- November 25, 2024
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Speed and strength is a lethal combination. And that’s exactly what Logan Smith and Dougladson Subtyl bring to the Flagler Palm Coast defensive line, making opposing quarterbacks wary of where they are at all times.
“They are the anchor of our defense,” FPC coach Caesar Campana said Tuesday, as his players slung around weights while doing sets in the bench press in the weight room. “We know we’re pretty good off the edge on any kind of run and any kind of pass. These two keep good leverage, and they are both very strong and very fast.”
They both bring a lot of experience to the table, too.
Both seniors, Smith and Subtyl have been key parts to FPC’s defense over the last two seasons. Smith was a varsity linebacker as a freshman and sophomore, but he moved to defensive end to join Subtyl last season.
According to FPC’s power ratings, Smith is the strongest player on the team. (The power ratings are rated by players’ averages in the bench press, clean, squats, 40-yard dash and the shuttle run.) “(Logan) is incredibly strong,” Campana said. “And he plays so wise.”
Smith and Subtyl know that winning starts with the defense.
“We’re always coming downhill because we feel like we carry the team, and we like to be aggressive,” Smith said. “We feel like we can’t let up.”
Subtyl stands at 6 feet, 4 inches, and is the tallest player on FPC. He’s also one of the quickest.
“I love to hit people,” a soft-spoken Subtyl said.
In fact, Subtyl has been bothering Campana to get some reps at running back. But for now, Campana will let him continue to chase down opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
“He’s one of those kids that is always happy and shows up every day and works hard at his position,” Campana said.”He’s incredible at some of the things he does. He’s exciting to watch.”
FPC has long been known for its defense. After all, Campana puts his best pure athletes on the field on defense for a reason.
“That’s the mentality I’ve always had as a head coach,” he said. “High school football is a shortened game, and if you stop teams and you get teams to turn the ball over, chances are you’re going to win.”
FPC has forced 22 turnovers this season and has turned the ball over four times (zero in the last two games), Campana said.
That’s been the case lately, as FPC (3-2, 1-1 District 1-8A) has won two straight games after dropping two straight. The Bulldogs hit the road Friday night for a nondistrict game against Palatka, which has won four straight and is undefeated in District 4-5A.
“I told our guys they better be ready to go against a really tough situation,” Campana said. “It’s the kind of football game I want to coach in.”
