For nearly all of the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Mandarin was annually one of the top programs in the area, continually competing for playoff spots and being a physical force to contend with.
That changed with the passing of coach JD Hall and questionable hires following his death, which ran the program down to averaging only two wins a season.
Brian Braddock did the unthinkable last season, not only guiding the Mustangs to their first undefeated regular season but the longest playoff run in the school’s 25 year history.
Prior to last season, the Mustangs were 1-5 all-time in the playoffs, yet Braddock guided the Mustangs to playoff wins over Oviedo 24-20 and undefeated Lake Brantley 20-0, before running into lethal West Orange 41-26 in the Elite 8.
Despite the turn around, Braddock left the program in the winter to take over his alma mater St. Augustine, after longtime legendary coach Joey Wiles stepped down.
With several starters returning, Mandarin turns to new coach Quinn Gray to keep what Braddock started going.
Despite all of the success of the past, the Mustangs have only made back-to-back playoff appearances twice, something the Mustangs will have to overcome again.
Fortunately for Gray, leaders Mekhi Jackson (Sr., RB), Ben Stuckey (Sr., RB/LB) and Aundre Kearney (Sr., RB/LB) are all back and will be heavily counted on both ways. Replacing the offensive line and finding a quarterback were top priorities in the spring for Gray.
One of those questions was answered in the summer when former Fleming Island quarterback Spencer Mollnow transferred in to Mandarin. Mollnow brings a lot of experience to the table and should fit in well with the returning starters.
A demanding non-district schedule that includes games against Atlantic Coast, Ed White and Ribault should have the Mustangs well prepared for district play. How the Mustangs do in those three games will go a long way dictating the season.
While Sandalwood clearly is the team to beat in District 1-8A on paper, don’t count out the Mustangs yet, as they are out to prove last year wasn’t a fluke.
Mandarin Mustangs
Mustangs Out To Prove It Wasn’t A Fluke
Written by Corey Davis
Photo by Kim Hoy
