- April 18, 2024
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Flagler Palm Coast coach Caesar Campana said staying healthy is always a tough task.
The Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs lost, 24-14, to University High School Oct. 14, despite holding a 14-point lead late in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs (3-4, 1-1) still control their own destiny if they want to earn a state playoff berth.
The next three games for the Bulldogs are district matchups, beginning with a 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 game at Fletcher.
But if the Bulldogs want to earn a playoff berth, they will likely have to win out in the district or get some help.
Now past the halfway point this season, here is a checkup on how the Bulldogs have done with coach Caesar Campana’s four keys to success.
No. 1 — Stay healthy
Last season’s team endured several injuries and, unfortunately, this year has been more of the same.
Starting tight end Dustin Bowens got injured in the opening game against Matanzas. But the Bulldogs’ biggest blow was losing staring QB Colton Boyd last week.
Campana said Boyd injuried his knee in a “freak play” in practice. He’s likely done for the year.
Sophomore running back DeUndre Lumpkins stepped in for quarterbacking duty against University, though Campana said he’d like to play freshman Marquis Murphy.
No. 2 — Maturity of young players
This ties into the health of the team. Because Boyd went down with several games remaining, Lumpkins will fill in for the most part.
Campana said there are 20 freshmen and sophomores currently on the varsity team.
“They work hard and they are getting there but we play Florida football and there are good football players out there,” Campana said. “There is nothing like experience and that just shows sometimes.”
No. 3 — Development of young QBs
Prior to Boyd getting injured, he was performing quite well for the Bulldogs.
Through six games, Boyd completed 42 of 75 passes for 550 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
But it’s back to the drawing board for Campana and the coaching staff with Lumpkins primarily taking the snaps at quarterback now.
Most of the offense won’t really change, though.
“The offense is set up for DeUndre to be a running quarterback,” Campana said.
Though a few tweaks will take place, Campana will continue to develop Lumpkins’ ability to throw the ball.
Through Week 7, Lumpkins had more than 1,000 yards combined running, receiving and throwing.
He has accumulated 695 yards on 74 carries — a 9.4-yard per carry average.
No. 5 — Defense
The Bulldogs’ defense also has endured a few injuries, including losing a starting defensive end and a linebacker earlier this season.
“We have some young players playing real well, but we have to get better on defense,” Campana said.
Though losing a starting quarterback can put more pressure on the defense, Campana said the games are still played Friday nights.
“The bus is on the way and we have to do something,” he said. “Every week you have another game coming up and you can’t just say, ‘Hold off.’ We’ll be ready.”
Contact Andrew O’Brien at [email protected].
