FLEMING ISLAND - Fleming Island High running back Tim Thomas ran for 216 yards and a touchdown as Fleming Island started fast and cruised to a 27-7 victory over visiting First Coast on Fri., Oct. 16 as the Golden Eagles rebounded from an overtime loss to Oakleaf High last week.

“We came out and we executed,” said Fleming Island head coach Damenyum Springs, whose Golden Eagles scored on their first two possessions. “The O-line was opening up holes and the two big backs had a little boost tonight.”

The two backs Springs was referring to were Thomas and Sam Singleton. Thomas, a 220-pound senior who is committed to play at the Air Force Academy next fall, rushed for 166 yards in the first half and had only three carries over the final two quarters. Singleton, a 190-pound sophomore, contributed 81 yards on 11 attempts and scored twice.

“Thomas ran hard and had good vision, while Singleton put his foot in the ground and made people miss,” said Springs.

The Golden Eagles put their overtime loss to Clay County rival Oakleaf the previous week behind them, turning to a formula that had served them well during a 16 game regular season winning streak that ended against the Knights— a punishing ground game and an opportunistic defense.

Fleming Island needed only 18 seconds to score on the first drive of the game. Thomas ran through a huge hole up the middle for 65 yards on the first play from scrimmage. On the next play, Singleton found a similar hole and sprinted untouched to the end zone from 14 yards out.

After the Golden Eagles defense forced a three and out, Fleming Island used a mix of passes and runs to march 77 yards in 12 plays. Thomas capped the drive with an eight yard run over left tackle, and, after Colt Hyams’ extra point, the hosts led 14-0 with 5:38 remaining in the first quarter.

Defensive back Darryl Nesmith had an interception return for a 77 yard touchdown just before halftime to put Fleming Island up 20-0. Linebacker Joe Stephens also had an interception, late in the third, to thwart a First Coast drive.

After Stephens’ pick, Singleton scored on an 11 yard scamper.

Fleming Island finished with 301 rushing yards, and did not attempt a pass in the second half.

The Golden Eagles travel to Gainesville Buchholz for their next game on October 23. The Bobcats are 3-1 after the postponement of Friday’s scheduled game against Neptune Beach Fletcher.