DAYTONA BEACH - The Middleburg Broncos suffered a 34–13 defeat against the Mainland High Buccaneers at the Daytona Stadium in the first round of the FHSAA 5A football playoffs on Friday, Oct. 14.

The Broncos held the game to a 15-7 halftime score.

"That's a top tier program and I think we held our own," said Middleburg High coach Ryan Wolfe. "When you get in the playoffs in Florida, we're getting the best players around. We had a good plan, we held a lead and we were close. They had a great quarterback, a gigantic offensive line that was best we've seen. That's why they are the two seed and a state champion team (2023)."

Despite the loss, senior Gino Addison was Middleburg’s standout player, racking up 81 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His relentless running helped him finish his high school career on a high note, tallying two scores in the game.

Mainland had an astounding 32 postseason in a row and was looking to get past the first-round exit of 2024 as were the Broncos who have four straight region appearances—all with first round losses. Mainland won the Class 5A title in 2023.

"I think we put it out there where we are at," Wolfe said. "Now we beat the four seed (Beachside), we beat Fleming Island, we beat NFEI (region playoffs). I don't go for moral victories, but we just stayed in the fight with a state championship program."

Wolfe also added that losing marquee players from regular season injuries; offensive lineman Jake Carter and middle linebacker Mason Peevy recently, had an effect.

"When you lose players of that caliber, that's a big deal," Wolfe said. "Younger kids stepped up and we got here."

Middleburg entered Friday night’s matchup after a strong season (finishing 8–2) and aimed to knock off the second seed in the 5A playoffs. The game, played 90 minutes away at Bethune-Cookman’s home stadium, started in Middleburg’s favor as the Broncos jumped to a 7–0 lead. However, momentum shifted in the second quarter, and the Buccaneers ultimately took control.

Under the Friday night lights in an impressive playoff setting, the Broncos arrived ready to compete. They stepped off charter buses carrying flags representing American service branches and red smoke flares as they made their entrance onto the turf.

Middleburg won the coin toss and elected to start on defense, which delivered early with a three-and-out on Mainland’s first drive. The Broncos then drove 60 yards downfield, aided by two receptions for 51 yards from senior Jordan Williams. Addison capped the drive with a five-yard sweep to the left, breaking two tackles before powering into the end zone for the opening touchdown.

"We had a good plan, but, again, that's a two seed that may be playing for a state title," Wolfe said.

Mainland scored off a 28-yard touchdown run from running back Braylyn Simmons, but Mainland's point extra failed as the Broncos held a 7-6 advantage into the second quarter.

In the third quarter, Mainland quarterback Sebastian Johnson hit a 52-yard scoring bomb to wide out Chris Butler. Simmons would finish with 132 yards on 17 carries with third quarter scores of three and nine yards.

The Broncos kicked back to Mainland and stopped them again—this time thanks to senior DE Darius Swilley on a fourth-down attempt. Things looked promising for Middleburg, but the offense struggled to convert on third downs in the second quarter and beyond.

The Broncos passing game only accounted for 81 yards with Addison rushing for the same 81 yards.

Senior quarterback Mason Bacus endured several hard hits throughout the game, including one that sidelined him briefly in the first drive. He returned and continued to battle, showing grit until a fourth-quarter hit forced him out for good. Sophomore QB Dalton Motes stepped in and displayed poise, completing several passes—including a perfectly placed back-shoulder throw that appeared to be a toe-tapping touchdown by Williams but was ruled incomplete.

Motes is a name to watch heading into next season as a potential difference-maker under center.

Middleburg, which finished an incredible season at 8–3, will look to build on its success in the 2026–27 campaign, aiming for a district championship and a home playoff game.