Fleming Island Fl- It was a battle between number one and number two in Flag Football, as the Fleming Island Golden Eagles hosted the Paxon Golden Eagles in a Thursday night showdown. Fleming Island came into the game undefeated at 5-0 as the number one team in the area. While Paxon came into the game undefeated as well at 5-0. One team had to come out on top, and the game would go back and forth at “The Rock”(Fleming Island’s stadium).
Paxon got started early and surprised Fleming Island with a score on just their third play of the game. Abigail Crothers took the direct snap, and rocketed around the left side, weaving her way through defenders for a 60-yard touchdown. The score would give Paxon an early 6-0 lead on the road. The score was just what coach Patrick Logue and Paxon wanted. Jumping out early on the road to gain an advantage against a very good team.
Flag Football: Abigail (Abby) Crothers takes it the distance WOW! Touchdown!! Paxon goes up 6-0 early over Fleming Island! pic.twitter.com/foNIzlLsEo
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 8, 2024
However, Fleming Island would respond. Quarterback Devyn Dudones drove her team down the field and on second down hooked up with London Jenkins for a 40-yard touchdown. Jenkins took the catch and took off, running away with blazing speed from Paxon defenders. for the score. The extra point would give Fleming Island a 7-6 lead.
Devyn Dudones to London Jenikins wow! BLAZING SPEED đź’¨ with the Touchdown for Fleming Island! She's got 2 TDs tonight in the first half! Fleming leads Paxon 14-12, 2nd pic.twitter.com/ApQSfz1csH
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 8, 2024
In the second quarter, Paxon and Fleming Island would trade blows with both play-makers. First, Paxon would get into the end-zone as their leading rusher, and passer Annsely Hicks led them down the field with both her legs and feet capping a drive on fourth down with a short touchdown run.
Fleming Island’s London Jenkins then took it to another level, showcasing her incredible speed with sharp cuts leading defenders in her dust. She scored two touchdowns, one from the receiving position and the other rushing from the QB position on fourth down. Her scored gave Fleming Island a 21-12 halftime lead. The senior is having a super season in multiple sports. Jenkins scored her 1,000th point for the girls basketball team this year, and is on her way to leading the state in yards and touchdowns in Flag Football.
London Jenkins @LondonJenkins_ Player of the game with 4 TDs vs Paxon including a pick 6! Scored over 1,000 points in her basketball career and multi-sport athlete also runs track at Fleming Island! pic.twitter.com/qbZmtCgWps
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 8, 2024
In the second half, Paxon would start to get much needed stops on defense. They held Fleming Island scoreless in the second half. However, Fleming Island’s defense was just as stout. On a potential game tying or go ahead drive by Paxon, the Golden Eagles attempted shovel pass. The pass would bounce of the receiver and into the hands of none other than London Jenkins. The spectacular senior would do what she always does, taking the pick-6 back 62-yards for the final score of the game.
She already had 3 offensive touchdowns and then THIS! A 62-yard interception return by London Jenkins! @LondonJenkins_ Fleming Island shuts the door on Paxon potential tying drive! pic.twitter.com/acZpLchUdw
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 8, 2024
Jenkins finished with four touchdowns helping to lift her team to the 28-12 victory. Fleming Island head coach Clint Lyons said after the game, “we started to get a handle on what they were doing as the game went on, we pulled some flags, had some timely pass breaks ad so it was a team effort on defense”. Fleming Island improves to 6-0 and moves on to face rival Oakleaf on 3/21/24. Paxon (5-1) will look to get back on the winning track against Wolfson on 3/11/24.
