FLEMING ISLAND - In the final home game of the 2023 season, the Fleming Island Golden Eagles had a prime opportunity to become giant killers with 4S No. 1 Buchholz behind 21-13 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter would spell doom for the home team as a Wildcat two yard run tied the game, followed by a second blocked Fleming Island punt. Two plays later the Bobcats turned paydirt to get ahead 28-21 on their way to a 35-21 win.

“I am definitely proud of our guys and the way they competed,” said Fleming Island Head Coach Chad Parker. “We left 10 points on the field at the goal line, and missed a field goal early that we could have made. But I am proud how they fought and competed all night.”

The Golden Eagles have one final shot at Orange Park Friday night to go out a winner. Orange Park got an upset win over Middleburg stealing four passes and scoring on two Pick-Six interceptions.

With the Fleming Island rebirth two weeks ago, the team again came to the table loose, confident, and ready to play. The Bobcats were stuffed on their opening drive, sending a message that the Golden Eagle record was not indicative of the game that was about to play out. With a 0-0 score at the end of the first quarter, this was set to be a big night.

After a blocked Golden Eagle punt at the end of the first quarter, the Bobcats started their second quarter drive at the 32. Passing and running to the two yard line, Myles Graham came in for a Buccholz Wildcat formation and ran the ball in for the first score. The Bobcats would try for a two-point conversion and get stuffed, 6-0.

In the second quarter, after sharing possessions, Fleming Island was back on offense relying heavily on quarterback Cibastian Broughton’s footwork to buy more time for his receivers, as well as gain significant yardage on the ground. Broughton connected with Kaylib Singleton for the first Golden Eagle score and good point after to gain the lead 7-6.

“Tonight, the receivers were making the plays when the ball got to them,” said Broughton. “They stepped up and did what they had to do this game, making plays with the ball.”

Heading into the half, with seconds remaining, Fleming Island opted to go for the score on fourth down instead of an easy field goal.

“We knew they were a really good football team,” said Parker. “We didn’t think three points could do it for us. When you play teams like this… a little prick in the arm isn’t going to hurt them or help you. You have to try to break their will and end it. We gave it a shot and came up short.”

After the half, Buchholz put a quick seven points on the board with a passing touchdown to go ahead 13-7.

With Fleming Island’s offense working the ball down the field, the crowd was treated to the best heads-up play of the night by offensive lineman Joey Couch. Couch saw the ball on the ground after getting dislodged from Broughton, ruled a fumble, grabbed it, and ran it in from 25 yards out giving the home team a 14-13 lead.

“I looked down, saw it, knew I had to pick it up and score,” said Couch. “My heart was racing and everything. I wasn’t sure what happened. I saw the ball, didn’t hear a whistle, so I just picked it up and scored.”

With another Golden Eagle defensive stop, the offense went back to work. With a 25 yard reception, Broughton connected with Trace Burney to get ahead 21-13. Then the clock ran out on the third quarter and the Golden Eagles.

With 9:12 to play, the Bobcats tied the game with a 67 yard screen pass that ran the sideline, followed by a good two-point conversion for a 21-21 tie. The return drive stalled for the Golden Eagles. Once again, the Bobcats attacked the punt, blocked it, and took the ball back in the Fleming Island red zone. Two plays later, Buchholz led 28-21.

With another exchange of possessions, Fleming Island looked to have another chance. Off the Bobcat punt, the Golden Eagles began the drive with 2:22 left to play.

On the first play, Broughton was picked off as the Bobcats caught on to the money play used all night; a slant pass over the middle.

“He was sitting in the middle and saw me rolling out,” said Broughton. “I saw him coming but I thought I had a good angle to hit across the middle. It was a bad play and a learning experience.”

Two plays later Buchholz scored the final points with two runs, 35-21. The Bobcats racked up 22 unanswered fourth quarter points as they handed Fleming Island their seventh consecutive loss.