DeLAND — DeLand went from dream season to stark nightmare Friday, as Flagler Palm Coast marched into Spec Martin Stadium and stomped the Bulldogs 48-0.
FPC scored on all five of its first-half drives behind the running of Jo Jo Fennell and Marcus Mitchell and the crisp passing of Mark Jones.
FPC cornerback Chase Jones picked off Stefan Hann’s pass into the flat and raced 75 yards for the touchdown on DeLand’s next possession to put FPC (6-3, 3-2 6A-1) ahead 14-0.
DeLand (6-3, 4-1), which was held to 59 first-half yards, had a trio of three-and-out possessions and fumbled away a possession at DeLand’s own 20-yard line to set up Fennell’s second of three touchdown runs.
Mark Jones completed seven of nine passes for 104 yards and a touchdown for the visitors. Fennell and Mitchell, though, carried the load. Fennell rushed for 104 yards and three touchdowns and Mitchell added 129 yards and a touchdown.
It was a win, though, that was more about pride than anything else. “We’re in fourth place in the [6A-1] District, and we’ve got six wins,” FPC Coach Steve Allen said. “That tells you something.”
DeLand’s first-year coach, Larry Candeto, said the early interception set the tone: “It just snowballed from there, but we’ll be back.”
DeLand’s loss comes on the heals of last week’s home win against Jacksonville Mandarin. The victory secured the Bulldogs their first district title in almost 10 years. DeLand will host Lake Brantley in the playoffs.
