- April 28, 2024
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Matanzas quarterback Dakwon Evans outruns a Falcons defender in the first quarter. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Pirates' Sho'Marion Gaines (1) returns a punt against the Falcons. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas running back Cole Hash (4) gains 5 yards just short of the goal line on Oct. 27 against Pedro Menendez in St. Augustine. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas quarterback Dakwon Evans (3) scores a touchdown on a keeper in the second quarter against Menendez. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas head coach Matt Forrest talks to quarterback Dakwon Evans (3) on the sideline. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Pirates defenders Sho'Marian Gaines (1) and Zach O’Gwynn (16) celebrate after pushing back the Falcons for a 1-yard loss late in the first quarter. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Pirates linebacker Micah McGuire (31) sacks Cashlin Downey late in the third quarter. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas quarterback Dakwon Evans throws a pass. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Pirates' Landon Grover kicks off to start the second half against Matanzas on Oct. 27, 2023. File photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Pirates defensive back Kennith Robinson (24) tackles Falcons running back Marquis Sams (3) in the first quarter. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Pirates wide receiver Andre Andrews (12) gains 5 yards against the Falcons on Oct. 27. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Pirates' Jordan Mills (right) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Falcons. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Matanzas Pirates celebrate Jordan Mills’ (2) fourth-quarter touchdown against the Falcons. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Band of Pirates performs at halftime Friday, Oct. 20 at Veterans Memorial Stadium on the campus of Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas drum major Tyler Grady directs the Band of Pirates at halftime. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Pirates’ kicker/punter Landon Grover watches from the sidelines. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Pirates defensive end Zach O’Gwynn (16) rehydrates during a timeout. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas lineman Jaylon Owens takes a breather during the Oct. 27 game against Pedro Menendez. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Matanzas Pirates storm the field ready for battle against the Pedro Menendez Falcons on Oct. 27 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in St. Augustine. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas defensive back Sho'Marion Gaines (1) takes down Jason Watson late in the first quarter setting up a third down and a long 13 to go for the Falcons. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Cole Hash (4) tackles Menendez quarterback Cashlin Downey after the Pirates flushed Downey out of the pocket late in the first half leaving the Falcons in a fourth-and-3. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Pirates defensive back Jordan Mills (2) stops the Falcons' Jason Watson (1) in the fourth quarter. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Senior captains Cole Hash (4), Dakwon Evans (3), Jordan Mills (2) and Sho'Marion Gaines (1) were all starters as freshmen for Matanzas High School. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Matanzas senior Jordan Mills caught a 30-yard touchdown pass with 5:41 left in the game, but the Pirates failed to convert the 2-pointer and fell to host Pedro Menendez 14-12 on Oct. 27.
“We just didn’t make enough plays. We had too many mistakes on both sides of the ball,” Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said.
The Pirates (6-3) are still on track to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They host winless Winter Springs in their regular-season finale on Friday, Nov. 3.
“We have to win the football game Friday night and see if we’re in the bracket on Sunday,” Forrest said. “It’s out of our hands at this point. In case we have the opportunity to keep playing, we want to make sure we’re playing our best football, because once you get that opportunity, anything can happen.”
Mills and Braden Russell had interceptions against the Falcons, but Matanzas also turned the ball over five times with two lost fumbles and three picks.
Dakwon Evans threw the touchdown pass to Mills and scored on a 2-yard run with1:26 left in the second quarter. But the Falcons (4-5) controlled possession for most of the game.
“Too many third-down conversions kept the ball in their hands for long periods of time,” Forrest said. “We didn’t make big plays this week. In prior games we have. It’s a credit to Pedro and how well they’re coached.”
The Pirates failed on both of their 2-point conversion attempts following their touchdowns which turned out to be the difference in the game.
This week's game against Winter Springs will be senior night. Matanzas will honor its 12 senior football players as well as senior band members, colorguard and student athletic trainer aides.
