Northeasr Fl- The Fletcher Senators made one of the biggest statements of Week 3 Friday night. Facing a Creekside team that entered Jack Taylor Stadium undefeated and coming off a 45-28 victory over Fleming Island, Fletcher jumped on the Knights early and held on for a hard-fought 27-21 victory.
Senators Strike Early
Fletcher established control early, jumping in front before Creekside could settle into the game. After a scoreless first quarter Jack Kepp put the Senators on the board 3-0.
The Senators’ ability to create an early lead was important against a Creekside offense that had already shown it could put points on the board. The Knights had scored 21 points against Nease and exploded for 45 points against Fleming Island in their first two games.
But Fletcher refused to allow Creekside to dictate the tempo. Jahmyri Jennings would increase the score to 17-0 when he caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Keister.
The Senators combined an effective running attack with an efficient passing game, keeping the Knights’ defense from focusing on one area of the offense.
Senior running back Jennings once again led the way. Jennings rushed for 101 yards and also caught a touchdown, continuing what has been an impressive start to his senior season. He entered the week as Fletcher’s leading rusher and finished the Creekside game with another strong performance.
Jennings wasn’t alone. He was joined in the rushing department by Ja’mez Williams, who rushed for 68-yards.
Keister also played a major role in the victory. After Kepp knocked in another field goal, Keister found Jalani Thomas for a touchdown reception. Thomas finished with 4 receptions of 46-yards. Chase Durden led Fletcher with 4 receptions for 61 yards.
Keister completed 78.6 percent of his passes, finishing with 147 passing yards and two touchdowns. His efficiency allowed Fletcher to keep the pressure on Creekside while giving the Senators another way to move the football.
Defense Makes the Difference
While the offense produced 27 points, Fletcher’s defense ultimately had to make the plays necessary to preserve the victory.
Creekside remained within striking distance throughout the contest, but the Senators were able to prevent the Knights from completing the comeback. Maverick Mills intercepted a pass early to prevent any momentum by Creekside.
That was especially important because Creekside entered the game averaging strong offensive production through its first two games. The Knights had accumulated 87 points in their first three games, including 69 points in their victories over Nease and Fleming Island.
Fletcher’s defense did enough to hold Creekside to 21 points and protect the six-point advantage. Thanks to a pick 6 by Lucas Burghardt that got the first touchdown of the game.
The victory also ended a three-game home losing streak for the Senators dating back to last season, according to MaxPreps.
A Statement Win
The victory was certainly a statement. Fletcher came into the matchup looking to bounce back from a disappointing 27-25 loss to Plant City the previous week.
Instead of allowing that narrow defeat to linger, the Senators responded with a complete effort against a Creekside team that had opened the season with wins over Nease and Fleming Island.
Instead, Fletcher played its game and came away with a 27-21 victory.
Now, the Senators have momentum.
Fletcher is 2-1, with wins over Sandalwood and Creekside and a narrow loss to Plant City. The Senators have scored 101 points through three games while showing they can win in different ways.
Bartram Trail Next
The challenge gets even bigger Friday night.
Fletcher will remain at home to welcome Bartram Trail on September 11 at 6:30 p.m. The matchup will be the Senators’ next major test and an important early-season game as Fletcher begins its district schedule.
Bartram Trail (3-0) will arrive undefeated, meaning Fletcher will have another opportunity to knock off an unbeaten opponent.
For Head Coach Ciatrick Faason and the Senators, the Creekside victory provided confidence in his team that the Senators are one of the top teams in Northeast Florida. They already knew that they were one of the best in the area internally, now they put it to the test against an opponent.
Their performance, will undoubtedly have the attention of Bartram Trail who defeated Bishop Kenny 27-24.
After knocking off one undefeated team, Fletcher has another one waiting at Jack Taylor Stadium.
