Battle of the seas: Mainland welcomes district leaders Matanzas for homecoming

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

TALE OF THE TAPE

MATNZAS #10 in state 6A MAINLAND #3 in state 6A

2005 1872

Founded Founded

6-0 6-1

Record Record

0 1

State championships State championships

0 8

State semifinalists State semifinalists

0 20

District championships District championships

0 22

Playoff appearances Playoff appearances

0 23

Winning seasons Winning seasons

Defense Offense

Strength Strength

Pass game Penalties

Weakness Weakness

QB Mackenzy Wagner QB Denzel Houston

Key player Key player

Mainland’s homecoming game will be no run-of-mill contest, welcoming undefeated Matanzas.

No one’s surprised the Bucs only loss has come from a national powerhouse, but everyone should be astonished at Matanzas’ unimaginable, historic run. For the first time in its program’s history, Matanzas not only has a winning record, but the Pirates have yet to lose. When this game was placed on the schedule before the season began, there were comments on social media about the Bucs potentially scoring 100 points against Matanzas, if they chose to. Well, that probably won’t be the case.

Friday’s homecoming game has much significance for both parties involved. In regards to Mainland, the Buccaneers haven’t lost two games in a row since 2012, and they haven’t lost a regular season game at Municipal Stadium since 2010. They will also overtake Matanzas, who currently sits at the top of District 13-6A.

For the Pirates, this will instantly be the biggest win in any sport in their history, even bigger than their first win against their crosstown rival, Flagler Palm Coast, earlier this season. No one will be able to call their run a fluke, and their undefeated streak will continue. For both the Bucs and Pirates, a win would most certainly mean the district championship.

“They are definitely a quality team, and we are excited to prepare for and play this great team,” coach Scott Wilson said. “It makes it a lot more interesting when you play a game with so much meaning and so many implications. They are well-coached and have had two weeks to prepare. They will be ready for sure. Our kids are always ready for a challenge and they want this game bad! It’s a district game against an undefeated team, and Matanzas is the No. 1 district team.”

The game will be played Friday, Oct. 16, at Municipal Stadium.