Above – Devon Marquis (#3) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring from 50 yards out By Mike Zima, Correspondent Photos by Ray DiMonda

Fleming Island junior middie Devan Marquis scored three goals, one on a mortar shot from midfield that beat the halftime horn, to highlight a 14-1 Golden Eagles victory over visiting Jacksonville Episcopal Friday night. The Golden Eagles were awarded possession on a dead ball at midfield with just 2.6 seconds remaining until the intermission. Upon the referee’s whistle, Marquis, given the mandatory five yards of space by the Eagles defenders, took two steps forward and launched the ball into the misty night. It was not certain whether Episcopal goalie Tram Evans lost the streaking orb in the stadium lights, or, like many of the partisans in the bleachers, already had his mind on the selection of his halftime refreshment option. Whatever the case, Evans did not make a play on the ball, which passed like a comet over his stick and crashed into the net, evoking a collective gasp from the fans still watching and a spirited celebration off of the Golden Eagles’ bench. Fleming Island led 8-1 at the break. “It is a good lesson for our goalies,” said Fleming Island coach Jeff La Vangie. “You’ve got to pay attention until the last second, and a shot can come from anywhere.” It was the best of a number of well-executed plays by the Golden Eagles, who got a hat trick from attack Danny Schreiber and a behind-the-back goal from middie Hayden La Vangie. La Vangie and attack Kirby Gracia had two goals apiece. Freshman Patrick Schreiber had three of Fleming Island’s eight assists. “We found a little rhythm offensively, which we are going need on Tuesday,” said Jeff La Vangie, referring to Fleming Island’s next game, a Tuesday night tilt against Ponte Vedra. Golden Eagles faceoff specialist Ben Cannon won 10 of 12 ball drops, while junior netminder Ryan Kelly saved five of six shots on goal. Fleming Island improves to 10-3. Freshman Ethan Edwards scored an unassisted goal for Episcopal, whose record falls to 9-7. “Young guys see ghosts,” said Episcopal coach Glenn Carter. “We’ve got a young team, and young guys see pressure even when it’s not there.” The Eagles return home to face Jacksonville Bolles on Tuesday.