The Mainland Buccaneers’ defense huddles up during a game at home earlier this season.
ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
The Mainland Buccaneers are a traditional state powerhouse. They have been the best and most storied local program over the past three decades.
Once again, the Bucs field a talented team with another playoff run ahead.
“The biggest things this season is that the kids are a close-knit unit. They believe in one another. They fight for each other. They dig deep,” said Jerrime Bell, Mainland’s head coach.
Mainland (5-2, 1-0) plays the Belleview Rattlers (1-7, 0-1) in Belleview, Florida on Friday, Oct. 24 in a game they are heavily favored in. A win gives them the district 5A-4 title and an automatic trip to the playoffs. It will be 32 straight playoff appearances and 32 straight dis- trict titles which is the longest streak in history in Florida.
Mainland has a deep and talented roster with stars and playmakers alike, including: senior linebacker Dennis King; junior running back Braylin Simmons; junior linebacker Tamaj Woodard; senior quarterback Sebastian Johnson; senior defensive back Jhavin “Bubba’’ Westbrook; senior defensive back Marcus Day; junior wide receiver Chris Butler; senior wide receiver Christian Cooper; junior wide receiver Jaden Parks; sophomore wide receiver Kaden Flores; junior defensive tackle TJ Bo-stick; and senior offensive/defensive lineman Stephon Ross.
There are also unsung heroes like senior defensive back Kiarin Sullivan and junior offensive lineman Chevin Davis.
Johnson has grown into a true leader as the quarterback. He has been the starter for two years and was the backup on the 2023 state championship squad. “I like my role. There is no pressure. I think last year there was some pressure coming off a state championship. This year is fun and easier. I am more calm and able to make more plays,” reflected Johnson.
The players are enjoying the moment knowing that its special.
Jonhson expressed, “This team honestly, you are not going to find anyone else that you are going to want to play football with. It’s a vibe on and off the field. We all go to the same school. We all hang out together outside of school.”
The players also attribute their bond to their success on the field.
“Last year we weren’t as close. This year we have become closer and are playing as a unit. Playing as a unit you have more success,” noted Johnson.
Eyes on the state title
As talented as Mainland, is there is plenty of room for improvement.
Bell expressed, “We have playmakers on both sides of the ball. We have an explosive play offense and a defense with dogs. We do have to get better with our redzone offense though.”
Mainland is a few plays from being undefeated. Their only losses came to Class 7A schools, a one loss Spruce Creek (20-16) and undefeated DeLand (28-20).
“When the opportunities present themselves, you must take advantage. We had a chance to put the Spruce Creek game away, but we allowed them to hang around. We also had some missed chances against DeLand. That’s the difference between 5-2 and being undefeated,” said Bell.
The goal is not to just make the playoffs but to win a state title. Mainland is two years removed from a state title (2023). They also won one in 2003. This year’s squad believes in themselves.
“We just have to stay healthy and do the little things. If we do that, we can play in FIU Stadium in December,” emphasized Bell.
Johonson echoed, “We just have to keep playing as one. We’re finishing out the year strong. We’ve played some good and decent teams. If we keep playing together as one, we can get over that hump and win a title.”