ORLANDO, Fla. – The dream of bringing home another state title will have to wait for Raines as the Vikings fell to Booker T. Washington 43-23 in the Class 4A championship game.
Raines took a 23-22 lead when Augie Dibase hit a streaking Dalvin Storey for a 25 yard TD.It was all downhill from there for the Vikings as the Tornadoes scored 21 unanswered points aided by two defensive touchdowns.
Vikings linebacker Michael Pinckney blamed the loss on Raines lack of execution.
"We came out here and we didn't execute as a team," Pinckney said. "I'm just sad that we gave it away they didn't take from us we gave it away. I can't live with that."
It was Raines first appearance in the title game since 1997. The Vikings finally got past their nemesis Bolles in the playoffs this year. Head coach Deran Wiley still looks on the year as a success.
"My heart is heavy for them because the guys wanted to finish strong," Wiley said. "The outcome was not to our benefit but I will tell you these are some great guys. We've overcome a whole lot just to get here."
Raines finishes the year 12-2 while Booker T. Washington becomes the third school in FHSAA history to win four consecutive state titles.