HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PRIMER: Mainland, DeLand settle Volusia-Flagler supremacy in opener
Volusia County's two expected high school football championship contenders open the 2023 season with a highly anticipated head-to-head battle Friday night.
Aiming for a second straight trip to the title game, Mainland heads west to face resurgent DeLand, which looks to defend the district crown it won after ending a decade-long drought last fall. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Spec Martin Stadium.
The Buccaneers begin the fall ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Florida Sports Network's poll for Class 3S, while the host Bulldogs are slotted ninth in Class 4S. Unsurprisingly, they are also the top pair of teams in the preseason Volusia-Flagler power rankings as well.
Embracing expectations: Mainland takes aim at football state title with speedy QB, 4-star D-lineman
'We're definitely better': DeLand seeks district title defense behind these three players
Points were plentiful when these teams locked horns a year ago. Allen Reed returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown for DeLand, but Damarcus Creecy threw for 301 yards and the dynamic receiving duo of James Randle and Ajai Harrell combined for six touchdowns in a 42-29 at Daytona Stadium.
DeLand averaged 32.8 points per game offensively as it ran the table in District 9-4S and pushed eventual region champ Osceola to the brink in the opening round of the playoffs. Mainland scored 31.1 per game on its path to Fort Lauderdale, winning postseason road bouts against Rockledge, Jensen Beach and Dunbar.
3 things to keep an eye on
Strength versus strength
There is a case to be made that the area's top offense (DeLand) will match wits with its best defense (Mainland).
DeLand's predominantly single-wing attack is tough to slow down, and will provide one heck of a conditioning test in the trenches over the course of four quarters each week. TJ Moore's power blends nicely with Javon Ross' elusiveness, and Wyatt Darlington can pop up at any moment for a direct snap to plow ahead.
Mainland coach Travis Roland has said he would put his defensive line up against anyone's in Florida. Christian Hudson tormented Matanzas last week, Ramon McCollough racked up 35 tackles for loss and then there's coveted four-star senior LJ McCray with an entire offseason's worth of defensive tutelage and preparation under his belt.
2. DeLand's defensive front
It might not have the same reputation or amount of Division I offers as Mainland's group, but DeLand's defensive line deserves recognition as well.
MJ Smokes is regarded as an "alpha dog" in the trenches. A state wrestling placer among Class 3A heavyweights, the 6-foot-1, 245-pounder led the team with 21 TFLs and six sacks.
DeLand coach Rick Darlington offered high praise of newcomer Caleb Oliver in the early days of fall camp. He recorded 24 tackles (12 solo) with eight TFLs as a two-way performer for Deltona.
"(Oliver)'s really good, and he goes about his business," Rick Darlington said. "He doesn't cause drama, he's not a motor-mouth. He sits in that corner of the locker room, and when it's time to practice he practices. But he's really good."
BJ Campbell and Wyatt Dunne round out the group. It will face one of the better offensive lines that Mainland has assembled in some time.
3. Mainland's fresh offensive faces
While not a total reload offensively, Mainland is certainly going to look different than it did during its run to the Class 3S final.
Starting behind center, Dennis Murray Jr. transferred from Flagler Palm Coast at the start of the summer and got some work in with his new group of receivers during 7-on-7 tournaments at UCF and Florida. Murray threw for 1,516 yards, rushed for 799 and accounted for 28 touchdowns as the Bulldogs won their district.
Murray threw a 33-yard touchdown to Marquis McCants, and ran for a 16-yard score within the opening quarter in the team's kickoff classic win over Matanzas last week.
His supporting cast is largely comprised of newcomers, save for Clarence McCloud — the Bucs' third-leading receiver with 53 receptions, 489 yards and three TDs. Tyree Weatherspoon, who recently claimed a verbal offer from Miami, could fulfill the field-stretcher role with his size (6-4, 185), speed and catch radius.
As for the running backs, Corey Hill was with Mainland last year but sidelined due to injury. Rodney Hill, a Tulane linebacker commit, profiles as the short-yardage option. He rushed for a go-ahead touchdown in Mainland's spring game against West Orange.
Staff picks
Chris Boyle (@ChrisBoyleDBNJ): Mainland 20, DeLand 15.
Chris Vinel (@ChrisAVinel): Mainland 27, DeLand 22.
Ryan Pritt (@RPritt): Mainland 28, DeLand 17
Other games
Seabreeze at Spruce Creek, 7
Another typically annual all-Volusia Week 1 clash, Spruce Creek has gotten the better of Seabreeze for most of the last decade. Hawks junior receiver Tony Kinsler torched the Sandcrabs for 174 yards and three touchdowns on five receptions in last year's 21-14 victory. First-year Seabreeze coach Lester Davis intends to "bring that old thing back" and restore glory to his alma mater, two seasons removed from a district title and a trip to the FHSAA playoffs. Denali Campbell scored twice in last week's kickoff jamboree with Viera and New Smyrna Beach.
Picks — Boyle: Spruce Creek 26-16, Vinel: Spruce Creek 28-14, Pritt: Spruce Creek 35-13.
Hagerty at University, 7
Hagerty handled University 28-7 in last year's opener, but this is a much stronger group of Titans. Malachi Walters is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, and coming off a four-touchdown performance against Auburndale. Jermane Hayes is a dangerous after-the-catch receiver, and first-year coach Justin Roberts will embrace a 'hot hand' approach with his four-man backfield. The visiting Huskies must cope with replacing three-year starting quarterback Anthony Benzija, who threw for 4,600 career yards and 38 touchdowns.
Picks — Boyle: University 37-20, Vinel: Hagerty 28-21, Pritt: University 34-27.
Matanzas at South Lake, 7
Jackson Lundahl (425 passing yards, seven TDs, three interceptions in '22) started the kickoff classic at quarterback and is in line to do so again in Matanzas' opener with Dakwon Evans recovering from a hand injury, Pirates coach Matt Forrest said. Hoping to improve upon last year's 5-5 record, the Pirates have a strong group of seniors at the skill position spots, including Cole Hash, Sho'marion Gaines and Jordan Mills. South Lake returns all five starters along the offensive line, intent to open lanes for Kevens Charles, Tyrese Thompson and others.
Picks — Boyle: Matanzas 28-14, Vinel: Matanzas 21-7, Pritt: Matanzas 20-17.
Tavares at Atlantic, 7
Determined to finish the job this time around after falling to Crescent City with the District 8-2S title on the line, Atlantic's 1-2 rushing punch of Kwasie Kwaku Jr. and Preston Kuznof should give opposing defenses trouble. The Sharks averaged 230.4 yards on the ground last fall, working primarily out of the single wing. Tavares hopes for a fresh start after going 0-10 and scoring just 70 points a season ago. Senior outside linebacker Micah Doster is one of six returning starters, and the Bulldogs will have three offensive linemen back to protect DJ Coleman.
Picks — Boyle: Atlantic 44-7, Vinel: Atlantic 34-8, Pritt: Atlantic 49-16.
Winter Springs at Pine Ridge, 7
Longtime Central Florida assistants Tim Dycus (Winter Springs) and Eric Poyner (Pine Ridge) start their second years in charge of their respective teams in search of win No. 1. Pine Ridge scored more points in the first half of last week's preseason win over Celebration (38) than the entirety of its 2022 regular season (26). Chris Boddie broke free for three rushing touchdowns. Winter Springs possesses a talented sophomore class, including linebacker Jorden Federick, but underwent a similar trial by fire — losing its 10 contests by a combined score of 404-46.
Picks — Boyle: Pine Ridge 34-27, Vinel: Pine Ridge 13-7, Pritt: Pine Ridge 10-6.
New Smyrna Beach (0-0) at East River (0-0), 7
Armoni Spurlock gave New Smyrna Beach six points within 15 seconds in its exhibition with Seabreeze, returning the opening kickoff 94 yards. The Barracudas produced six more points the rest of the evening, but edged Merritt Island in the second, one-half scrimmage. East River made a late coaching change, hiring Winter Park assistant Antonio Hernandez near the end of July. Caden Harmon and Billy Billingsly battled throughout camp for the QB1 spot.
Picks — Boyle: NSB 24-9, Vinel: NSB 20-13, Pritt: East River 21-14.
Deltona at Merritt Island, 7
Deltona is starting largely from scratch this fall, with a new coach (Matt Martin) and young roster following graduation and transfer turnover. Desean Fludd, a 6-foot-4 sophomore receiver, has the potential to become a real weapon for the Wolves. Merritt Island, by contrast, has plenty of experience with more than 30 juniors on the team. Offensive tackle Gabe Arnold is the most high-profile of the Mustangs' nine seniors; the 6-foot-6, 290-pounder is committed to Western Kentucky.
Picks — Boyle: Merritt Island 41-0, Vinel: Merritt Island 22-12, Pritt: Merritt Island 30-7.
P.K. Yonge at Father Lopez, 7
Father Lopez, under the leadership of new coach Matt Nasser, features a solid linebacking tandem in Boston Milligan and AJ Maxey. The duo combined for 154 tackles and 28 TFLs. Jacob Lohman will be at the controls of the offense, with Lech Sweeney, Jonathan Felton and Dylan Tocci among the targets. Regional rival P.K. Yonge qualified for the playoffs with a 3-7 record, and handled Holy Trinity Episcopal in the semifinal round. The Blue Wave lost its starting QB as junior Adrian Curtis transferred to nearby Eastside.
Picks — Boyle: P.K. Yonge 34-13, Vinel: Lopez 26-21, Pritt: P.K. Yonge 24-16.
Taylor at Trinity Prep, 7
Changing offensive philosophy at the start of the fall, Taylor coach Antuarn Williams will implement the flexbone triple-option scheme in an attempt to consistenty stay ahead of the chains. Led by Anthony Miler's three touchdowns, Taylor blanked Trinity Prep 30-0 to begin its 2022 season; it then lost each of its last nine games, and scored 45 more points the rest of the way. However, the Saints are under new leadership, a familiar face to Volusia County football fans in former University coach Brian Kells.
Picks — Boyle: Taylor 21-7, Vinel: Taylor 24-6, Pritt: Taylor 26-13.
Halifax at Aucilla Christian (1-0), 7
Tola Dixon is again the cornerstone of Halifax's offense, though it appears he will be utilized more as a slot receiver for the Knights. Jeremiah Barthelemy will complement him as the team's top rushing option. William Bell enters his third year as head coach, aiming to improve on last year's 2-8 finish. Aucilla Christian already has a win on the board after going up to Pinehurst, Ga., and defeating Fullington Academy 20-7. Ben Gamalero, Landon LaRosa and Josh Agner scored a touchdown apiece for the Warriors.
Picks — Boyle: Aucilla Christian 40-12, Vinel: Aucilla Christian 26-16, Pritt: Aucilla Christian 45-7.
Trinity Christian at American Collegiate, 7
Trinity Christian coach Bill Cosens was pleased with his team's ability to pick up yardage between the tackles, but the Eagles struggled to slow down West Oaks last week. Sophomore Davari MacKey led the Eagles in rushing as a freshman with 213 yards, gaining 4.6 per carry. American Collegiate prevailed only once last year, but the Clearwater outfit pushed itself against a handful of top private-school opponents, including Tampa Catholic, IMG Academy, Victory Christian and Clearwater Academy International.
Picks — Boyle: American Collegiate 48-0, Vinel: American Collegiate 18-12, Pritt: American Collegiate 22-6.
Flagler Palm Coast at Suwannee, 7:30
Suwannee shook off a Week 1 loss to FPC, albeit a result that was later overturned via forfeit, and went on a tear last October. It won eight in a row, including impressive victories over Wakulla and Bradford, before bowing out in the Region 1-2S final to Florida High. As for FPC, it's a new era under former Father Lopez coach Daniel Fish. Sophomore La'Darius Simmons will draw the start at quarterback, and the Bulldogs also have some of the area's top players at running back (Marcus Mitchell) and defensive end (Colby Cronk).
Picks — Boyle: Suwannee 31-20, Vinel: FPC 21-17, Pritt: FPC 17-14.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: High school football: Mainland, DeLand headline Week 1 picks, previews
