- November 5, 2024
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It’s like déjà vu for the Flagler Palm Coast football team. Like last year, after a 3-1 start, the Bulldogs (3-2, 1-0 District 1-8A) are coming off a nondistrict loss to Ponte Vedra heading into Week 6, a district showdown against Spruce Creek 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4.
Last season, FPC lost to Spruce Creek, 37-34, in a Homecoming heartbreaker, and didn't win another game. But this season, FPC coach Caesar Campana hopes things play out differently.
“I think we offer a lot more stability on our defense right now,” Campana said Monday. “That’s going to help us because they have a lot of different looks on their offense.”
The defense kept FPC in the game Friday against Ponte Vedra, including two interceptions by sophomore defensive back Marcel Williams. Fellow sophomore linebacker Jonathan Muniz led the team with 10 total tackles, and linebacker Logan Smith had nine.
But the passing game continued to struggle one week after Campana hoped to get it going.
Junior quarterback Colton Boyd began the game with an efficient first quarter, going 6-for-7 for 43 yards including a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Willie Gardner.
But the rest of the game wasn’t as productive for Boyd as he completed just one of his next 14 passes, finishing the game 7-for-21 for 43 yards. He had one interception and two fumbles to go along with his touchdown pass.
After the game, a dejected Campana said Boyd had a good week of practice that didn’t translate to the game.
Campana said on Monday, after watching the tape this weekend, that Boyd’s struggles were a combination of things.
“He didn’t play well,” he said. “He’s trying hard, and a couple of times we didn’t protect him very well.” Campana also credited Ponte Vedra’s perimeter defense. “They were a lot better than I thought they were,” he said.
Significance of the game
Spruce Creek is 0-1 in the district after losing to DeLand earlier this season.
A win on Thursday would be huge for FPC. Last season, FPC’s six-game losing streak began with a loss to Ponte Vedra. The Bulldogs hope for better fortune in 2012.
“After this game, we have University and then (the schedule) gets real nasty,” Campana said, noting three upcoming district games against Fletcher, Sandalwood and DeLand.
“It gets really tough, and we have to win this one to stay in the hunt,” he said.
FPC plays Spruce Creek 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Spruce Creek.
For coverage of last week’s game against Ponte Vedra, go here.
IF YOU GO
Flagler Palm Coast plays Spruce Creek 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Spruce Creek. This is the second of five District 1-8A games for the Bulldogs.
SEASON STATS LEADERS
Colton Boyd (passing): 33-for-79 for 391 yards, three TDs, six INTs
Jimmie Robinson (rushing): 68 carries for 477 yards and three TDs
Devonti Emanuel (rushing): 44 carries for 231 yards and five TDs
Willie Gardner (receiving): 17 catches for 254 yards and one TD
