Mandarin– Raines jumped out to a 14-0 lead against Mandarin and carried a 27-12 lead into the 4th quarter last Friday. Seemingly with the game in hand, the Vikings took their feet off the pedal and the Mustangs accelerated to the tune of 12 unanswered points in the final quarter. As the game inched closer to the final seconds, Mandarin had the ball and trailed 27-24. The game would come down to one play and Mandarin was in prime position to make it.
After 3 quarters Raines 27 Mandarin 12 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/sWyMmszlnI
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 22, 2018
With seconds remaining, Mandarin’s quarterback Carson Beck dropped back to pass and lofted a ball to the corner of the end zone, intended for his wide receiver Demario Douglas. However Raines corner back Jarius Stewart and free safety Uriah Ratliff knocked the ball away ending the comeback, and giving Raines the 27-24 victory.
Final play for the win… @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/KtolHV6SP4
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 22, 2018
Raines Head Coach Deran Wiley was not happy with his team after the game. Even with the win, Wiley believes his players need to finish strong and play 60 minutes of football. Fortunately for Raines against Mandarin, the first 30 minutes was good enough. Raines led 14-0 at halftime when running back Brandon Marshall rocketed for an 80 yard touchdown run shocking the home crowd. Marshall is one of the most dynamic rushers in the city and he displayed that once again last week.
Raines defense is bringing the heat tonight🔥🔥🔥 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/NiarcLGoPK
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 22, 2018
Raines quarterback Barron Coates has been on fire of late. He hooked up with Jaquez Griffin for a long 70 yard touchdown pass and run in which Griffin got behind the defensive back. Yet Coates wasn’t finished as he hit Daivarus Thomas for a touchdown with a beautiful throw to the outside shoulder of receiver. Thomas made a great catch and move to get into the end zone to finish the scoring on the night for Raines. The Vikings have an arsenal of weapons at their disposal and they took flight against the Mustang defense early.
Raines #6 Barren Coates with the 70 yard TD throw to Raines #7 Jaquez Griffin. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/8Mn8omxzKE
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 22, 2018
On defense, Raines free safety Uriah Ratliff secured an interception in the game, and the Raines run defense held the Mustangs to just 54 yards on the ground. The pass defense was a different story as Mandarin’s wide receivers carved up the secondary in the second half. Mandarin’s Demario Douglas caught five balls for 166 yards and scored a touchdown. Wide receiver Kris Mitchell caught three balls for 127 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Mandarin #18 Carson Beck throws a deep TD pass to Mandarin #3 kris Mitchell @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/bfJXuph6Fa
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 22, 2018
Carson Beck, who’s been injured for the most part of the first half of the season, has come back with a vengeance. After leading his team to a big win over Deland last week, Beck passed for 438 yards 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions against Raines. Mandarin is clearly a dangerous team with him at the helm. Their air attack was in full effect in the second half. The Mustangs have had some close games this year, but fell to 2-3 on the season after the loss to Raines. They’ll face Apopka next.
Mandarin #18 Carson Beck with the TD pass to Mandarin #2 Darian Oxendine @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/T4TIWk7xbl
— KingDeWitt (@DeWitt2fye) September 22, 2018
As for Raines, they’ll rest for the bye week and prepare for a big showdown versus Sandalwood next week. The Vikings will attempt to continue their winning ways against their next two opponents with a combined 7-1 record in Sandalwood (4-0) and Oakleaf (3-1). They have all the tools to keep the streak going. Said Duval Sports analyst DeWitt Hughes IV after the game, “Raines has the talent and the players to be dominate this year if they can play consistent in all 4 quarters”.
Featured Image Courtesy of Epic Images -Sterling Jones
