JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – They’ve been throwing passes to each other since they were kids. Now, they’re breaking records and chasing championships.
Raines quarterback TJ Cole and wide receiver Ziyon Butler are writing their names in the history books as they lead their team into a Class 3A state semifinal showdown against Booker High School.
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it’s, with both players moving to the top spot for some school records. Cole now stands alone as Raines’ all-time leader in both passing yards and touchdowns. His top target, Butler, claimed the school’s career receiving yards mark.
“I didn’t even know where I was in the record,” Cole says with a laugh. “I came to the sideline, they made me sign a little paper that said 100. I’m like, ’100?’ I was lost. Then it hit me when they announced it. It’s just humbling, and I’m glad it’s paying off.”
For Butler, the record-breaking moment came with a bit more anticipation.
“At halftime, they told me I was 10 yards away from breaking the record,” Butler said. “They called a play designed for me, and I made the play. The possession after that, I made an even better play and took the top off.”
And it’s milestones like these that make college football opportunities a reality. With Signing Day on Wednesday, several Vikings put pen to paper on their collegiate futures.
But many on this team have their eyes locked on some unfinished business. Last year’s 41-0 state championship loss to Miami Northwestern still stings, and it’s fueling their playoff run.
“The work that we put in all summer, just getting back there is the goal, but the ultimate goal is to win it,” Cole said. “We came for that vengeance. It’s really our revenge tour.”
As Friday’s semifinal against Booker approaches, there’s no shortage of confidence on the Vikings’ sideline.
“Coach [Masline] has prepared us well. He’s prepared the defense well,” Cole said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Raines goes out there and dominates and takes that step to the state championship game.”
That confidence comes from years of chemistry. These aren’t just teammates – they’re childhood friends who grew up dreaming of moments like this.
As they prepare for their final games in Vikings uniforms, Butler has some advice for the younger players who’ll follow in their footsteps:
“Keep God first, keep working. That’s the main thing for real. Keep working, you know it’s gonna come.”