DeLand Bulldogs Dominate New Smyrna Beach in Thrilling 56-21 Clash!
Explore the latest scores and highlights from Florida's high school football week, featuring Mount Dora Christian's impressive win.
DeLand Bulldogs Dominate New Smyrna Beach in Thrilling 56-21 Clash!
The Florida high school football scene is heating up, and the Week 2 matchups did not disappoint. In a striking performance, the DeLand Bulldogs triumphed over the New Smyrna Beach Barracudas with a resounding score of 56-21, setting a strong tone for the season. As News Journal reports, this victory underscores DeLand’s potent offensive capabilities, particularly notable with their rushing attack that racked up over 400 yards during the game.
Fresh off a Week 1 bye, New Smyrna Beach was seeking redemption. However, they faced a formidable opponent in DeLand, who showcased a harmonious blend of offense and defense. Marceles Carey led the charge for the Bulldogs, accumulating impressive stats with 216 total yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. This performance comes on the heels of a challenging 2024 season, where DeLand recorded 5 wins and 6 losses, highlighting just how far they’ve come since last year.
A Surprising Upset
In another thrilling game, Spruce Creek stunned Ohio’s No. 7 team, Avon, with a narrow victory of 25-22. A standout in this match was quarterback PJ Miller, throwing for 317 yards and three touchdowns. This unexpected win adds an exciting dimension to the local high school football landscape. Further amplifying Spruce Creek’s success, Cam Oxendine notched three receiving touchdowns, showcasing the team’s dynamic offense.
Meanwhile, Mainland had a nail-biting encounter, edging out the defending 2A state champion Cocoa 19-14. With all their points scored in the first half, Mainland firmly demonstrated their ability to capitalize early. This victory not only builds momentum for their season but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of high school football.
Other Notable Matchups
Deltona also celebrated a solid performance, improving their record to 2-0 with a 14-6 victory over Viera, thanks in part to a defense that forced three turnovers. On the other hand, Father Lopez delivered a commanding shutout against Cedar Creek Christian, winning 49-0. Maverick Grimm made headlines with two rushing touchdowns and two two-point conversions, proving instrumental in the game.
The week also featured a notable shoutout from schools like Lake Howell, who managed to defeat Flagler Palm Coast 28-19, and Matanzas, who triumphed over University with a score of 43-24, finishing strong with a 37-10 run. St. Cloud made their mark, shutting out Pine Ridge 41-0, while Mount Dora Christian secured a decisive 56-8 win against Taylor.
As the season unfolds, DeLand stands out in the FHSAA MaxPreps rankings, where they were ranked #131 out of 460 teams with a solid rating of 8.127. Last year’s struggles provide a backdrop for the team’s determination this season, showing that they are indeed on the rise. As we look ahead, anticipation builds for what the rest of the season will have in store, particularly for a Bulldogs team that seems to have found its groove.
For fans of high school football, one thing is certain: Florida’s vibrant gridiron scene is alive and kicking, delivering edge-of-your-seat action week after week. As teams continue to battle it out on the field, each game writes a new chapter in this thrilling narrative of competition and resilience.