- November 23, 2024
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Que'Shaun Byrd hurdles a defender on his way to the end zone.
The Bulldogs celebrate a much needed district win over DeLand. Photos by Jeff Dawsey
J.C. Sheffield and Parker Allen are the FPC homecoming king and queen.
Josh Belle reels in a long bomb from Dalton Thomas.
Nelson Paul sacks DeLand's quarterback for a loss.
Dominic Green attempts to run through a couple of DeLand defenders after a big catch.
Dalton Thomas hits Que'Shaun Byrd on fourth down for a score.
The Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs aren’t ready to be put down just yet. While they may not control their destiny at this point, a couple of big wins and helpful division losses from other teams could launch FPC into the playoffs, although the chances appear slim.
After dropping three of their first four games of the season, no one expected anything from the Bulldogs going forward. The only expectation was more losses. While many considered the season to be a lost cause, FPC kept going to work, week after week, and now, they have a chance to make everyone forget about their slow start.
“To be honest, I didn't really know if we were going to make it, but we all stayed together and didn't argue,” Que’Shaun Byrd said. “We just came to practice and tried to get better, and that's what we did. We're not going to focus on anyone but ourselves, fix all the mistakes, get better, and we shouldn't have a problem.”
The Bulldogs haven’t made excuses about a roster filled with underclassmen, nor have they spoken about constant injuries. After going extra rounds with Spruce Creek, who just battled Mandarin, and winning over Palatka and DeLand, the Bulldogs don’t lack confidence. And, if there was any need for extra motivation, coach Tommy Moody keeps reminding his players that this is the last stretch for his seniors, the few they have.
“I always tell them, ‘You have to play like it’s your last game,’” he said. “We stay with high intensity, so we can know what it’s worth. You can’t take this game for granted. They better lay it all out. When you can’t play anymore, that’s when you will realize that you should’ve done more. And, I always tell them to play for their seniors because they’re going to be seniors one day.”
It all comes down to one game. Can the underdogs slow down the Mustangs?
