Northeast Fl- Seven is the biblical number of completion. So every Sunday, we’ll highlight our 7 Takes from a particular game that we covered during the week. These “7 Takes” make up a complete game summary, highlighting key factors that led to the outcome. Our third complete game we provide 7-Takes from is Mainland (3-0) win at Bartram (2-1) 28-24.
Photos By Tim Davis, Follow on Instagram @twd_013
Take 1
Laython Biddle is going to have a monster year. Against a very tough Mainland defense, the senior rushed for 215 yards and 2 TDs. This included a 65-yard scamper for a score. In three games, Biddle has 55 carries for 392 yards and 6 touchdowns. The offense goes through him. He even completed a half-back pass in the game for 37-yards. He is committed to Navy, but for those who dont know him, he may be the best running back in Northeast Florida. Other schools will be in his DMs.
Take 2
Bartram can win with Weatherly! Jaden Weatherly was thrust into the starting position after starting quarterback Riley Trujillo (UCF commit) went down with an injury suffered in the first game of the season. Weatherly kept Bartram in the game, by managing the offense, and taking chances with his legs. Friday, he scored on a 13-yard touchdown to kick off the scoring in the game. He’s young, but he’s confident and big. The 6’0, 220lb sophomore is a load to bring down, and will only get better with experience until Trujillo returns. Bartram hopes for Trujillo’s return in a few weeks.
Take 3
Mainland has some prime time transfers from Flagler Palm Coast. Quarterback Dennis Murray Jr comes over, providing confidence, experience, a strong arm, and play making ability in the pocket. With him, came Tulane commit Rodney Hill Jr. Hill plays both ways at linebacker and runningback. As a runner, he scored two touchdowns on the ground, including one late to close the game out. With Murray, Mainland can always count on a comeback when they are down. And with Hill, they can always count on a closer when they’re up late in games.
Take 4
Mainland’s defense can take them far this season. They constantly pressured Bartram with sacks, and closed very quickly with their speed on defense. 6’6, 260lb 4-star defensive lineman LJ McCray terrorized the line on the pass rush. Linebacker Myron Shafer III, and defensive tackle Christian Hudson also got sacks in the game. Drayden Wood closed the game with an interception. It’s a big reason they are 3-0 on the season.
Take 5
Bartram has the best kicker in Northeast Florida. Liam Padron hit a field goal to extend Bartram’s lead by 10-points heading into the 4th quarter. In his first game of the season, Padron went 2/2 on field goals of 37yds and 45yds. Game two he kicked 5 touchbacks and was perfect on PATs on the season. This is a tremendous advantage for Bartram, as they can play field position knowing they have virtually guranteed points from at least 50 yards out. They must execute up front however, as Padron had a crucial field goal blocked in the 4th quarter of Friday’s contest.
Take 6
Mainland’s playmakers have tremendous speed, and can score quickly. Noone better illustrated this fact than junior Khamani Robinson. The 6’0, 180lb athlete exploaded, rushing for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns. He scored the first two touchdowns of the game for the Buccaneers. Marquis McCants has blazing speed as well, something Murray and Coach Travis Roland are excited about going forward in the season.
Take 7
Bartram is in good hands with coach Cory Johns. With long time coach Darrell Sutherland retiring at the end of last season, Coach Johns took over for a team whose head coach accumilated 187 wins in 23 years. No easy task. Sutherland was honored at halftime for his achievements on the sidelines, but also in the community. Those are certainly large shoes to fill, but Johns has shown that he brings his own style and personality to the team that resonates with the winning culture of the team and community.
