JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Raines Vikings are marching into the second round of the playoffs with an undefeated record.
But despite a 43-6 victory over Baker County in the opening round, defensive tackle Ge’Terius Brown sees room for improvement.
Raines defensive tackle Ge’Terius Brown is also a member of the National Honor Society. (Elijah Morris/WJXT)
“It was kind of rocky. I feel like we didn’t execute as much as we should have,” said Brown, referring to penalties and team cohesion issues that he believes need addressing as the playoffs progress.
Head Coach Donovan Masline shares his senior defender’s high standards while maintaining perspective on the win.
“We got the W, that’s all that matters. We’ll fix the mistakes,” Masline said.
Head Coach Donovan Masline (Elijah Morris/WJXT)
Brown, also known as “Agent Zero” for his jersey number, has been a force in the Vikings’ defensive line, recording three fumble recoveries this season, including one returned for a touchdown. Alongside fellow defensive lineman Troy Butler, the duo has formed a formidable partnership in the trenches.
“I’ll tell you what – it’s better to prepare with them than to prepare for them,” Masline said of his defensive line tandem. “Those are two guys that play with a high motor. They don’t get tired, and most importantly, their production level is very high.”
Brown described his relationship with Butler and the defensive line as a family.
“Troy, he’s a ball player. That kid’s special, as well as the whole D-Line. We’re all brothers. We get after it,” Brown said.
Raines defensive tackle Ge’Terius Brown and defensive lineman Troy Butler have formed a formidable partnership in the trenches. (Elijah Morris/WJXT)
Brown’s motivation extends beyond his on-field performance. As a member of the National Honor Society, maintaining As and Bs in his classes, he is the student-athlete ideal that Masline said he wants to cultivate in his program.
“Growing up in our neighborhoods in our cities, we don’t want our kids to become statistics,” Masline explained. “They’ll defy the odds, and he’s doing a great job of it. He comes from great parents and great grandparents, and we’re just excited and proud of what he’s been doing so far.”
As the oldest of five siblings, Brown takes his role as big brother seriously.
“It’s very important to me because I have to set an example for all my younger siblings,” Brown said. “Keep them on the right path. I just need to be a role model and show them the right way to go.”
Raines defensive tackle Ge’Terius Brown (Elijah Morris/WJXT)
With college football in his future, Brown remains focused on leading the Vikings through the playoffs. Last year’s playoff exit still motivates him to push harder this season.
“I was in a tough spot last year when we lost,” he said. “I felt bad, so I don’t want to have that feeling again, and I don’t want to go to college without a ring.”
The Vikings will continue their championship pursuit as they host West Florida on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the next round of the playoffs.
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