- May 1, 2024
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Mainland's dream season ended one win shy of the state title game. But the Bucs will bring back a deep, talented roster in 2014.
BY ANDREW O'BRIEN | SPORTS EDITOR
Mainland’s hopes of winning a state championship ended Friday in the Class 6A state semifinals, after losing to Miami Central, 28-15 — just one win short of the title game.
But there’s no reason for the players on this year’s Bucs team to hang their heads.
Mainland (12-2) had an incredible season, including winning the district and the region. And despite losing many key seniors like Trey Rodriguez, D.J. Copeland, Kailik Williams and Ricky Norris, the Bucs return a load of talented and experience players.
That crop includes playmakers Kaylo Hannah, Adrian Killins and Meiko Dotson.
At one point during the second quarter on Friday night, Mainland capped off an 80-yard drive with a touchdown to take a 9-7 lead over Central, which came into the game ranked No. 3 in the USA Today’s Super 25 national prep football poll.
Despite playing against a loaded Rockets team with a roster loaded with college-bound talent, the Bucs were only a few plays and calls away from still practicing this week and heading to Orlando on Friday to compete in the state title game.
The Bucs' defense was one of the best in the state in Class 6A, allowing 120 points in 14 games (about 8.5 points per game).
In three years under coach Scott Wilson, Mainland is 34-7. Not too shabby, huh? And fans shouldn’t expect anything different next year, either.
Sure, players will graduate. But other players will step into larger, more critical roles. Next man up, as they say.
