Sandalwood- A statement game can be defined as one which a particular team has something to accomplish or prove. Something to prove to their opponent, something to prove to their naysayers, something to prove to themselves. Against Fleming Island last week, Sandalwood proved many things. Their most important factor, that they could avenge a loss to the Golden Eagles in 2017 by defeating them 35-13 in 2018.
@DuvalSports final score Sandalwood 35 Fleming Island 13 pic.twitter.com/whf0Lf8fam
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 1, 2018
The game started with big plays for the Saints as Sandalwood secured an interception on defense and then two touchdown passes from Jeff Sims to Taylin Nalls to go up 13-0. Sims and Nalls had something to prove after their first game wit hRibault as two of their touchdown connections were called back due to penalties. Not this time and not this game.
@DuvalSports Sandalwood #10 Jeffrey Sims throws another TD pass to Sandalwood #1 Taylin Nalls pic.twitter.com/7n0l0BY6Ho
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) August 31, 2018
Sandalwood’s running game has a boost this year and Kyjaun Herndon has been the rocket fuel. Herndon scored 3 touchdowns on the night gashing a Fleming Island defense that many believed to be one of the best in the city. The offensive line opened gaping holes for their runningack to the tune of 15 rushes for 175 yards. Herndon’s ability to take it the distance has given the Saints a true home-run hitter in the backfield this year. He’s scored five touchdowns in two games.
@DuvalSports Sandalwood #7 Kyjuan Herndon with his 3rd rushing TD! pic.twitter.com/UmfsfhyPic
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 1, 2018
A 29-0 lead at halftime sent shock waves around the city. Not even 13 unanswered points by Fleming Island in the second half could prevent the Saints from marching in. Defensive players like Phil Starks (fumble recovery) and Taylin Nalls ( interception) accented a bend but don’t break unit, keeping Fleming Islandout of the endzone in the first half. Fleming Island missed two field goals early on, which proved to be detrimental to their efforts in trying to keep pace with the high powered Saints offense.
@DuvalSports Fleming island #7 Dean Hyams throws to Fleming Island #15 Sam Snyder with the TD catch. pic.twitter.com/GsetjyePBr
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 1, 2018
In the end, Sandalwood made a statement. A statement to those who claimed they weren’t one of the top 10 teams in the city. A statement to themselves, that they have the talent to make big plays on both sides of the ball. A statement to future opponnents, that they can win big games against a good opponent. An opponent in Fleming Island that went deep into the playoffs last year. A destination Coach Adam Geis and his Saints hope to return to this year.Their on their way if they continue to make statements each game. Next, Sandalwood travels to Tallahassee to face (2-0) Leon. Fleming Island has a district matchup with Buchholz (Gainesville).
@DuvalSports Players of the Game Sandalwood #10 QB Jeffrey Sims #7 RB Kyjuan Herndon #1 WR Taylin Nalls with there outstanding performance!! pic.twitter.com/mzwjExNm4J
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 1, 2018
