FLEMING ISLAND -Despite everything that has transpired in the past 48 hours, the Fleming Island High School Junior Varsity football team was able to come together and pull out a 42-0 win Thursday against visiting Ridgeview.
The football team used this opportunity to block out reality for a couple hours and play a football game in honor of their fallen brother Ben Johnson.
Fleming Island JV head coach James Nichols wrote on the schools facebook page yesterday, “What these boys have gone through in the past couple days is something no one should ever have to experience, let alone 14-15 year old boys. At this point they are no longer boys, they are truly young men and I couldn’t be more proud. There was an overwhelming amount of love and support at the game last night and I cant say thank you enough to everyone who has reached out and continued to keep us in their thoughts and prayers. The Fleming Island community is truly a family and last night was proof of that.”
According to Nichols the J.V. has yet to give up a point on defense and proves to be explosive on the offensive end as well. Running backs Malik Williams and freshman Bryan Maddox were a two headed monster last night running all over the Panthers defense.
Sammy Kondroik, Zach Payne, Zach Little, Garron Blake and Grant Bisbee led the defense last night in what was their second shut out of the season.
Freshman quarterback Grant Travis connected on big plays not once, but twice with freshman wide receiver Darius Harris and sophomore wide receiver Benny Blount, both resulting in 50+ yard touch downs.
Kaleb Seybolt was the jack of all trades last night playing on both sides of the ball and ending the night with an interception that he returned 40 yards for a touchdown. Finally the spark plug himself, Broden Domenico, took a fake punt the distance scoring a touch down on what was fourth and 17.
There are many other players that deserved to be mentioned so If you see any of the J.V. football players today please congratulate them on their victory and again, Fleming Island staff, thank you for everything you do. We couldn’t do it without you all.
But this night was more than just a game it was about a tribute to their fallen teammate 16 year old Ben Johnson. Johnson collapsed Wednesday during school hours while working out in the weight room.
So touching. The Fleming Island community lights up the field and the score board with 78 out of respect for player, Ben Johnson. @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/cx2VFPtNqD
— Corley Peel (@WJXT_CorleyPeel) September 22, 2017
According to a statement from Clay County school district spokeswoman Nicole Snyder, “A Fleming Island High School student passed out today while he was working out in the weight room during school hours. EMS was called immediately and he was transported to a nearby hospital. He was transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital where he is in critical condition. We are not releasing the student’s name at this time, but he is a sophomore who plays football and baseball.”
He was taken to Orange Park Medical Center, then transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where he remained in critical condition Wednesday until his death at 11:55 a.m. Thursday. According to reports, Johnson went into cardiac arrest and had suffered irreversible brain damage.
His family released the following statement through the hospital.
“Ben went to be with his Lord and Savior today. While we mourn, we find peace knowing he is with Jesus. We also find hope in Ben’s selfless decision to donate his organs. Please pray for healing for our family. Our hearts are broken.”
Statement from Clay County superintendent Addison Davis
“In the last two weeks, Clay County has suffered a number of scenarios that have impacted our community. We are devastated to hear about the incident involving our student, Ben Johnson. He was known as a kind, caring friend and son, who was a leader inside and outside the classroom. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family.”
Fleming Island had grief counselors on campus Thursday and Friday to help students through this difficult time.
Although rivals on the field, when a community needs them the most, good 2 see Clay, Ridgeview, OP, Oakleaf and Middleburg all come together
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) September 21, 2017
The community has been overwhelmed with the ongoing support from nearby arch-rivals and county schools Orange Park, Clay, Ridgeview, Fleming Island and Oakleaf, who not only left messages on twitter but also sent care packages to the school.
According to Fleming Island, Oakleaf sent over bagles and coffee from nearby Panera, Lake Asbury Junior High sent cookies and Clay sent cookies as well.
It didn’t stop there, as locally Trinity, Westside, Mandarin, Bradford, Baldwin and St. Augustine were among the many schools sending messages.
When the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) sent out tweets sending out their condolences; other statewide schools like Matanzas, Wildwood, Hialeah Champagnat , Buchholz and Apopka also sent out their condolences through twitter.
A sample of the many messages left on twitter for the Fleming Island community and the family of Ben Johnson.
Our thoughts and prayers are with @FIEagleSports football player Ben Johnson's family and friends. Rest In Peace #78 #FlemingIsland
— TrinityChristianFB (@TC_Jax_Football) September 22, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Fleming Island community and the family of Ben Johnson! At this moment, WE ALL WEAR 78! https://t.co/3BSFEqEarm
— SAHS Basketball (@sahs_basketball) September 22, 2017
Tonight, our prayers are with Fleming Island. Our condolences are with the program and the family of the young man who lost his life today.
— Westside Wolverines Football (@DaWestBoyz) September 20, 2017
Darter Nation, prayers for this family of a young life lost too soon. 😔 https://t.co/HVWHE2BuFt
— Cover The Field -Apopka (@CoverApk) September 21, 2017
@WMHSWildcats and the Wildcat Nation mourns with you @FIEagleSports ! Sending our condolences your way! God Bless your community and family! https://t.co/Qysa2XycaO
— 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒 (@WMHSWildcats) September 22, 2017
Our deepest condolences & prayers are with the Fleming Island Football Family, &young mans family who lost his life yesterday 🦅
— Baldwin Football(FL) (@indianbaldwinfb) September 20, 2017
Praying for the Fleming Island family.
— Bradford Tornadoes (@BHSTornadoFB) September 21, 2017
The #FHSAA family mourns the loss of @FIEagleSports student-athlete Ben Johnson. Please keep his family in your thoughts.
Wear blue Friday! pic.twitter.com/pDVoMHulqB
— FHSAA (@FHSAA) September 21, 2017
We stand with FIHS in their time of grief. We give our condolences to Ben's family as well as the student body, may he rest in peace 💚💛
— WE ARE MIDDLEBURG (@wearemiddleburg) September 20, 2017
Thoughts and prayers go out to FIHS Ben Johnson's family & friends… this Friday we will be releasing blue balloons in honor him💙
— Clay Crazies (@Clay_Crazies) September 20, 2017
Fleming Island (4-0) and Ridgeview (4-0) meet tonight at Ridgeview in one of the biggest games of the week and Ridgeview is planning a big tribute to Ben Johnson as well.
Before tonight's game we will honor @FIEagleSports Ben Johnson. #78 has been painted on both 78th yard lines. Please wear BLUE in support! pic.twitter.com/M8EvRxsSch
— John Sgromolo, CAA (@CoachSgromolo) September 22, 2017
