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Which Volusia-Flagler area high school football players earned game balls in Week 10?

chris boyle, daytona beach news-journal
·3 min read

A pair of Volusia-Flagler high school football teams guaranteed their seasons would continue into the second week of November this past Friday.

Mainland — the area's lone remaining undefeated squad at 9-0 — and Atlantic cruised to victories that clinched championships in their respective districts. They join DeLand as automatic FHSAA playoff qualifiers, while a handful of others will earn wild cards this coming Sunday when the brackets are officially released.

Both the Buccaneers and the Sharks featured athletes worthy of game ball recognition, but accolades are not exclusive only to postseason-bound teams. The same can be said of a two-way standout for a group that entered Week 10 with one win, and a breakout receiver for a team with none.

Let's meet the penultimate pack of game ball winners for the 2023 campaign.

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Koen Bonta, Deltona

Deltona celebrated its first win under coach Matt Martin on Friday night, extending its winning streak over Howland Boulevard rival Pine Ridge to 11 consecutive seasons.

Bonta produced an efficient night, turning three receptions into 122 yards and three touchdowns as the Wolves won 28-18. Deltona scored 25 points the previous four games combined.

"He has been waiting for his spot all season," Martin said following the game. "He was big time for us tonight, I cannot be more proud and I can't wait to go give him a hug."

Kamron Chamble, Spruce Creek

Spruce Creek's Kam Chamble (6) makes the reception and score during a game with Deltona at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
Spruce Creek's Kam Chamble (6) makes the reception and score during a game with Deltona at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

Spruce Creek's junior safety hardly took a snap off Friday night, making contributions in all three phases to effectively guarantee his team's spot in the FHSAA Class 4S playoffs.

Chamble had seven tackles (four solos), one tackle for loss, three pass breakups and an interception on defense. He caught two balls for 45 yards and a touchdown in the second half, and fielded a pair of Hagerty punts.

The Hawks defeated Hagerty 31-7, closing with a 7-3 record and, likely, a wild card within Region 3-4S.

Kwasie Kwaku, Atlantic

Atlantic's Kwasie Kwaku Jr trots into the endzone to score a second quarter touchdown during a game with Crescent City at Atlantic High School, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.
Atlantic's Kwasie Kwaku Jr trots into the endzone to score a second quarter touchdown during a game with Crescent City at Atlantic High School, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

District football champions for the first time in program history, Atlantic once again benefitted from a huge performance from junior ironman Kwaku.

Kwaku rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns on just four carries and both forced and recovered a fumble as the Sharks overwhelmed undermanned Taylor 56-6. He lit up fellow District 8-2S foe Crescent City for 141 yards and a pair of scores two weeks ago to put Atlantic in a win-and-in Week 10 scenario.

Atlantic secured its first playoff berth under third-year coach Squatty Bell, and will battle Pine Ridge this week in the Teal Bowl.

LJ McCray, Mainland

LJ McCray celebrates after his interception return for a touchdown in Mainland's 48-14 win over Seabreeze.
LJ McCray celebrates after his interception return for a touchdown in Mainland's 48-14 win over Seabreeze.

Gators fans might still be reeling from yet another defeat to Georgia over the weekend, but they can take solace in snatching five-star defensive lineman McCray away from the Bulldogs and others.

McCray flashed his elite athleticism again Friday night with a one-handed pick-six in a 48-14 rout of Seabreeze at Daytona Stadium. He and the Buccaneers' dominant defensive front held the Sandcrabs to 4 rushing yards, with 11 of 19 attempts resulting in negative yardage.

Mainland wrapped up the District 9-3S championship, booked its 30th straight trip to the playoffs and will host Lake Mary on Friday in one of the state's premier showdowns in an attempt to close an unbeaten regular season.

Dylan Tocci, Father Lopez

Father Lopez High's Dylan Tocci #22 grabs a short pass for a two pint conversion as the Umatilla defence gives chase, Friday night October 6, 2023 in Daytona Beach.
Father Lopez High's Dylan Tocci #22 grabs a short pass for a two pint conversion as the Umatilla defence gives chase, Friday night October 6, 2023 in Daytona Beach.

Father Lopez snapped a six-game losing streak, posting its first shutout of the fall and scoring 35 points in an explosive passing performance.

Tocci, a junior, was involved in both aspects. He caught three of Jacob Lohman's four touchdowns, averaging 42.8 yards per reception, and snagged two of the Green Wave's four interceptions on defense. In addition, he rushed for 23 yards and made three tackles.

Of note, the St. Francis Catholic-Father Lopez game also featured the first all-female officiating crew in Florida high school football history. The Green Wave will close out its campaign Friday against Taylor.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: High school football: Volusia-Flagler Week 10 game ball winners