- April 16, 2024
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Adonis Boone practices on blocking technique Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Adonis Boone practices on blocking technique Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Surrounding trees caved in Boone's home just two weeks after his family moved in.
Large oak trees fell down upon Boone's mother's vehicle during Hurricane Matthew.
He didn't miss a game or even a single snap at practice. Few people would've known Mainland's Adonis Boone and his family were forced to relocate from their new home after Hurricane Matthew's high winds caused large trees to cave in their roof.
Like most residents along refused to evacuate, the Boone family hunkered down in their living room, having just lost their power on the Thursday Hurricane Matthew arrived. His mother, Andra Gittens, had gone out to her vehicle to charge her phone.
While she sat in the car talking to relatives, Boone says he heard what sounded like a lingering thunder strike, and, after guarding his two brothers and baby sister on the floor, he looked up and a gigantic oak tree had crashed inside of his house.
"It was the scariest moment of my life," he said. "That whole day changed my mindset on life. After hearing my sister cry like she had been shot, I knew I had to stay strong throughout the entire situation for my family."
Before his mom and neighbors rushed inside to make sure everyone was OK, the tree eventually fell on top of their car, busting out the back windows.
Fire Rescue transported the family to his aunt's house where they waited out the hurricane.
Refusing to take any days off during this time, Boone said, "I wanted to be there for my quarterback, my offensive line and running backs to help get the win against Matanzas. But that situation humbled me and taught me that life can be taken from anyone at any time."
Familiar with obstacles
Boone has endured other hardships that helped him cope with what he is now going through. Going into his freshman season, he broke his femur bone and had to miss the last quarter of the eighth grade in fear that he might snap his growth plate.
This past summer, he suffered a hairline fracture and sprained MCL but remained on the field.
"That's when my coaches guaranteed my starting position, seeing me fight through through those injuries," he said.
Boone's football family responds
Upon getting the news, Boone says Mainland's Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club and his team prayed for him after every practice, and his coaches repeatedly asked if he needed anything or a place to stay.
"That really made me feel like this team is really like a family to me," he said. "We treat each other like brothers, and the coaches treat us like we're their sons. I honestly don't know where I would find aother program like Mainland's."
Boone and his family are still awaiting a permanent residence.
ICYMI: Bucs cruise in second round playoff win
The Class 6A top-ranked Bucs blew past the Sebastian River Sharks 36-7 Friday, Nov. 18, at Sebastian River.
Senior C.J. Wilson ran for 90 yards and reached the end zone three times. Star quarterback Denzel Houston used his feet to cause most of his damage, running for two scores.
Going into the game, Sebastian had only allowed four points per contest all season long.
Mainland will host Miami Carol City Friday, Nov. 25, at Daytona Municipal Stadium.
