An exhibition game? Mainland uses every football minute to go hard

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

When the Mainland/University spring football game came around, I wondered what trick plays, special formations or backup quarterbacks I might see. I didn’t see any of that. When the Bucs stepped onto the field, they were looking to do the very thing they seem to do most often: win.

After “beating” University 13-7 in three quarters, before putting in JV, Mainland’s Cyrus Fagan posted on social media: “Me and my brothers will not lose to a Volusia school. Straight up!”

The Bucs haven’t lost to a Volusia County football team since 2012, when New Smyrna Beach beat them 24-21. How does a team go three seasons without losing to any of its area rivals? By taking no plays off and practicing, or playing an exhibition game, if they were the real deal.

At a practice last summer, my brother and nephew visited the football team, and each player tried to embarrass his opponent—friend or foe. Whether it was the wide receivers trying to burn the defensive backs or defensive lineman running through the offensive lineman to sack the quarterback, everyone practiced with gameday aggression. Even those who anxiously awaited their turn took part in cheering for their fellow teammates.

A few weeks ago, I walked up on a practice, where they were running other one-on-one drills. Everyone crowded the two competitors, who knew they had to give it their all. If they pleased the emperor and the arena, they were met with helmet slaps and raucous cheers.

The way Mainland has become a state title contended year after year is by playing against the best competition—in practice. According to Fagan, the Bucs have something to prove this upcoming year, and they have no time to waste, if they want to reach the top of the football mountain. That includes the moments other teams may settle for less than upper echelon effort.

I’m not much of a Roll Tide fan, but Nick Saban coined my current favorite quote. “The fact of the matter is if you want to be good, you really don’t have a lot of choices, ‘cause it takes what it takes.”

Mainland gets it.