FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — The Fleming Island Golden Eagles are having their best football season since 2020, but their path to success hasn’t been easy.
Just two weeks before the season opener, the team faced unexpected turmoil when former head coach Chad Parker stepped down for personal reasons. The school declined to provide specifics, leaving the program with little time to adjust.
Enter interim head coach Derek Chipoletti, who quickly took the reins and turned the team’s adversity into strength.
“They've had a year of adversity, and I always tell them football is a simulation of life,” said Chipoletti. “Bad things are going to happen sometimes, and they've really answered the call. They fought through all that adversity. They're very resilient, and that's why we're here. It's all about those kids, and what they've done this year is special.”
Senior safety David Smith admitted the sudden coaching change was tough to process.
“It was hard when it first happened,” Smith said. “But once Coach Chip took charge, he got us all right. We put that behind us and just started playing football.”
That early uncertainty became a turning point for the Golden Eagles, bringing the team closer together and fostering a culture of trust.
“We just all trust each other,” Smith added. “When we can trust each other, we can do our job and play football to our best ability.”
This is Chipoletti’s first head coaching opportunity since 2019, and while he was initially brought in as an interim, the team’s seniors stepped up to support his leadership.
“A big part we were missing the past couple of years was leadership,” said Smith. “We've always had the talent we needed, but this year, the seniors really stepped up, and now it’s showing.”
Chipoletti’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed by his players, with many voicing their support for him to stay at the helm beyond this season.
“All my time playing football, this is the most prepared we’ve been for games,” Smith said. “It feels like a real program. He’s running it really well.”
Fleming Island will face Lincoln in the second round of the FHSAA 5A State Playoffs.