- April 16, 2024
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Buccaneers quarterback Taron Keith slips past a defender. Photo by Ray Boone
Mainland running back D'Andre McMillan hurdles a defender on his way to a first down. Photo by Ray Boone
Buccaneers receiver Shawn Daffin leaps to catch a long pass. Photo by Ray Boone
Buccaneers quarterback Taron Keith slings the ball to an open receiver. Photo by Ray Boone
Mainland running back D'Andre McMillan (No. 5) celebrates with teammates after a long touchdown run. Photo by Ray Boone
The Mainland Buccaneers football team runs onto the field at the start of their spring game against St. Augustine. Photo by Ray Boone
In a spring game that, for much of the past week, was in doubt due to foul weather, it took only three minutes in the second half for Mainland running back D’Andre McMillan to send a message: the Buccaneers are more than ready for the regular season to begin.
At the 9:02-mark in the third quarter, McMillan dashed through a hole in his offensive line, made a cut and went 44 yards untouched into the end zone to give the Buccaneers a 21-14 lead over St. Augustine, and after a fumble recovery in the end zone, the Buccaneers defeated the Class 6A state semifinalists 28-14 on the night of Friday, May 18, at the Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium.
“I feel like we haven’t lost a step,” said McMillan, who finished with 160 yards and two scores on 21 carries. “We got closer last year, and I feel like we’re going to have a wonderful season in the fall.”
Mainland scored 14-straight points to open the first quarter: McMillan scored from 28 yards out for the game’s first TD, and quarterback Taron Keith, who staked his claim as the Buccaneers’ starting signal caller with a solid outing, scored on a quarterback keeper near the goal line.
Keith, who has a chance to replace former starter Richard Kamara at the position, completed 11-of-16 passes for 126 yards. He missed out on two potential touchdown passes as well. A 6-yard lob to Shawn Daffin in the corner of the end zone was called back due to pass interference on the offense, and the ball slid through the hands of Ramello Dotson on what would have been a 34-yard touchdown.
Keith also threw two interceptions.
“I’m very proud of him,” Mainland coach Scott Wilson said. “He did a great job reading the defense. He did a great job running the ball and throwing the ball. He just had some passes that ended up being dropped.”
Wilson was pleased with the overall discipline of his team.
“I was very happy with our performance. We obviously have a dynamic offense and a run-stopping defense,” he said. “They did a great job. We put our defense in a bad position a couple times, but we responded.”
With the conclusion of spring practice, summer practice is now days away. The next time the Buccaneers take the field for competition will be in their preseason game against Apopka at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 17, at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium.
“We’re going to work hard this summer,” Scott said. “We’re looking forward to this fall.”
