Bright House Sports Network’s preseason countdown of the Top 20 football teams in Central Florida continues today with No. 2.
No. 2 Mainland Buccaneers
Head Coach: Scott Wilson
2013 Record: 12-2 (lost to Miami Central 28-15 in 6A state semifinals)
Key Returners: S A.J. Westbrook, LB/DL Marcus Brunson, DL Jachai Polite, DL Kevin McCrary, OL Marcus Tatum, CB Meiko Dotson, WR Kaylo Hannah,
Key Losses: ATH Trey Rodriguez, LB Ricky Norris, LB Kalik Williams, SS D.J. Copeland, CB Chris Scott
Kickoff Classic: at Lake Mary, 7:30 (Aug. 22)
Team Outlook: Coming off an appearance in the state semifinals, the Buccaneers project to have one of their most talented rosters in program history. Mainland has made 20 consecutive playoff appearances, tied for fourth most in Florida. The Bucs are stacked on defense with Brunson, Florida State-commit Westbrook and blue-chip juniors Polite and McCrary. There is a void to fill at linebacker with the graduation of Williams and Norris, who both recorded more than 100 tackles last year. Mainland plans to use a more fast paced offense this season with sophomore Denzel Houston at the controls. Four starters return along the offensive line, which will be one of the biggest in Central Florida. The Bucs play a challenging schedule that includes games against 5A champ Plantation American Heritage, 5A semifinalist Lake Wales and 8A power Fort Pierce Central.