Daytona is much more than sun and sand; it is also home of an intense rivalry that is separated by only 7 miles. On one side of the bridge lies Seabreeze, a 6-4 team looking for revenge from last year’s loss to the Bucs. On the other side of the bridge is home to Mainland an 8-2 team loaded with superstars and a powerful offense. The Sandcrabs and Buccaneers both came into this game not only looking for a “W”, but Daytona bragging rights for the year. Mainland proved to be too strong for the Sandcrabs as the Bucs ran away with an impressive 27-13 victory and the right to be called “Kings of Daytona”.

MVP

Quinn Bell

Mainland

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Jackson Shelton

Seabreeze

Jackson Shelton is a two-year varsity letterman on the Seabreeze varsity football team, a four-year letterman on the soccer team, and a four-year letterman on the cross country team. Jackson is a member of the National Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society, and the Academic Boosters Teen Board. He carries a 3.81 GPA and plans on attending a four-year university to pursue a degree in medicine. He is pictured with his parents.

Andrew Ferris

Mainland

Andrew Ferris is a three-year member of the Mainland varsity football team. He is a major force on the offensive line, where he plays right guard. Andrew carries a 4.0 Grade Point Average and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is pictured with his parents as USMC Sgt. Connor presents his award.

HALL OF FAME

Richard Neal

Seabreeze

Richard Neal is a 1994 graduate of Seabreeze and was on the varsity team from 1990 to 1993. During his senior season in 1993, Richard intercepted a pass from rival Mainland and returned it back to the one-yard line. The Sandcrabs would score on the next play. Richard later played linebacker for the Tigers at Auburn University, from 1994-1997. While at Auburn he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Richard currently works and resides in Jacksonville FL with his wife and six children.

James Davis

Mainland

James “Buster” Davis is a 2002 graduate of Mainland High School and was on the varsity team from 1998 to 2001. He played middle linebacker for the Buccaneers and later went on to play for the Seminoles at Florida State University. In 2006, while at FSU, James was First Team All-ACC and Second Team All-American. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2007.

GAME SUMMARY

Mainland came out in the first quarter the same way they have all season, striking first. The Bucs got on the board twice early and never looked back. At most instances, the Bucs offense resembled the legendary Daytona 500, fast and scoring at every opportunity. At the half the Bucs had a convincing 27-0 lead over the Sandcrabs. The Sandcrabs offense couldn't find any breathing room as they watched Quinn Bell, pick apart their undersized defense. Halftime was designated to honor both the scholar athletes and the induction of two well deserving members from each school into the Great American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame. First, SSgt Dominguez presented to Travis Ferris from Mainland, while Sgt Connor presented to Seabreeze's nominee, Shelton Jackson. Both students stood proud at mid-field as their parents thanked the Marines for the award. Following the scholar athlete presentation two very important members from years past were inducted into the prestigious Great American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame. Sgt Connor presented James "Buster" Davis from Mainland with his award. Sgt Connor followed by presenting Richard Neal from Seabreeze with his trophy. Both inductees stood proud as fans from both sides engaged in a standing ovation. Seabreeze came out of the locker room looking to their defense to get them back into the game. Seabreeze's Payne Vincent's interception return to the 22-yard line helped set up Thompson's 1-yard TD run. The Sandcrabs followed that quick score with an onsides kick recovery that led to John Christopher's 9-yard TD reception. That would be the last surge from Seabreeze as soon to be Great American Rivalry Series MVP, Quinn Bell kneeled on the ball, as everyone watched the game clock expire. Quinn Bell led the high powered Bucs with 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. Immediately following the game Sgt Connor rewarded Bell with the MVP trophy and medal. Bell raised the trophy to the sky as he shook hands with Sgt Connor. His teammates cheered ecstatically as they caught a glimpse of the Championship trophy.