- April 15, 2024
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Denzel Houston and Brian Jenkins celebrate their second touchdown connection against Flagler Palm Coast. Photos by Jeff Dawsey
Scott Wilson has led the Bucs to a 62-9 record since becoming head coach. Photos by Jeff Dawsey
"I was just like a lot of them. If it weren't for football and my grades, I wouldn't have gone to college because my parents couldn't afford it. Seeing our coaching staff's vision come alive is the greatest feeling." Assistant coach Terrance Anthony
When it comes to the gridiron, the Mainland Buccaneers are doing something right. Established longevity makes that evident. But the Bucs’ success doesn’t stop with wins at the prep level. They’re taking their success further, and it begins with the coaches and administration.
Early Tuesday morning, head coach Scott Wilson held meetings with three of his seniors and their parents, where they discussed academic goals. He does this for all of his seniors. Getting his kids to the next level is a priority he and his staff emphasize, along with Principal Cheryl Salerno, whom he calls the unsung hero to the football program’s success.
“She has such a hands-on impact with these boys,” Wilson said, “and her commitment to creating great men out of these young student-athletes is unprecedented.”
Like Salerno, Wilson and all of his coaches are engaged with player development, from the best players to the ones who may never see the field. All are required to attend and give 100% at their many practices, and the coaches make sure that happens.
Successful players on all levels often post on social media the differences Mainland coaches have made in their lives, and now the nation is beginning to see the fruit.
College kudos
The Bucs have invaded collegiate football. There are 31 active Mainland players from the JUCO level to Division I. This past weekend, Adrian Killins, now a freshman at the University of Central Florida, tied a school record with his 87-yard touchdown run against No. 4 Michigan. And Jachai Polite – a Gator – also capitalized on his limited snaps by sacking Kentucky’s quarterback and forcing a fumble. These are just a few highlights from this past weekend, and it doesn’t stop there.
The big leagues
The Bucs also have players making an impact in the National Football League. New York Jets’ and Leonard Williams began his season with 2.5 sacks against Cincinnati, and Atlanta Falcons’ Ricardo Allen finished his game with seven tackles.
“A lot of times when you do the things behind the scenes, you have to have faith in what you’re doing,” Wilson said. “It’s moments like this that give you energy and life to continue doing them. The payments for a lot of the work we coaches do usually don’t come until later, but these kinds of moments lets you know you’re doing it right.”
Meet the staff: head coach Scott Wilson; assistant coaches Terry Anthony, Arin Hankerd, Travis Roland, Jonathan Brown, Danny Stein, Dan Lundy, A.J. Mallory, Fred Nolan, Arthur Westbrook, Bo Sadusk, Harrington Smith, Mike Tomlinson, Victor Campbell, Joe Martin, Shelton Willis, Willie Oglesby, Dan Carr, Ethan Simpson, La’Twan Ferguson.
ICYMI: Mainland downs FPC
The Mainland Buccaneers (3-0) defeated the Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs 41-16 on Friday, Sept. 9, at Daytona Municipal Stadium.
Denzel Houston accounted for four of Mainland’s six touchdowns, running for one and throwing three to Shawn Daffin and Brian Jenkins (twice). C.J. Wilson rushed for a touchdown, and Dennis Shorter returned a fumble for a score.
