Matanzas unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They took a 26-14 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs on Friday. The Pirates haven't had much luck with the Bulldogs recently, as the team has come up short the last nine times they've met.
When it comes to explaining why Matanzas lost, don't look at Wiley Conner. Despite the final result, he rushed for 80 yards and one TD, and also picked up 42 receiving yards. Conner didn't just play on offense: he also picked up a sack and made three total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Flagler Palm Coast to victory, but perhaps none more so than Ehimen Ajede, who rushed for 78 yards and one touchdown. Another player making a difference was Nolan Caliendo, who picked up 87 receiving yards and one score.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Matanzas will challenge University at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Flagler Palm Coast, they will square off against Lake Howell at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
