DarterBlue2

I think Deerfield's problem is in their heads. They don't believe they are worthy so they have a culture of losing when the going gets tough. I have seen very talented DB teams lose games they had every reason to win. Until they show me they are for real, I can't take them seriously. It's amazing that a team that can beat St. Thomas more than once during the regular season can't win one 8A title.

It's based on who they have on paper.

In 2005, they had their first and only state title appearance after upsetting the Bulls in the semifinals. Unfortunately they melted down in the title game losing by over 20 points as they gave up 48 to Palm Beach Gardens. In their semis, PBG had eked out a 10-7 win over Winter Park. So DB came into the title game a heavy favorite. And PBG proceeded to run the ball up and down the field on them. In 2003, DB was undefeated and at home against a three loss Edgewater in the semifinal with an SEC D1 QB. And guess what? He tossed an interception on DB's first drive which was converted for 6. Edgewater never gave up the lead on its way to a showdown against Carol City.

I have not. The closest I have been is: St. Augustine and Fletcher. But I am not surprised, it is in an affluent suburb of the Jacksonville metro area. Sort of like a Lake Mary, perhaps? I figured I would make the trip because in years past, this is exactly the kind of team that would give Apopka's defense a lot of trouble. I want to see how the current secondary responds to an air assault. They have looked promising so far, but I see this as a real test of how far this Darter team can go this year.

This is a coin flip. If one team wins big, I would be surprised. I am making the trip to St. John's County to watch Apopka take on Bartram Trail. This is an interesting match-up.

Unless DP improves a lot, they are not final 4 candidates this year. Osceola and Vero Beach both better at this stage. Palm Beach Central is hyped in Region 3, but I don't think they make it there either. Regarding Dwyer, I don't think they get past St. Thomas Aquinas. In 8A, Region 1, I will get back to you after the next two weeks.

They are not way down. Not quite as good as last year, but not far from it. Last year was over hyped; this year, Jones is under the radar. It is hard to score more than two touchdowns against Wekiva.

Sorry to hear that. I believe he is a senior. Would be hard to sit out your senior season.

Now if the truth be known, Cypress Creek is horrible at football and many other sports. In the 20 years I have followed Central Florida football, they have made the playoffs once, and with brothers who were allowed to play for them since their school did not play football. But still, nice. Amare Stoudemire payed his senior year of basketball there, and they barely made the .500 mark that year. Consider that the next year, Amare was in the NBA making waves, and that says all you need to know ...

Yes, but most years Venice would not have even had a chance. Last year STA was just good, but beatable.

STA is usually very good. Last year was the exception. Venice got lucky!

I expected that.

Sorry for the loss. I was pulling for DP. And Lee is nowhere near as good as North Gwinnett or Colquit. Florida may end up getting stomped by Georgia.

We will know better after another two or three games. Talent does not hide for long; nor does mediocrity escape scrutiny.

Deland is going to be pretty solid this year. I am not that surprised as Mainland was not very impressive against Apopka last week. I think that unless Mainland makes a lot of improvement they will be one and done in the playoffs this year.

Damn!

Edgewater beat Bishop Moore in a defensive struggle played with intensity but marred by penalties 24-20. The game lasted 3:33 minutes and was decided when Edgewater sacked the BM QB on fourth and long with less than 40 seconds left in the game. Edgewater has a ton of very good athletes, but shot themselves in the foot with penalties. BM took advantage of their opportunities despite being outgunned talent wise and came close to gutting out the win. Both teams are solid playoff caliber teams but will have difficult paths to Camping World Stadium. Still it would not be out of the question for either or both to make a deep run.

Either CC is the real deal or AHP is way down. Not surprised by who won, but surprised by the ease of victory.

I like this game. If I were over in Tampa I would go see it. Think it has the makings of a great game!

Palm Beach Central vs Atlantic should be an interesting game. Would say a lot about PBC's prospects for the season.

Man, that's straight up abuse you setting Panther up for man.

No time to take in a game there? If you are in the Houston area, some good football be played there.

Gunnar Smith looks very good on film for a freshman QB. I see he played his Pop Warner in the Lake Brantley system. Kid has a shot at being very good.

As long as you win district, you probably get a first round home game against a so so team. But unless Vero improves a lot during the season, it's going to get tough to get beyond the second round. Last year's Vero team looked better from out the gate.

Either Jones at Wekiva or the Edgewater/Bishop Moore game. I am an Apopka fan, but not sure I can stomach the beat down Ocoee is going to get.