Field Goal Propels Mainland

TALLAHASSEE – When Jacob Gettman's 37-yard field goal was blocked and returned for a touchdown in the first quarter, the Daytona Beach Mainland senior had no idea that his second opportunity would mean everything to his team and head coach Travis Roland.

Down 19-18 with two seconds left on the clock in the 3S state title game at Bragg Memorial Field at Florida A&M University, Gettman was called on for a 23-yard game winner.

The 21-19 win was the second state title for the Buccaneers who last won in 2003, beating Naples in Gainesville.

It didn't take St. Augustine long to get on the scoreboard when Trenton Jones took 96 yards for a 7-0 Yellow Jacket.

Special teams continued to play a big part when Gettman's field goal attempt from 37 yards was blocked by Ja'kai Singleton and returned 67 yards by Marquice King. The extra point was no good and they held a 13-0 with :50 left in the opening quarter.

Mainland got on the board with 8:06 left in the third quarter when quarterback Dennis Murray scored on a 15-yard keep. The point after failed and the Buccaneers trailed, 13-6.

Mainland drew within one point (13-12) with :31 left in the third quarter on a 4-yard run by Rodney Hill Rodney Hill 5'10" | 205 lbs | LB Daytona Beach Mainland | 2024 State FL . The two-point conversion failed.

The Buccaneers extended the lead to 18-13 with 10:24 left in the fourth quarter when Murray went 44 yards for a score. The point after once again was no good.

When Wake Forest commit Locklan Hewlett Locklan Hewlett 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB St. Augustine | 2025 State FL found junior receiver Carl Jenkins Carl Jenkins 6'3" | 165 lbs | WR St. Augustine | 2025 FL from 52-yards out with 8:40 left, it gave the Yellow Jackets a 19-18 advantage, which lasted to the final seconds.

Offensively, Murray finished with 170 yards on the ground and 210 yards through the air. Khamani Robinson finished with 22 carries for 101 yards. Marquis McCants ended up with 6 receptions for 95 yards.

For the Yellow Jackets, Hewlett completed 11 passes for 126 yards. Jenkins had 4 catches for 72 yards and Jones finished with 4 catches for 39 yards. Devonte Lyons Devonte Lyons 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB St. Augustine | 2024 FL had 74 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Dennis King and Rodney Hill Rodney Hill 5'10" | 205 lbs | LB Daytona Beach Mainland | 2024 State FL had six tackles for Mainland.

The Yellow Jackets were led by Braylon James (13 tackles), Singleton (9 tackles), Drake Lusk (9 tackles) and Kyon Wilcox (8 tackles).

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You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.