Bucs lose close game to Bob Jones, fall to 0-2

Mainland traveled to Milton, Georgia, to face Bob Jones, a team from Alabama, on Friday, Aug. 31. Bob Jones defeated the Buccaneers 39-36, as the Buccaneers dropped to 0-2 on the season.

The Patriots' offense was difficult to slow down for the Buccaneers' defense. The Patriots scored the first touchdown of the game at the 9:13-mark in the first quarter and were successful on a 2-point conversion attempt. After a Mainland touchdown — and subsequent 2-point conversion — Bob Jones scored again to close the first quarter with a 15-8 lead-. Bob Jones led 22-15 at halftime.

Following a back-and-forth third quarter, the Patriots led 32-24 with 7:30 to play in the game. Buccaneers linebacker Blake Sadusk scored a touchdown, but the Buccaneers failed on the 2-point attempt to remain down 32-30 with just over 4 minutes remaining.

Running back D'Andre McMillian provided a spark of hope for Mainland. McMillian rushed 40 yards for a touchdown to give Mainland its first lead with 1:31 left in regulation. But the Patriots scored again, leaving 39 seconds on the clock for a Buccaneers' comeback bid.

The Buccaneers couldn't complete a Hail Mary attempt.