GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Our first Game of the Week for the 2013 high school football season had it all, as Clay High hosted cross-county rival Fleming Island, and almost pulled off an upset.
In the first=quarter opening drive, Clay's Wes Weeks finds J.T. Turner, who could have broken loose if he didn't trip and fall. In the next play, Colin Wilson ran it in for the 18 yard touchdown, sending the Blue Devils into the half with a 7-0 lead.
After Fleming Island tied the game, it comes down to the fourth quarter.
Shannon Asbell ran a 36 yard touchdown to put Clay up 14-7 and put them on the verge victory. But the Golden Eagles' Bryce Motes recovered a blocked punt late in the fourth and Fleming tied the game.
We're headed to overtime.
The first possession for the Devils, a hand off fumbled by Weeks is recovered by the Eagles' Motes. All they have to do is score to win.
After three downs, Fleming goes for the field goal. Will Brooks kicks it in and the Eagles win 17-14.
It was a great victory for Fleming Island, but heartbreak for the home team.
"I felt they outplayed us for three quarters and felt the kids stepped up in the overtime play. When we blocked the punt, I knew we had a chance," said Fleming Island coach, Frank Hall. "Great way for our seniors to start the season."
Congratulations to Fleming for an exciting win. But Clay High shouldn't be discouraged. They played tough and this team has made it to the playoffs four in the last five years after 0-4 starts.