- April 28, 2024
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Around this same time last year, The Mainland Buccaneers were 12-1, having only loss to the American Heritage Patriots before eventually losing to Miami Central, in the 6A state semifinals game. This season, the Buccaneers (13-0) have already avenged their loss against American Heritage, and they will look to repay Miami Central (12-1) Friday, Dec. 5, at Municipal Stadium, the place they haven’t tasted defeat at in over four years.
In last year’s loss, Miami Central held Mainland to 15 points. The Buccaneers lowest point total all season was last game’s 21 points against South Fort Myers. When the Patriots lost to the Bucs 42-30 on Sept. 26, they quickly realized that Mainland had a different under center that made a big difference, Denzel Houston.
Houston has contributed to at least two touchdowns in every game this season, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns, both firsts in the area.
“We’ve been watching a lot of film on them, and we are very prepared for them,” Houston said. “We got to go out there and play hard, play fast and play as a team.”
This is a matchup between two Maxpreps Xcellent 25 Top 20 teams, Mainland ranking 12th in the nation, and Miami Central 16th.
Miami Central has won three of the last four 6A state championships, including the last two, while Mainland has only come up short year after year. Throughout this season, the Bucs’ motto has been “12-13-14,” the date when the state championship will be played, and they are confident that they will be playing on that day.
“I feel like we can win as long as we stay focused,” said Randy Baker, Mainland’s cornerback and receiver. I feel like we have the best coaches in the state, so they'll have us prepared, and we’re more than just a team. We're a family, and our bond will show Friday on the field.”
