr., RB, FB), Max Michaels (Sr., FB, SS), Sam Snyder (Sr., T, TE), Aaron Ramirez (Sr., CB, RB), Jacob Ashe (Sr., WR, TE), Timmy Thomas (So., RB, OLB), Brody Domenico (Jr., SB)
Outlook: The Golden Eagles will enter Friday’s 7A-District 3 match-up against the Buchholz Bobcats with bolstering confidence after taking down the Middleburg Broncos, 35-14, on the road last week. The Golden Eagles were forced to play without a few of their starters, including QB Dean Hyams due to rule infractions. However, the Golden Eagles did not let this impact their game. Back-up QB Brody Domenico stepped up when his team needed him and senior running back Aaron Ramirez tore up the Broncos’ field for a record night. Fleming Island became even more powerful after seeing their secondary put on such a show without their typical starting lineup. This will be a statement-match between the two district foes and set the tone for playoff eligibility. The Golden Eagles will play their second road game in a row this Friday, but they have proven that they can bring the heat to away competition.
Buchholz (Gainesville) Bobcats
Coach: Mark Whittemore
Record: 1-2
Key Players: Terrance Young (Sr., SS), Blake Mitchell (Sr., WR), Edward Cason (Sr., RB), Jakhai Mitchem (Sr., SB), Trent Whittemore (Sr., WR, FS), Isaiah Michel (Sr., WR), Camden Orth (Sr., QB), Terrell Jackson (So., WR), Noah Keeter (Sr., DE, TE), Roderick Jackson (Sr., WR)
Outlook: Last Friday, the Bobcats sought revenge against the Columbia Tigers after losing 42-7 the last time they met in 2017. The Bobcats fell short, posting a 39-0 defeat, changing their record to 1-2 overall. The Bobcats will host the Fleming Island Golden Eagles this Friday at home to open up district play. Going 2-2 last year in district competition, the Bobcats will rely on the talents of Sr. QB Camden Orth to lead them into the end zone. In the Bobcats’ previous three games, Orth has recorded a total of 558 passing yards. Seniors Jackhai Mitchem, Edward Cason and UF commit Trent Whittemore have emerged has team leaders in rushing yards and will be crucial in the Bobcats’ attempt to take down the Golden Eagles. After dropping the district match to the Golden Eagles last year, 27-0, the Bobcats know that nothing is as sweet as revenge.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
