DarterBlue2

How could I forget the Red Raiders? Edison has actually had some good soccer teams recently. If a knowledgeable staff took over, they could compete for a state title with the Haitian and Hispanic kids they have there.

I think Booker T is in 4A. But other than that, your groupings seem stop on.

The comparison would make more sense if he included Dade/Broward 8A public schools with the Orlando area public schools. The two areas probably comprise about 75% of all the 8A schools as only Palm Beach County elsewhere has a decent number.

Sure, when I referenced 8A, I meant largest class. Once Central, Northwestern in particular, and you can add Norland and Carol City, no longer played in the largest class that presented an opening for the Orlando area. To be honest, though, Central Florida in recent times has a much better track record in Basketball, winning titles both in the larger classes (public schools) and smaller classes, private schools. It is only in the last then to fifteen years that the Orlando area has become consistently competitive in football.

Probably more in the Orlando area. But that is mostly due to the fact that all the public schools except for: Jones, Lake Nona and Edgewater in Orange, and Lake Howell and Hagerty in Seminole are in 8A. Now Osceola does have more non 8A public schools than 8A. But it is the smallest of the three counties population wise. In Miami/Dade, a fairly large number of the public schools are in lower classifications.

When Central, Northwestern and Norland were in 8A, Dade. Currently, I would give a slight edge to the Orlando area. I am, frankly, surprised that no 8A Miami School has stepped in to fill the void by attracting talent from the high talent 6A schools there. Perhaps with Sedric Irvin now at Southridge, they will be the ones. We shall see!

in terms of population, that's about right. Miami/Dade County is a good deal bigger than Orange County.

It's a close call, but probably Winter Park who have had good teams and bad ones over the years.

And why is Dr. Phillips missing from the Orlando five? They are a rival, but have been consistently been one of the three best area teams for years now!

Yeah, it was an easy workout for the Apopka offense. University showed sparks of being decent on both sides of the ball, but eventually just did not have enough to make the half competitive. During the four quarters of play, the Apopka defense recovered two fumbles (one each against Pine Ridge and University), and an interception against University. University's second score was recorded after they recovered a fumble by the Apopka second stringers late in the second quarter of their game and then drove the ball nicely against the backups on defense. Their attempted extra point was blocked by the Apopka special teams. I expect the KOC against Mainland should be a lot more competitive and hope you attend, as I intend to do so myself. We can grab some wings and brew before or after the game if you are up to it. That game should be a good benchmark of where the two team stand going into the season.

Took place at Deltona Pine Ridge School. It featured: Apopka, Orange City University and the host team Pine Ridge. Orange City University in the past three years is probably the best Central Florida team to not make the playoffs. Pine Ridge, on the other hand, has been an average team at best. Each team played two quarters with the other two teams. In the first two quarters against Pine Ridge, Apopka scored on five of its six possessions winning 35-7. In the final six and a half minutes of the second quarter, Apopka cleared its bench but was still able to score with its second stringers in. In its second two quarters against Orange City University, Apopka scored on six of its eight possessions (actually scoring seven times but one was called back on a block in the back) to win 42-13. The takeaway - Apopka's offense has come a long way in the two weeks since the spring scrimmage. Part of this is the fact that the talent was not divided into two teams. However, it is obvious that there was significant improvement in the play of the offensive line. The defense, for the most part stopped the run effectively, but gave up a few big plays through the air. In both games Apopka used both the single wing and spread sets. It employed more of the latter against Pine Ridge and more of the former against University. It moved the ball effectively from both formations. While neither Jackson nor Jacoryan is Zack Darlington, both have the ability to play a more conventional quarterback role than some of the QBs/FBs employed in recent memory. If Apopka decides to mix it up in the regular season, the offense has a chance to be as good as it was in 2012.The kicker continues to improve nailing all 11 extra points. While he did not attempt any field goals, my sense is that he would probably be good from 35 yards out or less. Despite having one of its key weapons out with injury, this Apopka squad has a lot of potential. No, its defense will not rival Wekiva's. However, the team has the potential to put enough points on the board in its games that it may not be a factor. Late August is a long way away, so much could change. However, as of now, I am optimistic about this team's chances come the playoffs.

No see you in September?

He is a solid football player. It's good for Columbia he is back!

Yep, beat Dr. Phillips in 2016.

Winter Park to Columbia would be one heck of a move. Must have family in Columbia. Can't see that happening otherwise.

More than one!

This game was played at West Orange as I am guessing Wekiva's field is not currently game ready (I could be wrong). First a grouse on my part. West Orange charged $5 to park for a spring game. A spring game, sheesh ... I told the adult collecting with the kids I was not going to pay $5 as that is outrageous. After all, it's mostly poor people pickeney that go to West Orange. So I ended up parking at a strip mall on West Colonial and walking the 1.1 miles each way. The game: Wekiva ended up winning 24-7. However, it was closer than that in my opinion. Edgewater got on the board first when in their first series, 3 and 25 from their own 10, their QB unleashed a bomb that was hauled in in stride at the Wekiva 40 and taken untouched into the end zone for a 90 yard score. Wekiva tied the game on its next series when Sean Robles, formerly of Apopka threw a 30+ yard pass from Wekiva's 20 that was hauled in by the receiver on right sidelines who took it down the sidelines for an 80 yard score. Game tied with about 7:50 left in the first quarter. Wekiva proceeded to score another touchdown and a field goal before halftime. Edgewater's secondary just failed twice to intercept Robles both times dropping the interception after appearing to haul them in. To be fair they were difficult plays, but still .. In the third quarter Wekiva scored again to make the game 24-7. Just before the end of the third, Edgewater finally intercepted Robles at about the Edgewater 35 and the DB took it to the house from there. Unfortunately, the ball came back to the 50 yard line as Edgewater was assessed a personal foul on the play after the interception. Edgewater failed to move the ball from there turning it over on downs. The fourth quarter was played by mostly backups of both teams. Assessment: Wekiva is currently nationally ranked by at least one service that has them in the top 25 nationally. They aren't nearly that good at this point. Having said that, the defense is still special, particularly the front 7 and specifically the defensive interior. One reason Edgewater did not have much success was they kept trying to run the ball down the middle on Wekiva. Not many high schools will get very far doing that. On offense, Robles has improved some. For one thing his arm is quite a bit stronger. For another, although he will never be a runner, he has gotten more elusive in the pocket and kept some plays alive with this new talent. On a negative note, his accuracy needs to improve. Most of Wekiva's offensive yardage was through the air as Edgewater's run defense was pretty solid all night. Wekiva should be a live threat to win its district again and I expect a battle royal between them, Apopka and West Orange for the honors. Edgewater plays in what has historically been a weak 7AA district. I expect they will once again contend for that district title.

Hope he has a job in his area of study. If so, then the degree was worth the effort!

Yes. For his last year of eligibility. He had a good season there, but it was too late. Alabama was not a good fit. Big, very physical backs do best in the system they ran. Hart got injured early and from there was fighting the depth chart. He had initially committed to Michigan before flipping to Alabama. I feel that Michigan with its more open offense would have been ideal for Dee.

Personally, I like Freeman more. But I am pretty sure it's Cook.

Hart was a great running back in high school. Had he gone to Michigan instead of Alabama, I think things may have turned out better for him. But I guess we will never know.

That is why they will lose in the second or third round of the playoffs again this year after going 10-0 or 9-1 in the regular season. Making the boosters and fans happy with a good regular season record seems to be the strategy.

What you state above is exactly the problem. One infraction as a teenager can literally ruin your life. Somehow, not only does this seem unfair, but it also makes the person more likely to become a lifelong criminal if he/she cannot support himself legally!

An arrest, especially if it leads to a conviction, and especially if it results in incarceration, can destroy a young person's life forever. That so many young men end up in the criminal justice system cannot be healthy for our society. 5% of the world's population but over 20% of the prison population? That is not a healthy sign at all.

If true, it means that somewhere north of 40% of all males in the country are arrested before 23. That is shocking and speaks either to the criminal justice system or our overall society. I don't think there is another country on earth of any consequence, and that includes such "bastions of democracy as China, that have statistics like those. Frankly, if accurate this is unsustainable and needs to be addressed yesterday!