- November 26, 2024
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The Bulldogs (3-1) topped Mandarin behind three touchdowns by running back DeUndre Lumpkins.
A grind-it-out running game and a shutdown defense was exactly what the Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs needed in the district opener Friday, Sept. 23, on the road at Mandarin High School.
The Bulldogs overcame a rocky start to the game, and once again used its dynamic running game to win its second straight game, topping the Mandarin Mustangs, 24-7, and improving to 3-1 this season. The Bulldogs are 1-0 in their Class 8A district.
Sophomore running back DeUndre Lumpkins led the Bulldogs with three scores— two on the ground and one receiving.
A stingy Bulldogs defense forced four turnovers Friday night, including an interception by senior linebacker Nick Maiori late in the first half. Maiori returned the ball and got tackled at the Mandarin 4-yard line. On the ensuing play, Lumpkins plunged into the end zone, staking the Bulldogs to a 14-0 halftime lead.
More of the same continued in the second half. The defense forced two more turnovers in the second half, including an interception by Devon Stout and a fumble recovery by Jordan Amelius.
With six minutes remaining in the game, Lumpkins scored in a 40-yard run, giving the Bulldogs an insurmountable lead.
FPC coach Caesar Campana noted the maturity of his young players — a key goal that he noted last month, before the season began.
“All three aspects of our game are getting better,” Campana said, noting the offense is getting more comfortable with the Wing-T scheme. “The defense is figuring out the angles better, and the special teams are helping out our field position throughout the game.”
On special teams Friday night, the Bulldogs helped themselves late in the third quarter. Mandarin scored to make it 14-7. On the kickoff, FPC’s Willie Gardner returned the ball to the 50-yard line, which led to a Drew Jones field goal, giving FPC a 17-7 lead.
“We have to keep getting better,” Campana added, “because the teams we play are getting better, too.”
’Dogs head to Ponte Vedra
For the second straight week, FPC will be on the road, this time to Ponte Vedra for a 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 showdown with Sharks (2-1).
