The FSDB Dragons football team notched their sixth victory of the season on Saturday, October 19, 2019, with a win over the visiting War Eagles from Louisiana School for the Deaf (LSD). It was a physical battle, and the game was not decided until the Dragons managed to pull away in the 4th quarter. The final score was 42-6.
Offensively, FSDB was paced by their two running backs, Walter Douglas and Luis Merced, who both eclipsed 100-yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. Douglas ran for 134 yards, while Merced totaled 107 yards. The Dragons youngest player, eighth-grader Ajani Zahira, also chipped in 31 yards and a touchdown.
The true heroes of the night were offensive linemen Andre Pellicer, Justin Cabrera, Floyd Veal, Kyle Prinzler, and Marcus Guillou, who paved the way for the backs.
Defensively, the Dragons only allowed one big play for the War Eagles only score. FSDB was a bend-don't-break defense, as LSD was able to move the ball down the field, but their offense stalled out as they neared the end zone.
The Dragons defense was lead by Matthew Guillou with nine tackles and two interceptions. Luis Merced also had nine tackles, while Walter Douglas (eight tackles) and Justin Cabrera (six tackles) contributed solid play.
FSDB will end the regular season with their homecoming game on Saturday, October 26, against Alabama School for the Deaf (ASD). The game will start at 2:00 pm; gates open at 1:00 pm.
This matchup will have many implications for postseason awards. The winner may determine this year's Mason-Dixon Champion, as well as giving the team a strong case to be named the National Deaf Interscholastic Athletic Association (NDIAA) Eight-Man Football, National Champions.
Come out and support the Dragons as they try and finish their season undefeated!
The football season will continue next week, with FSDB hosting a first-round playoff game in the VICIS Premier 8-Man Football State Championships. For more information, visit the Sunshine State Athletic Conference website.
Season Record: 6-0
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
FSDB, Kyle Prinzler from Matthew Guillou 27 yd reception (2-pt fail) 6-0
Second Quarter
FSDB, Luis Merced 5 yd run (2-pt fail) 12-0
FSDB, Walter Douglas 35 yd run (2-pt fail) 18-0
LSD, 75 yd run (2-pt fail) 18-6
Fourth Quarter
FSDB, Douglas 13 yd run (2-pt Merced run) 26-6
FSDB, Merced 27 yd run yd (2-pt Douglas run) 34-6
FSDB, Ajani Zahira 10 yd run (2-pt Zahira run) 42-6
Offense Statistics
Rushing
Walter Douglas—10 car, 134 yds, 2 td, 1 pat
Luis Merced—15 car, 107 yds, 2 td, 1 pat
Matthew Guilliou—9 car, 23 yds
Ajani Zahira—4 car, 31 yds, 1 td, 1 pat
Passing
Matthew Guillou—1/3, 27 yds, 1 td, 1 int
Receiving
Kyle Prinzler—1 rec, 27 yds, 1 td
car–carries, int–interception, pat–point after attempt, rec–reception, td–touchdown, yds–yards
Defense Statistics
Matthew Guillou—9 tkl, 2 int
Luis Merced—9 tkl, 3 tfl
Walter Douglas—8 tkl, 2 tfl
Justin Cabrera—6 tkl, 1 fr,
Marcus Guillou—4 tkl, 1 sack
Kyle Prinzler—3 tkl, 1 sack, 1 tfl
Marco Solis—2 tkl
ff- forced fumble, fr- fumble recovery, int-interception, td- touchdown, tkl–tackle, tfl-tackle for loss
Remaining Schedule
Saturday, October 26, 2 pm
FSDB vs ASD (Homecoming)
Location: F. Charles Usina Field, FSDB Campus
Thursday, October 31, Time TBA
FSDB vs TBA (1st round VICIS 8-Man Championships)
Location: F. Charles Usina Field, FSDB Campus
Thursday, November 7, Time TBA
Semifinals VICIS Premier 8-Man Football State Championship
Location: TBA
Saturday, November 16, 1:00 pm
VICIS Premier 8-Man Football State Championship
Location: Bryant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
By Eric LeFors, Physical Education
Related Links
About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdbk12.org