Fleming Island Fl-The Fleming Island Golden Eagles defended their home turf in dramatic fashion Friday night, pulling out a 42-33 victory over Riverside in a back-and-forth contest that showcased explosive plays, standout performances, and plenty of big-game energy. Fleming Island would prove they could answer scores with scores early on.
Riverside opened the night with a spark as the Generals ripped off a 50-yard kickoff return by Derayl Gathers to set up the Generals in excellent field position.
Quarterback Jaidan Delaune, already establishing himself as one of the area’s most dynamic dual-threats, finished the drive with a 30-yard touchdown run, giving Riverside a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.
Jaidan Delaune @JayJayQB1 Rouchdown Riverside!!! 7-0 pic.twitter.com/pri2MLcvjF
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 29, 2025
Fleming Island answered behind running back Sebastian Cruz, who capped a steady drive with a touchdown run to tie the game at 7–7. The Golden Eagles then struck again when Zion Longmire broke free for a long touchdown run, giving Fleming Island a 14–7 lead at the end of the first.
Sebastian Cruz Touchdown!!! Fleming Island with a beautiful drive! Ties it up 3:38, 1st 7-7 vs Riverside! @sebastiancblife pic.twitter.com/TZZw9DIBbN
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 29, 2025
The Golden Eagles extended their advantage early in the second quarter when quarterback Eric Gentry connected on a screen pass to Tristan Stevenson, who weaved his way through traffic for a touchdown to make it 21–7.
Tristan Stevenson takes the Eric Gentry @eric_gentry16 screen pass to the house! Fleming Island extends the lead to 21-0 over Riverside 2nd pic.twitter.com/imeAhbsCoK
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 30, 2025
Riverside stayed alive thanks to Delaune, who engineered a sharp drive highlighted by an acrobatic diving catch from Derrick Bridges Jr. Delaune punched it in himself for his second rushing score of the half, trimming the deficit to 21–13 at halftime.
Jaidan Delaune drives Riverside down field on the ground and through the air for a touchdown!! He took it himself for the score! Riverside PAT no good! They trail 21-13 to Fleming Island Halftime! @JayJayQB1 pic.twitter.com/Kkrieulunr
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 30, 2025
In the third quarter, Fleming Island’s screen game continued to shine as Noah Volten turned another short pass from Gentry into six points, extending the lead to 28–13. But Delaune refused to let Riverside fade.
Noah Volten Touchdown!!! Fleming Island @eric_gentry16 working the screen tonight to perfection! They lead Riverside 28-13, 3rd 8:34 pic.twitter.com/ZY15MwFiIr
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 30, 2025
The 6’2”, 190-pound junior ripped off his third rushing touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter, then later found Bridges for a clutch red-zone score after another long Derayl Gathers run, pulling the Generals within 28–25 with just over four minutes left.
That’s when Fleming Island responded with the knockout blows. On the very next drive, Gentry lofted a deep ball to Stevenson for a 65-yard touchdown bomb, pushing the lead to 35–25.
On the ensuing drive Eric Gentry @eric_gentry16 tosses a beautiful bomb to Tristan Stevenson for 65- yard TOUCHDOWN!!! What a game! Fleming Island responds to Riverside leading 35-25, 3:18 4th @FIEagleSports pic.twitter.com/QWYQ1eReFN
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 30, 2025
Moments later, defensive back Chase Donaldson sealed the victory with a pick-six, giving the Golden Eagles a commanding 42–25 lead. Riverside added a late score, but Fleming Island closed out the 42–33 win.
PICK 6!!!! Fleming Island's Chase Donaldson puts the game away!!! 42-25 over Riverside! Less than a minute to play!! pic.twitter.com/tW1MGjRqQl
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 30, 2025
Defensively, Syracuse commit Jarius Rodgers turned heads with his ability to set the edge and deliver the hit of the night, forcing a crucial fumble to halt Riverside’s comeback hopes. Said Rodgers after the game “it’s just about being an athlete and making big plays, once I saw the ball I made the hit and knocked the ball out.
Jarius Rodgers 6'5, 190lbs Edge For Fleming Island shows why college coaches love his length! @DuvalSports
— Andre' Ellis (@andreellis55) August 30, 2025
He's committed to Syracuse! pic.twitter.com/B2Rnj2m8wf
Both teams ironically were hit hard by key transfers leaving after last season, and after spring football this year. Fleming Island’s former star Trace Burney (James Madison commit) jettisoned for Oakleaf, while Riverside lost serval key starters on the offensive and defensive lines.
Still, both teams showed that they have playmakers on the field like Riverside’s Derrick Bridges Jr, Jaidan Delaune, Ronald Williams, Derayl Gathers, and Devin Brunson. For Riverside, Delaune’s four total touchdowns and Bridge’s highlight-reel catches proved they’re a team to watch moving forward.
For Fleming Island, it was a complete team effort, with Eric Gentry, Tristan Stevenson, Sebastian Cruz, Jarius Rodgers, and Zion Longmire leading the way. Head Coach Tom McPherson has done a great job preparing his team for every scenario and every opponent. They’re ability to respond with a deep shot when their backs were against the wall showed readiness and resilience.
Zion Longmire what a run!! Touchdown Golden Eagles! They take the lead vs Riverside 14-7 .. End of first! pic.twitter.com/QfogbKnz1q
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 29, 2025
Riverside falls to 0-2 and faces Orange Park (1-1) next week. While Fleming Island improves to 2-0 and will take on rival Oakleaf next week on the road.
