- April 20, 2024
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Running back Marc Genis sheds two tacklers on his way to the end zone. Photo by Ray Boone
Quarterback Donovan Montoyo tries to break a tackle during FPC's preseason game. Photo by Ray Boone
Running back Marc Genis extends the football over the goal line as he dives toward the end zone. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Jarian Ramos returns a punt for a touchdown. Photo by Ray Boone
The Bulldogs celebrate after scoring a touchdown. Photo by Ray Boone
Defensive back Damien Irven celebrates after breaking up a pass. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC defensive back Jacorey Benjamin tackles a Stingrays receiver. Photo by Ray Boone
An FPC defender stuffs a run by the Stingrays. Photo by Ray Boone
Defensive end Seamus Hackett leaps onto Atlantic Coast's quarterback for a sack. Photo by Ray Boone
Running back Marc Genis dives toward the end zone for a touchdown. Photo by Ray Boone
A pair of Bulldogs defenders gang tackle the Stingrays' running back. Photo by Ray Boone
Running back Ty Jenkins carries several defenders for extra yardage. Photo by Ray Boone
Running back Ty Jenkins carries the ball in the Bulldogs' preseason game. Photo by Ray Boone
Quarterback Preston Roberts throws a pass in the third quarter of the Bulldogs' preseason game. Photo by Ray Boone
When asked about what stood out the most to him in Flagler Palm Coast’s 42-7 win over Atlantic Coast in the Bulldogs’ kickoff classic on Friday, Aug. 17, head coach Travis Roland didn’t point to the Bulldogs’ defense, which gave up one first down in the first half and held the Stingrays scoreless until well into the third quarter. He didn’t single out the Bulldogs’ overwhelming ground attack, which accounted for the game’s first five touchdowns, including three by junior running back Marc Genis.
Instead, he mentioned the only thing that didn’t make an appearance on the field at Sal Campanella Memorial Stadium that night: penalty flags.
The Bulldogs had a difficult time avoiding penalties in 2017, especially on offense. But in their first taste of competitive football since the spring, the Bulldogs’ varsity team went three quarters without being penalized. The junior varsity team, which played the fourth quarter, picked up two penalties.
“That’s where I wanted to see the most improvement,” Roland said. “That was the biggest part, and I’m so proud of what we did.”
In addition to their on-field discipline, Roland noted that the Bulldogs have one clear advantage on the offensive side of the ball: The running game is stout.
In addition to Genis’ hat trick, running back Ty Jenkins and quarterback Donovan Montoyo each rushed for a score.
“Any time you have Marc Genis and Ty Jenkins in the backfield, you know you’ve got to feed them,” Roland said. “When you’ve got the O-line we have and the running backs we have, you have to give them the ball.
“And when you can run the ball and get the game over quickly, with the way we play defense, we’re going to be really tough to beat.”
