DarterBlue2

Thanks, let's see if they can keep improving into the playoffs.

I don't know what happened (injuries, breakdown in team chemistry?), but Columbia has gone backward at exactly the wrong time of year after getting off to a great start.

It was not perfect due to the large number of penalties, but Apopka played its best game of the season tonight. The final score was 34-0. Things of note: 1. Wekiva did not get a first down till more than halfway through the third quarter; 2. Apopka recorded three interceptions and a fumble recovery; 3. Apopka found itself a kicker that can actually put the ball into the back of the end zone (Vasquez). I am guessing he came up from the freshman or JV team; 4. Given the fact that 8A has no dominant teams, if Apopka can sustain tonight's performance into the playoffs and remains relatively healthy, it could make a credible run. I revise my opinion of the defense, it is not top third, it is top 20% of all the Apopka defenses I have seen over the past 21 seasons. Regarding the offense, it is still a work in progress, but showed signs of life tonight. Other matters: 1. Davis-Hamilton was on hand for the senior night activities, and was on the sidelines to support his former teammates. If he were healthy and still a part of this team, it would have made a heck of a difference to the offense. 2. I did not see the backup QB, Joey McCann dressed out. If he is no longer with the team, that would be unfortunate as aside from the starting QB, Lohman, he is the only player I have seen that can throw the ball effectively. To go deep in the playoffs, this Apopka team needs a passing game. Anyway, Go Blue Darters, prove this skeptic wrong!

Unfortunately for Osceola, T Bell, the QB, safety and Mr. everything missed the final on crutches. Also, Bubba Brown, their principal offense weapon was at 60% against St. Thomas. Despite this, they gave a decent showing in the title game. But to answer your question, of course they would have preferred the title! As a matter of fact, from Lakeland's perspective, you would have probably preferred Osceola win it too, as it would have made the double loss more palatable.

For Lakeland, yes. For Badbird, that was a great night which is why I suspect he shared it!

Exactly. I will consceed, though, that winning 60 regular season games in a row is very difficult, even if your district is weak and you cherry pick your non-district games.

Apopka was 6-4 regular season in 2014 and ended up state champs at 11-4 when they beat Columbus.

In my opinion, this is a good day for athletes, especially in a sport like football where careers can be very short indeed!

You nailed it!

I am going to guess that Edgewater may be one. But that is just a guess. I know in the 2000s they went deep multiple times but never got a ship. I am not sure how they did in the 1970s and 1980s.

Both schools are in very black neighborhoods. I suspect that white attendance at each is less than 5% by quite a bit. In the Orlando area, there are a few schools like that which I won't bother to list. When I moved here 29 years ago, only Jones, the sole surviving, historically black school, fell into that category. Like up north, where I lived for 7 years, many metro areas in Florida have become increasingly segregated in the past 25 years.

He does that on purpose. He knows North Gwinnett is a very good football team.

Yeah, our posts crossed. I saw yours when I hid submit!

Does Badbird go to the head of the class? He kind of had Milton as an afterthought.

I know all of that. It is like Boone vs Edgewater here. But this year, I don't think Ely has the horses to hang with Dillard. It will probably be close for a quarter and then Dillard breaks the dam.

Slam dunk for Dillard!

Armwood has one loss to North Gwinett in overtime up in Georgia. Yes, they are 7A this year. They would play Lakeland in the Regional final, I believe.

I really liked the team with Tamaki Jackson at running back. The game against Edgewater was winnable that year, but mistakes did the Darters in.

Palmetto beat South Dade in a close game this evening for the district title

In the Region, Seminole and Bartram Trail; In the semis, if Apopka gets that far, Dr. Phillips, Osceola or Steinbrenner. In the state game, I am guessing one of: Deerfield Beach, Palmetto, or Vero Beach. If you look at the list, there are no world beaters in that group. For while DB has the players with the stars, they have not looked like world beaters and the others are probably all good, but not great teams.

Thanks! To win it, the offense will have to improve. The defense is fine, but I have a feeling that the offense is not going to have enough. I hope I am wrong!

Playoffs for the 20th year in a row. During that time, three state titles and a runner up slot. It has been a good run for the Blue Darters.

I agree. Several good teams, no great (or arguably even very good teams). At this stage it looks wide open and will probably come down to match-ups in the playoffs. If Edgewater were still in 8A, they would be my favorite to represent the north bracket. Unfortunately for them, they have a very difficult path in 7A with one of Lakeland or Armwood in the semis (assuming they win region 1) and St. Thomas in the final if they can win the their semi.

I am sorry to hear that, man. I know you are a loyal Central fan, but you call it the way you see it. If you are right, and I have no reason to doubt you, this would be a bad end to what seemed like a very promising season.

It was 12-3 at the half and 18-5 at the end of the third quarter and looking like a typical Apopka game this year (stout defense and limited offense). Then in the final quarter, Apopka scored 27 and Lake Mary 7 to make the final score 45-11. For most of the game, the Lake Mary defense limited Apopka's offense, though Apopka was able to to score three touchdowns on two big runs by the QB, Lohman and a nice pass by him to number 4 (Harrington?). In the final quarter the wheels fell off for Lake Mary partly due to desperation on their part, and partly due to some more big plays by Apopka. Thoughts: Apopka's defense will keep them in games aside from those against truly elite teams. However, the offense is a work in progress and at this stage is probably good for no more than three scores against good to very good teams. By the same token, at this late stage of the season, no 8A team in the entire state has stood out as elite. So, it should be interesting to see what this team can do in the post season. If I were a betting man, I would say second or, at best, third round. But we will let it play out.