Path to title game has been worth it for Raines coach Donovan Masline
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Donovan Masline’s first season leading his alma mater was challenging. Promoted from defensive coordinator, he took over for the most successful coach in Raines history, Deran Wiley. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck, disrupting everything. Instead of celebrating victories, Masline navigated a tough season that ended with a 4-7 record, marking Raines’ first sub-.500 finish since 2008.
After a recent thrilling 28-23 victory over Sarasota Booker, which sent Raines (13-0) to the Class 3A state championship game against Miami Northwestern (11-2) at FIU’s Pitbull Stadium, Masline reflected on that tough year. He understood that to truly appreciate the highs, one must first endure the lows. For Raines, 2020 was indeed a valley.
“We’ve been working to get to this point since I took over in 2020, and now that we’re here, we’re humble, excited, we’re hungry, and then determined to come home with the state championship,” Masline stated.
As a Vikings product, Masline is well aware of the standards at 3663 Raines Avenue. This familiarity is what made 2020 so difficult for him, but now in 2024, he finds himself reaping the rewards of perseverance. He has tried to savor every moment of the journey, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Wiley. The ultimate goal has always been a championship, yet neither coach stepped into a role with a ready-made team for success.
During Wiley’s tenure, the pressure of coaching his alma mater was immense. In 2011, the Vikings ended Bolles’ state record 91-game district winning streak, only to lose to them in the playoffs. Raines finally beat Bolles in the postseason to reach their first state title game since 1997, but they suffered a harsh defeat against Miami Booker T. Washington, losing 43-23 in the 2015 championship game.
When Raines returned to the title game in 2017, with Masline as part of the coaching staff, it felt like a cycle was complete. The Vikings had paid their dues and triumphed over Cocoa with a close 13-10 victory, securing the second championship in school history. They duplicated their success in 2018, defeating Cocoa 27-13. This achievement marked the only back-to-back titles by a public school team in Duval County history, the first public school repeat champs since Union County accomplished three straight wins from 1994 to 1996.
The titles were gratifying, but the journey made them even sweeter. Masline’s own coaching journey has been cyclical since taking over in 2020, transitioning the Vikings from a 4-7 record to experiencing playoff losses against Wakulla and back-to-back defeats to Bolles.
This season, however, has felt different. Raines decisively beat Bolles in Week 1 and dominated Wakulla (63-7) in the second round of playoffs. Both had been significant obstacles for Masline, and overcoming them has fostered optimistic expectations for Saturday night. As the championship match looms, he joins the ranks of former Raines coaches poised at this pivotal moment.
Jimmie Johnson experienced that walk in 1973 but fell short. Welton Coffey enjoyed victory in his first year in 1997. Wiley made three championship appearances, securing two titles. Masline approaches the championship game ready to relish every moment.
“I was thinking about that last night while washing the uniforms. That time is to reflect and meditate on our journey and what we must do to improve,” he shared.
“Many coaches spend over 20 years hoping for a chance to play in a state title game. I feel very humbled to be in this position and am thankful for the opportunity to serve as the program’s head coach. Many coaches toil for years to reach this moment, and I don’t take it lightly. I don’t take it for granted.”
