- November 26, 2024
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Flagler Palm Coast sustained injuries to some key starters, but the Bulldogs forced several turnovers and used their speed Friday night en route to a seventh straight victory over county foe Matanzas.
The Bulldogs (1-0) beat Matanzas, 38-20, at a packed Sal Campanella Memorial Stadium.
The Pirates (0-1) jumped out to a 7-0 lead when Shawn White rumbled in for a one-yard touchdown run just five minutes into the game. But the Bulldogs responded, taking a 10-7 lead with a little more than five minutes left in the second quarter.
Matanzas then got the ball deep in Bulldog territory, but White fumbled trying to stretch the ball over the goal line. FPC recovered the fumble and went on to score three plays later. The Bulldogs were staked to a 17-7 lead and never looked back. White finished the game scoring all three of Matanzas' touchdowns on the ground.
FPC’s sophomore QB Colton Boyd was efficient running the offense and also threw for two touchdowns. Fellow sophomore running back DeUndre Lumpkins had two rushing TDs.
FPC coach Caesar Campana said Boyd is improving each day.
“We coach him every day,” Campana said of Boyd. “He’s the kind of kid (who) loves to be coached. He works hard. He’s going to be a good one.”
Earlier this week, Campana said staying healthy is a necessity for his team. However, four starters left Friday’s game because of injury.
Campana said he didn’t know the extent of the injury, but guessed nothing was too serious. Among the players who left the game was junior safety Willie Gardner, who had seven tackles, forced one fumble and recovered a fumble.
Eric Mejias had five tackles and Turrel Mathews had an interception.
Pirates coach Keith Lagocki wasn’t pleased with the three turnovers his team had, but he reiterated to his players that this game isn’t indicative of how the season will go.
Next up, the Bulldogs play 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Seabreeze. The Pirates play 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Florida Air Academy.
For season previews of the Bulldogs and the Pirates, click here.
