- November 23, 2024
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Dennis Shorter runs the ball against Mandarin. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Kemper
Flagler Palm Coast had a chance to repeat as District 1-8A champions on Thursday, Oct. 25, in Jacksonville. DeLand lost its matchup to Sandalwood, and the Bulldogs had to defeat Mandarin to claim the title and a for-sure bid in the 2018 playoffs.
However, a fumble on the Bulldogs' last drive, followed by a recovery by the Mustangs, gave Mandarin a 39-34 win. The Bulldogs, who got two touchdown runs from running back Ty Jenkins, led 20-14 at the half and regained the lead late in the fourth quarter. But a 20-yard TD run by the Mustangs' Cam Daniels helped propel Mandarin to the win.
The 39 points scored by the Mustangs was the second-highest total ever scored on a Travis Roland-coached defense. St. Edwards scored 45 points on Mainland when Roland was the Buccaneers' defensive coordinator.
"It's kind of a weird feeling," Roland said. "For defense, this group of kids, to give up that many points was tough."
FPC (7-3, 2-2) is now on the bubble for making a second-straight trip to the playoffs. The Bulldogs have a bye in Week 11.
