- September 21, 2024
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FPC's Breaza Robinson returns an interception for a touchdown against Matanzas. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Dakota Snowden pulls the flag of Matanzas' Mary Pickett. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Diana Croft throws a pass downfield against FPC. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Demetra Kasttritis pulls the flag of Matanzas' Ja'Dashia Catlin. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Breaza Robinson runs the ball out of the backfield. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Faith Williams-Cruz tries to dodge a pair of FPC defenders. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Faith Williams-Cruz tries to dodge an FPC defender. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Noelle Gonzalez and Matanzas' Mary Pickett battle to come down with the ball. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas players dive to pull the flag of FPC's Breaza Robinson. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Faith Williams-Cruz tries to dodge an FPC defender. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Breaza Robinson is sacked by a Matanzas player. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Lalani Ortega and Matanzas' Dannielle Smith battle for the ball. Photo by Ray Boone
The trash talk between Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast’s flag football teams started well before the opening snap of their game on the afternoon of Thursday, April 18. It started a whole week prior. The players — who, for the most part, all know each other — hurled friendly put-downs and comebacks over a texting group chat.
One of those players was Marisa Kong, who transferred from Matanzas to FPC before the start of the 2018-19 school year.
“I wanted to win this game so bad,” said Kong, who came down with an interception in the end zone to halt the Pirates’ opening drive. “We’re all friends, but at the end of the day, we’re all competitive.”
The Bulldogs had the final say, beating the Pirates 18-0 at Matanzas High School.
“It’s a big win every time. The players all know each other. It’s a big win. If you’re going to lose, you don’t want it to be this game.”
James Gambone, FPC coach
However, the Bulldogs struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the first half. Because of a multitude of penalties, FPC ran just two offensive plays in the first quarter. Tierney Williamson caught a short touchdown pass shortly before the conclusion of the first half, which helped the Bulldogs find a groove.
Emma Brito caught a touchdown pass in traffic with 3 minutes to play in the third quarter. And Breaza Robinson sealed the game with a pick-six with 8:41 left in regulation.
Robinson was also the quarterback for both of those touchdown passes. She’s only played the position since the win over Spruce Creek on April 4. She prefers to play receiver, where she can catch balls “up over people.”
“Quarterback is not something I enjoy, but it seems to be helping the team,” she said, “so I’m good back there.”
