- November 25, 2024
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Football practice on Monday at Flagler Palm Coast High School began with a focus on special teams. But not long after that, players began hitting each other — notably during a 3-on-3 drill as a running back tried to move the ball up field. The sounds of grunts and colliding helmets were rhythmic as players screamed in excitement — and pain.
Monday was the third day of full pads, and FPC coach Caesar Campana said when players put their pads on for the first time, the contenders are often separated from the pretenders.
“Football is a contact game and a game with violent collisions,” Campana said. “If you cannot play with reckless abandon, you cannot play football. The coaches can teach you how to line up and go after the ball when the players are not in full gear, but it all changes when real blocking and tackling get involved.”
Though the coaching staff has had limited time to see what the Bulldogs will bring to the field this season, Campana said he already sees a lot of talent. The Bulldogs will start more than 12 seniors when the regular season begins later this month. Still, Campana said he has a young program.
“We have many players who have made a commitment to be a part of a successful team,” he said.
The Bulldogs will play their traditional Green vs. White game 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at FPC. (FPC plays Matanzas 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at Matanzas.)
But in the game Friday night, Campana said, the ultimate goal is to get his players used to playing under the lights with a real crowd and real referees.
“It’s a game situation for them to rehearse the upcoming season,” Campana said. “Plus, this is the first football game for our Bulldog community to see. It is a big promotion for the 2012 season.”
