NORTHSIDE – Tempo or momentum can quickly decide the outcome of a football game. Raines decided to use both in their domination of visiting Mandarin, as three first quarter scores set the tempo for a 55-22 win in the Graveyard.
Coming off of a win over Deland on Monday due to Hurricane Irma, it would be hard to tell how much fuel was left in the Mustangs tank coming into the game, as they got tested at the outset.
On the first play from scrimmage, Raines senior quarterback Ivory Durham connected with a streaking George Webb down the left side line for an 80 yard throw and catch. After an Ishmael Sanders point after attempt, the Vikings sent a message quickly ‘game on’, just 25 seconds into the first quarter.
After a four and out possession, the Raines offense wasted little time in finding the open areas in a young Mustang defensive unit. Behind the running of junior tailback Brandon Marshall, the Vikings moved into Mandarin’s red zone where Durham found Webb again on a 6 yard toss, making it 14-0.
Appearing to find some room in the Viking’s defense, running back Terrell Jennings and quarterback Kyle Smith had a couple of short runs, but the Raines defensive quickness and pressure put Mandarin in another punting situation. After punter Hudson Levine bobbled the snap, he was sacked on the Mustang 27-yard line. On second down, Marshall (10 carries for 122 yards, 1 touchdown) broke free from a couple of Mustang defenders and ripped off a 27 yard run, giving Raines a 21-0 lead with 1:26 left in the first quarter.
While the offense showed few signs of challenging the home team in the first half, the biggest highlight for Mandarin came from the kick return team. Return specialist Kasimir Absolu repeatedly found room on the left side of the field to give the Mustangs good field position.
The Vikings continued to apply pressure to the visitor’s defense, as they would score twice within one minute as Durham (14-21, 265 yards, 4 TDs) would us his arm and legs to increase the advantage for Raines.
At the 10:35 mark of the second quarter, he found a fleeting Matt Drayton for a 65 yard touchdown pass to keep the shutout intact giving Raines a 28-0 lead.
Moments later, after a Mustang turnover, he skirted around the left side for a 10 -yard score. A low snap prevented the point after attempt and a running clock situation, however, at 34-0, it was rapidly turning into a very long night for Mandarin.
Over the next seven minutes in the quarter, Mandarin would get a few sparks of momentum, as Demario Douglas was on the receiving end of a 17-yard Kyle Smith touchdown pass.
After a Kamaree Noble 12-yard reception for Raines increased the lead to 41-0, the biggest play for the Mustangs happened as Absolu (5 returns for 190 yards, 1 touchdown) returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards giving them a glimmer of hope alive.
A Viking miscue deep inside their own territory led to a safety, and made it a 41-16 at the half.
The third quarter produced only one score, as neither team was able to establish any consistency. Raines lone score would come on a 10-yard run from Raynell Killian.
With random substitutions, the Vikings sharpness limited them from moving ball as they did in the first half. Mandarin also changed its personnel, as senior signal caller Alec Altman came in the game and injected some life into the offense. Hitting Douglas on an 18 yard strike, the Mustangs seemed to have a new tempo of their own.
With Durham on the bench, backup quarterback Coby Bates entered the game. Using running backs RayQuan Simmons and Jamond Handy, their slashing running styles accounted for 56 yards and several key first downs for Raines.
With a first down at the Mandarin 27 yard line, Bates hit freshman receiver Jaquez Griffin for his first touchdown catch as a Viking.
Showing determination and grit, Mandarin continued to play hard late in the ballgame. After a Viking penalty moved the ball out near mid-field, Altman found Jayron Fulton on a 53 yard passing score with only :37 seconds to close out the game.
After playing a game on Monday and with only three days of preparation, Mandarin made a great showing. Raines, having had a week off, showed few signs of rust, and played with more vigor, as they now prepare for the most challenging part of the season.
Raines (3-1) hosts Jackson (1-3) next Friday; while Mandarin (2-3) takes the week off before hosting Apopka Oct. 6 at the Corral.
