- April 25, 2024
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D.J. Murray running a quarterback keeper in a game against Mainland earlier this season. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Gerod Tolbert (25) in a game earlier this season. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Flagler Palm Coast continued to look for one more opponent before its season-ending game at Matanzas. But it had to be the right opponent.
After blanking DeLand 35-0 on Oct. 22 and collecting a forfeit from Pine Ridge three days later, the Bulldogs held out hope of gaining an at-large bid to the playoffs.
To do that, FPC will have to finish the season ranked among the top eight teams in RPI in Region 1-8A. The Bulldogs were ranked 14th in the region on Oct. 20, but that was before they trounced fifth-ranked DeLand.
FPC snapped a four-game losing streak with the win and improved to 4-4 with the forfeit. The Pine Ridge game was to be a makeup after the Panthers canceled the season-opener because of positive COVID-19 tests. FPC also lost a game against Orange City University on Oct. 8.
Coach Robert Paxia said an added game on Friday, Oct. 29, or Monday, Nov. 1, could help FPC's playoff chances if it's against a strong opponent.
"It doesn't make sense to play a one-win team," he said. "We have to find a solid game."
FPC's strength of schedule could be an advantage for the Bulldogs when the final RPI rankings are released. The four teams that beat the Bulldogs this season have a combined record of 27-6.
Paxia was pleased with all three phases of FPC's game at DeLand. Garrick Schwartz had 3½ sacks, all in the first half. Freshman Marcus Mitchell rushed for two touchdowns, his first scores of the year. Gerod Tolbert also scored his first touchdown of the season. And D.J. Murray and Preston Roberts each threw a touchdown pass.
"We were finally able to put together a solid game. We didn't have silly penalties," Paxia said. "We're not out of the playoffs yet. We're going to keep battling."
