Football Preview: DeLand Bulldogs vs. Spruce Creek Hawks
DeLand is 8-2 against Spruce Creek since September of 2014, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The DeLand Bulldogs will play host again on Friday to welcome the Spruce Creek Hawks, where kickoff is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. DeLand knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 31 points or more in their past four matches -- so hopefully Spruce Creek likes a good challenge.
Last Friday, DeLand blew past Deltona, posting a 56-20 victory at home. The result was nothing new for the Bulldogs, who have now won three games by 31 points or more so far this season.
DeLand found their leader in underclassman Gardner Nordman, who rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries, and also threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns while completing 77.8% of his passes. The dominant performance gave Nordman a new career-high in rushing yards. Another player making a difference was LaDamion Bletcher, who gained 86 total yards and a touchdown.
DeLand's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged three passes before it was all said and done. It was truly a group effort as Mike Hamilton, Nallin Rogers, and Rogers picked up one apiece. Hamilton also set a new season high mark in total tackles with four. Another thorn in Deltona's side was Nico Woodward, who picked up two sacks and made nine total tackles (3.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, Spruce Creek didn't have quite enough to beat Titusville on Friday and fell 21-18. The matchup marked the Hawks' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.
DeLand's win bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Spruce Creek, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 3-2.
DeLand beat Spruce Creek 35-25 in their previous meeting back in November of 2023. Does DeLand have another victory up their sleeve, or will Spruce Creek turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
