- November 23, 2024
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The 2016 Matanzas Pirates (6-2, 3-2) can now add their names to the list of the five other Flagler County playoff teams, after they defeated district foe Deltona 17-14 Friday, Oct. 28, at Matanzas.
After this game last year -- having the same playoff implications -- it was Deltona who celebrated on its home turf as the team that reached the postseason for the first time.
The Pirates were stuck on the outside looking in with a 7-2 record. But, the tide has changed.
The Pirates dealt with a great deal of adversity to get to their dream destination.
At the beginning of the game, Mackenzy Wagner’s pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown on the opening drive.
After both teams traded possessions, running back Philip Moultrie put the Pirates on the board with a 19-yard run with 4:40 remaining in the half. Nathan Hubbs’ extra point was good.
On the Pirates’ second possession out the half, Wagner found a wide open Devin Mathews down the field, who then ran 50 yards to complete a 78-yard touchdown catch.
On the Wolves’ ensuing drive, Deltona got down to the Pirates’ 30, but Brandon Gilyard picked off a pass near the end zone. After a Matanzas punt, Deltona had reached the red zone, but this time Ed Defeo intercepted the pass, thwarting a second Deltona drive that should’ve resulted in points.
With 7:35 to play in the game, Hubbs kicked a 30-yard field goal to put the Pirates up by 10 and in the driver seat on to the playoffs.
Getting just under the five-minute mark, Deltona forced Matanzas to punt, and, on the Wolves’ first down, wide receiver Blake Hinson out-jumped a Matanzas defender and raced 82 yards for the score. The extra point put Deltona within three points.
Deltona brought the Pirates’ kick returner down inside the Pirates’ 10-yard line and forced Matanzas to punt. After getting the ball, Deltona couldn’t capitalize, due to a Kwentel Moultrie fourth-down sack with 1:50 left to play in the game.
The Wolves received a fortunate bounce, when Philip Moultrie fumbled on first down near midfield, trying to run out the clock.
After completing a pass, Deltona’s quarterback was intercepted a third time, this time by Devin Mathews, to seal the game.
The Pirates will play Pedro Menendez next Friday, Nov. 4, at Matanzas, for their regular season finale.
