While teams across the region kicked off their high school football seasons Friday night, the Raines Vikings found themselves in an uncomfortable position – sitting in the stands, watching other teams take the field.
“Not a good feeling at all,” wide receiver Ziyon Butler said. “We were supposed to be out there playing.”
The Vikings, last year’s state runner-up, had their season opener against Miami Central cancelled, forcing them to delay the start of their 2025 campaign. For senior Shareef Jackson, being a spectator was difficult.
“It just hurts my soul to see people out there playing,” Jackson said. “I love to watch football, but I love to play football. Watching people make plays that I know I can make – it’s heartbreaking.”
The Vikings won’t have to wait much longer. They’ll finally take the field on Friday at 6:30 p.m., hosting Sandalwood at The Graveyard. Head Coach Donovan Masline said the unexpected bye week has the team motivated in practice.
“We wanna win Monday through Thursday,” Masline said. “Ultimately working hard, practicing hard throughout the week and preparing like a champion. We feel like we can win throughout the week and then Friday is fun day – Fun Football Friday.”
Masline said the team is ready to put their best foot forward. He said he wants those who watch the Vikings play to remember them for their discipline, speed, physicality and togetherness.
After coming up just short of a state title last season, the team has set the bar high.
“I want everyone to know this team has been through so much trials and tribulations,” Jackson stated. “At the end, I want everybody to say this is the best team to come through Raines, so every day we’re gonna keep stacking it until that goal is accomplished.”