- May 19, 2024
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Coach Ward Silvola demonstrates blocking technique to Nicholas Lee. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Quarterback Cole Walker. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Two players face off in a blocking drill. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Michael London, Rozario Watkins and Josiah Hathaway. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Quarterback Jason Ebding throws a pass during a drill. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Receiver Logan Jacobelli (left) makes a catch in a drill at FPC practice. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The Flagler Palm Coast football team is bigger and stronger than last season with a chip on its shoulder.
Second-year coach Daniel Fish said the Bulldogs have something to prove after finishing 3-7 last season.
“I think we’re definitely trending in the right direction,” Fish said after a spring practice session on May 3. “We’re excited to show how hard we’ve been working.”
He said discipline and leadership have come a long way. He believes the team has improved at every position. They will have more players and coaches next season, with a coaching staff of about 20, including about 10 volunteer coaches.
“A handful (of the coaches) have retired. They have a lot to offer,” Fish said.
With about 78 rising sophomores, juniors and seniors and about 55 incoming freshmen, Fish said the Bulldogs are planning to field a JV1 and a JV 2 team this year.
FPC will be in a new district this fall, District 2-7A, with DeLand, Spruce Creek and University. The Bulldogs’ rivalry game with Matanzas has been moved back to the final game of the season on Nov. 1, which will also be FPC’s senior night. The Bulldogs have a hole at the top of their schedule, however, with season-opening opponent Atlantic canceling.
Finding a replacement will not be easy, because teams don’t normally have an open first week, Fish said.
The Bulldogs’ annual Green and White spring scrimmage is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 17. They will close spring practice with a spring game at home against Pine Ridge at 7 p.m. May 23.
After the first week of spring practice, rising junior Cole Walker is the front runner to start at quarterback.
“He’s had a great first week. He’s shown a lot of improvement,” Fish said.
Other players who have made huge gains since last season, Fish said, are tight end Roman Caliendo, defensive end Stacy Mitchell, offensive lineman Gethin Pritchard, rising sophomore running back Ehimen Ajide and outside linebacker/safety Corinthians “R.J.” Watson.
Fish said the 6-foot-5 Caliendo has worked hard in the weight room and has gained about 20 pounds and now weighs about 235. Stalwarts Colby Cronk and Marcus Mitchell have also made huge gains in the weight room.
Cronk, who has committed to play for North Carolina State in 2025, is benching 375 pounds, power cleaning 350 and squatting 500, Fish said. The defensive end is currently the top-ranked shot putter in Class 4A and is expected to compete in both thot put and discus at the the state track and field championships on May 18.
Mitchell, who ran for over 1,400 yards last season, is now squatting 530 pounds and benching 345, Fish said.
“None of us are happy with what happened last year, and we decided to do something about it,” Fish said. “We’re looking forward to a great spring and a great summer of development.”
