Week 1: Mainland looks to bounce back, Seabreeze travel for rivalry game

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

Now that the kick-off classic is behind us, official football games will be underway on Friday for Mainland and Seabreeze.

Mainland should be able to right the ship and pick up where it left off on a 11-1 campaign last season, but there are questions about quarterback Jake Novello and the team’s ability to excel against teams that match their talent level.

Seabreeze has the look of a team that is much-improved from their 1-9 season a year ago. The Sandcrabs had a lead for the majority of their kick-off classic game against Titusville, but let it slip away on a late field goal.

The preseason didn’t go well for any Volusia team as each one of Mainland, Seabreeze, Spruce Creek and Atlantic lost during warm-up week. But since everyone is still 0-0, everyone has the hope of a new season ahead of them.

Mainland predictions: Week 1

Mainland lost to Apopka 26-14 in a frustrating game filled with mistakes and hiccups, but Week 1’s opponent should be a lot easier for them to handle.

After a 2-8 season a year ago, DeLand should be one of the weaker teams in all of 8A. The Bulldogs had their preseason kick-off classic game against University get canceled due to weather, so this will be DeLand’s first action of the season.

Mainland should be able to use their speed in space with wide receivers Tank Dell and D’Marcus Adams to wreak havoc on DeLand. After Apopka proved how stout its defense was, Mainland will bounce back once the games really count.

Mainland beats DeLand 35-7

Seabreeze predictions: Week 1

Seabreeze opens up with a rivalry game right out of the gate as it travels to Spruce Creek.

The Sandcrabs opened last season against the Hawks as well, but hosted. In that game, the Sandcrabs lost 32-7 which started a five-game losing streak to begin 2016. This season Seabreeze looks to be much improved after narrowly losing against Titusville 17-14 during warm-up week.

Spruce Creek lost its kickoff classic contest against Seminole, but showed a good offensive arsenal with quarterback Kyle Minckler, running back Jacquez Lord and receivers Maximus Campbell and Cameron Cole. Seabreeze will be able to limit Spruce Creek more than it did a year ago and new Seabreeze quarterback Jadyn Nirschl will be a player to watch for the Sandcrabs.

Spruce Creek beats Seabreeze 28-14