- April 18, 2024
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Matanzas is still soaring, game after game. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
We’re halfway done with this football season, and most of the analysis for these teams closely resemble their assessments from last year at this time. After reading this year’s grades and commentary, visit last year’s posts to see the similarities.
Mainland (6-0): A+. It’s scary to think Mainland may have gotten better since last season. Denzel Houston and the offense has been unstoppable, and the defense has become as stingy as it’s ever been. Special teams also lends a hand in putting points on the board. This time is on a war path to reach the Class 6A title game this year.
Matanzas (5-0): A+. Can I get an encore? Where did that losing-season Matanzas team go that all the other schools loved to play? The Pirates have only lost two games in their last 15 tries, and that number will continue to remain low. With a balanced offense and maybe even better defense than last season, Matanzas is thinking playoffs again. They are playing lights-out football.
Flagler Palm Coast (1-4): C-. Your record is a clear indication of what you are, right? Did you know that FPC’s four losses came by way of teams ranked 16th or better in the state in their respective classes? Those teams have a combined 20-2 record, giving the Bulldogs one of the toughest strength of schedules in the entire state.
Yes, the Bulldogs have many shortcomings, but most teams would lose those same games. The rest of their schedule isn’t nearly as tough.
Father Lopez Catholic (2-3): C+. Getting its two wins, the Green Wave has had to score late and stop the opposing offense on the last play of the game. Lopez can’t stop anyone this season. Opposing teams are averaging 37 points against the Green Wave, and what should be a pretty good offense has only scored over 20 points in two games thus far. This is quarterback Josh Spencer and wide receiver Ryan Atkins’ last year, so this may be the best opportunity to win anything for the Green Wave. The defense has to play a lot better, if Lopez wants to reach the postseason.
Seabreeze (1-5): D. The Sandcrabs should be better than what they’re putting forth. This isn’t a knock on their defense or special teams, because those two aspects of the game have scored more points than the offense. Through six games, Seabreeze’s offense has scored two touchdowns.
The wildcat formation seems to be the only lifeline on the offense, but it makes temporary appearances behind the Sandcrabs’ conventional offense. Until the offenses change places, I don’t expect anything more from this team.
