Despite winning two state titles in its deep rich history, the Raines Vikings have never gone back-to-back in its history. That is the goal for Deran Wiley and his Vikings team as they begin their run to get back to Orlando and defend their state title from last season. Here is a rundown of what to expect this week.
REGION 1-4A
No. 5 Marianna (5-4) at No. 1 Raines (9-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Earl S. Kitchings Stadium, “the Graveyard”
About Marianna: After Hurricane Michael tore up several small towns in the Panhandle back in October, football was far from the minds of players, coaches and fans. However what it eventually did was create a small diversion and allow teams and communities to rally around each other one again. Marianna was one of those towns that felt the devastation in its town and community, as the Bulldogs went three weeks out with football. However, once they were able to come back they have been unstoppable ever since. After starting the season 0-4, the Bulldogs have rattled off five straight wins including three straight since coming back from the Hurricane. Last year in the first round loss at West Nassau, once they got behind by halftime they ditched the spread and went to the option offense, so the Vikings defense has to be well prepared for that also. In the win last week over Rutherford its second win over them in eight days, the Bulldogs ran for nearly 300 yards against the Rams, including three touchdown runs from junior Damon Rolle, covering 61, 53 and 26 yards. Brian Edwards also returned a kickoff 80 yards for a score and sophomore Brady Donaldson scored on a 3 yard run as well.
About Raines: Since taking over in 2009, Deran Wiley had guided the Vikings to ten straight winning seasons and 9 straight playoff appearances, and carries a 88-28 record into this weeks game. Since guiding them to their second state title last season the goal has been to become the first coach to take them to back-to-back state titles. Like last season, the season began with a close loss to Lee, Wiley is hoping the same result happens this season as they rolled off 13 straight wins to win their second state title. The play of senior quarterback Baron Coates has been a big surprise this season as Coates struggled early on but adapted well after reps and games with his new teammates throughout the season. Senior tailback Brandon Marshall come up huge as well and keeps the Vikings offense balanced and defenses guessing all night. A deep and fast receiving core of senior Matt Drayton, senior Daivarus Thomas, senior Jamond Handy, senior Jaquez Griffin and junior Jacourey Rivers has made it easier for Coates as well. Meanwhile, a defense featuring linebackers Javon Bonsell and Aric Horne and safeties Uriah Ratliff and James Tarver, has been playing lights out holding six of its ten opponents to under 14 points or less, on a schedule that featured six playoff teams. Coming into the Graveyard you can forget about winning here as the Vikings have won five consecutive home playoff games over a four year span.
Joe Pinkos: Raines by 55
Next: Raines would host the winner of South Walton-West Nassau next week in the Elite 8 of the playoffs.
Photo courtesy of Eagles Eye Photography
Helmets courtesy of FloridaHSFootball.com
