- April 5, 2025
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Tristin Williams hauls in a pass against Mainland. Photo by Bob Rollins
Josef Powell runs the ball against the Buccaneers. Photo by Bob Rollins
Skyelar Williams runs the ball against Mainland. Photo by Bob Rollins
A Pirates player is tackled against Mainland. Photo by Bob Rollins
The Buccaneers were the heavy favorites heading into their matchup against Matanzas on Friday, Oct. 12. But the Pirates, starting mostly sophomores on both sides of the ball, came out swinging.
Matanzas held Mainland scoreless in an even first quarter and only surrendered one touchdown in the first half. The Pirates forced four turnovers, including an interception on the second play of the game.
After falling behind 14-0 in the fourth quarter, the Pirates scored on a 51-yard passing play to make it a one-score game. However, a late touchdown helped the Buccaneers pull away for good, winning the game 21-6 at Matanzas High School.
The Pirates, who are averaging 6.3 points per game on offense while surrendering 25.6 ppg, dropped to 2-5 on the season and are 1-2 in district play.
Friday's performance was arguably the defense's best outing of the season. Outside of Matanzas' 6-5 win over Nease and 22-7 win over Seabreeze — which have a combined record of 2-13 — 21 points is the fewest points scored against Matanzas.
Matanzas' first-year head coach tweeted this after the game: "Pirate nation, Two things we learned tonight. Quitting is never the answer and failing is much better than not trying. Although we didn’t win the game we never quit, we never gave up. Much love for all those boys they played with heart tonight!!"
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