ExplorerHomer

I have to say - I doubted this team for much of the season.
There was a lot of pre-season hype (top 50 ranking) returning key players from the State runner-up finish last year. We were looking forward to the return of one of our top ATH's and team motivators in Courtney Holmes as well after missing him from knee surgery the entire previous season. Over the summer he got shot and it looked as if he wouldn't play a down.
Losing Chris Merritt as head coach meant there would be a learning curve for the boys, particularly in the offensive schemes. Our QB Moody had a hard time adjusting to the new collegiate style playbook - even alternating back and forth with the #2 QB a sophomore transfer. Losing over half the O-Line to graduation didn't help the scrambling QB either. Also, a bunch of coaches who had stepped down under Merritt, stepped back in under Dunn (Dunn's former crew from back in the day), and the boys had to adjust to that (new DB coach, new RB coach, etc) and the culture that Dunn wanted instilled.
It came down to Coach Dunn benching a bunch of starters including the QB in the first half of the Dillard game. After that, you can sense the team maturing and falling in line with the program's new culture. Dunn also scaled down the playbook from the earlier part of the season as well. Offensive confidence improved greatly after that.
The playoff run following that Dillard loss was where the team started coming together - We had beaten Miami High and CG during the regular season, so I wasn't surprised there and these were off-seasons for both of those programs. I had my doubts entering into the Western game, but starting from the first series, I became a believer. The kids played with heart. Holmes in particular has stepped up in his leadership role and was now closer to 100% physically. Parrish and the team had dedicated the season to their classmate Ari Arteaga who had died the year before and now focused their emotion on "Finishing the Job, for Ari"
The emotion was real and obvious after the DB win. With a strong alumni backing, 4 years of being the bridesmaid instead of the bride leading up to it, and revenge from 2014 on the mind, the Explorers felt this was their time. They sent a huge contingent of fans up to Daytona with the expectation of a championship. And while I once again doubted - particularly in the third quarter after Quinn's fumble on the kickoff - I knew this team wouldn't quit. There was too much emotion there. They didn't lay down, the coaches made the adjustments to get McSween the ball in the air and allow Moody to scramble. They tried to get Parrish open in the flats and eventually it worked. Stuck Price right in the middle to jam up the box a bit more. And a gutsy call going for 2, especially given what happened last year o the last play of the game. It was almost fate.
Hats off to the (mostly new) coaching staff, the new president of the school, the motivator Holmes, and the team that just would not quit. I hope that the Arteaga family find some comfort in this championship season dedicated to their son. It was truly  the most exciting finish to a state final I have ever seen, for more than one reason.
Congrats on Apopka's incredible season and hard-fought game.
I know it hurts.
We know it better than most.
 
 
 

I have to say - I doubted this team for much of the season.
There was a lot of pre-season hype (top 50 ranking) returning key players from the State runner-up finish last year. We were looking forward to the return of one of our top ATH's and team motivators in Courtney Holmes as well after missing him from knee surgery the entire previous season. Over the summer he got shot and it looked as if he wouldn't play a down.
Losing Chris Merritt as head coach meant there would be a learning curve for the boys, particularly in the offensive schemes. Our QB Moody had a hard time adjusting to the new collegiate style playbook - even alternating back and forth with the #2 QB a sophomore transfer. Losing over half the O-Line to graduation didn't help the scrambling QB either. Also, a bunch of coaches who had stepped down under Merritt, stepped back in under Dunn (Dunn's former crew from back in the day), and the boys had to adjust to that (new DB coach, new RB coach, etc) and the culture that Dunn wanted instilled.
It came down to Coach Dunn benching a bunch of starters including the QB in the first half of the Dillard game. After that, you can sense the team maturing and falling in line with the program's new culture. Dunn also scaled down the playbook from the earlier part of the season as well. Offensive confidence improved greatly after that.
The playoff run following that Dillard loss was where the team started coming together - We had beaten Miami High and CG during the regular season, so I wasn't surprised there and these were off-seasons for both of those programs. I had my doubts entering into the Western game, but starting from the first series, I became a believer. The kids played with heart. Holmes in particular has stepped up in his leadership role and was now closer to 100% physically. Parrish and the team had dedicated the season to their classmate Ari Arteaga who had died the year before and now focused their emotion on "Finishing the Job, for Ari"
The emotion was real and obvious after the DB win. With a strong alumni backing, 4 years of being the bridesmaid instead of the bride leading up to it, and revenge from 2014 on the mind, the Explorers felt this was their time. They sent a huge contingent of fans up to Daytona with the expectation of a championship. And while I once again doubted - particularly in the third quarter after Quinn's fumble on the kickoff - I knew this team wouldn't quit. There was too much emotion there. They didn't lay down, the coaches made the adjustments to get McSween the ball in the air and allow Moody to scramble. They tried to get Parrish open in the flats and eventually it worked. Stuck Price right in the middle to jam up the box a bit more. And a gutsy call going for 2, especially given what happened last year o the last play of the game. It was almost fate.
Hats off to the (mostly new) coaching staff, the new president of the school, the motivator Holmes, and the team that just would not quit. I hope that the Arteaga family find some comfort in this championship season dedicated to their son. It was truly  the most exciting finish to a state final I have ever seen, for more than one reason.
Congrats on Apopka's incredible season and hard-fought game.
I know it hurts.
We know it better than most.
 
 
 

I have to say - I doubted this team for much of the season.
There was a lot of pre-season hype (top 50 ranking) returning key players from the State runner-up finish last year. We were looking forward to the return of one of our top ATH's and team motivators in Courtney Holmes as well after missing him from knee surgery the entire previous season. Over the summer he got shot and it looked as if he wouldn't play a down.
Losing Chris Merritt as head coach meant there would be a learning curve for the boys, particularly in the offensive schemes. Our QB Moody had a hard time adjusting to the new collegiate style playbook - even alternating back and forth with the #2 QB a sophomore transfer. Losing over half the O-Line to graduation didn't help the scrambling QB either. Also, a bunch of coaches who had stepped down under Merritt, stepped back in under Dunn (Dunn's former crew from back in the day), and the boys had to adjust to that (new DB coach, new RB coach, etc) and the culture that Dunn wanted instilled.
It came down to Coach Dunn benching a bunch of starters including the QB in the first half of the Dillard game. After that, you can sense the team maturing and falling in line with the program's new culture. Dunn also scaled down the playbook from the earlier part of the season as well. Offensive confidence improved greatly after that.
The playoff run following that Dillard loss was where the team started coming together - We had beaten Miami High and CG during the regular season, so I wasn't surprised there and these were off-seasons for both of those programs. I had my doubts entering into the Western game, but starting from the first series, I became a believer. The kids played with heart. Holmes in particular has stepped up in his leadership role and was now closer to 100% physically. Parrish and the team had dedicated the season to their classmate Ari Arteaga who had died the year before and now focused their emotion on "Finishing the Job, for Ari"
The emotion was real and obvious after the DB win. With a strong alumni backing, 4 years of being the bridesmaid instead of the bride leading up to it, and revenge from 2014 on the mind, the Explorers felt this was their time. They sent a huge contingent of fans up to Daytona with the expectation of a championship. And while I once again doubted - particularly in the third quarter after Quinn's fumble on the kickoff - I knew this team wouldn't quit. There was too much emotion there. They didn't lay down, the coaches made the adjustments to get McSween the ball in the air and allow Moody to scramble. They tried to get Parrish open in the flats and eventually it worked. Stuck Price right in the middle to jam up the box a bit more. And a gutsy call going for 2, especially given what happened last year o the last play of the game. It was almost fate.
Hats off to the (mostly new) coaching staff, the new president of the school, the motivator Holmes, and the team that just would not quit. I hope that the Arteaga family find some comfort in this championship season dedicated to their son. It was truly  the most exciting finish to a state final I have ever seen, for more than one reason.
Congrats on Apopka's incredible season and hard-fought game.
I know it hurts.
We know it better than most.
 
 
 

Welp we didn’t ask you to lmao.. but your right they finally got one..

Congrats to Columbus. What a comeback! I had a feeling this was their year once they got in the playoffs! Just had a feeling. I was one of few who picked them to beat Deerfield Beach. Way to finish! 

Well, an improbable season ended in disappointment last night, as Apopka was done in by: 1. Friday 13 (not really); 2. An average kicking game; 3. A gutsy decision by Columbus to go for two instead of taking the PAT and overtime. 
While it hurts to lose a game when your opponent's only lead comes with 8.2 seconds left on the clock, putting things into perspective, Apopka had a great season. After losing its best offensive weapon (Davis-Hamilton) early in the 2018 season, the Darter's looked forward to his return for his senior season. But it was not to be as he aggravated his injury in a non-football related accident in the spring (it is really a pity as this kid had a fine college career and perhaps pro, ahead of him). Going into the spring game, the offense was really bad without him, and in four quarters of football the team managed only 2 points on a safety. 
With the above as the backdrop, I was not expecting much from Apopka this year. And, for the first seven games of the regular season, despite the defense playing stellar football, it seemed likely that Apopka was headed for a first or second round exit in the playoffs as more injuries to offensive players (both skill and linemen) plagued the team. Well, in the second to last game of the regular season against Lake Mary for the district title, a turnaround could be sensed as Apopka won what was expected to be a tight game easily. 
The turnaround was due to two main factors: 1. Some of the injured players returning to health and the team; 2. Some shifts by the coaching staff moving guys from defense to offensive and finding some diamonds in the rough on the bench. 
In the end it was not enough for a fourth state title. Still, in perspective, it was a good season for the Darters. 
Congrats to Columbus on pulling out the win. The two teams were fairly evenly matched, but very different in their strengths and weakness. I feel there will be other Columbus/Apopka finals in the future and I look forward to the chance for redemption. 

Great comeback win for Columbus. Made all the plays they had to make at end of game.Love to watch that happen! Good for the kids!!

great comeback. I never root for Miami schools, or for private schools. But, Columbus deserves this. They've been so many times and they've been left at the altar. I'm glad for the program and its alumni.

Be a state champion with 4 losses? lol!

Be a state champion with 4 losses? lol!

Thanks for the play by play SPY - couldn't log in to the forum on my phone. Second game in a row.
Anyhow, full capacity on home side (this is effectively a home game for Columbus) so about 3k fans there proably close to half that on Deerfield side - an hour drive for them. Columbus fans tailgating early and the weather was beautiful but a pretty strong breeze most of the game made for some ugly punting and possibly contributed a bit to a missed FG by the Bucs.
Columbus looked strong early on both sides of the ball. Some momentum shifted in the 2nd quarter when the Buc's offense got going. Penalties on both sides helped swing momentum. Bucs probably got the worst of it though. One play in particular stood out with a apparent TD called back on what should have been pass interference on the Explorers but ended up being called back on an ineligible receiver call for the Bucs. 
Overall, some replays from last year - multiple weak penalties (encroachment mostly) committed by Bucs and a couple untimely INT's really took the wind out of their offensive sails. That said, Bucs offense found success with a bubble screen and stayed in the game all second half. But the Columbus D was tough. At least twice Deerfield got inside the 5 and came away with nothing.
The last two games it is clear that Columbus is playing some inspired football. I saw it against Western when Courtney Holmes, a real tough kid and inspiration was supercharged from play one. That carried over for the rest of the game. After that game, during prayer on the field it was clear from the talk that these boys believed they could win it all. Today, the first post on Henry Parish's twitter account right after the game was to his late friend and teammate Ari Arteaga - "We finishing the job, Ari!"
These boys have a lot to play for and are on a redemption mission now. I was not convinced coming into Western, but I was feeling much more confident going into this game. I privately told one of my coach friends, before the game - the winner here today should take it all. He agreed. I'm hoping I'm right.
 

Thanks for the play by play SPY - couldn't log in to the forum on my phone. Second game in a row.
Anyhow, full capacity on home side (this is effectively a home game for Columbus) so about 3k fans there proably close to half that on Deerfield side - an hour drive for them. Columbus fans tailgating early and the weather was beautiful but a pretty strong breeze most of the game made for some ugly punting and possibly contributed a bit to a missed FG by the Bucs.
Columbus looked strong early on both sides of the ball. Some momentum shifted in the 2nd quarter when the Buc's offense got going. Penalties on both sides helped swing momentum. Bucs probably got the worst of it though. One play in particular stood out with a apparent TD called back on what should have been pass interference on the Explorers but ended up being called back on an ineligible receiver call for the Bucs. 
Overall, some replays from last year - multiple weak penalties (encroachment mostly) committed by Bucs and a couple untimely INT's really took the wind out of their offensive sails. That said, Bucs offense found success with a bubble screen and stayed in the game all second half. But the Columbus D was tough. At least twice Deerfield got inside the 5 and came away with nothing.
The last two games it is clear that Columbus is playing some inspired football. I saw it against Western when Courtney Holmes, a real tough kid and inspiration was supercharged from play one. That carried over for the rest of the game. After that game, during prayer on the field it was clear from the talk that these boys believed they could win it all. Today, the first post on Henry Parish's twitter account right after the game was to his late friend and teammate Ari Arteaga - "We finishing the job, Ari!"
These boys have a lot to play for and are on a redemption mission now. I was not convinced coming into Western, but I was feeling much more confident going into this game. I privately told one of my coach friends, before the game - the winner here today should take it all. He agreed. I'm hoping I'm right.
 

Headed to the field now - will try to update.
 

Dang.  I know the feeling.  We lost 18 senior starters.  Looked completely inexperienced at times.  We left Receivers wide open etc. It was ridiculous. 

Western's defense actually played great versus STA. Only gave up 17 points I believe, and that was playing beside an offense that turned the ball over 7 times. 
I don't see anybody scoring 30 points on their defense. This will be a much lower scoring game than 41-30 in my opinion. 

I thought u guys would be the team to beat this year.  That title game last year could have gone either way.

Gonna b a great game 

Western has been thrashing their opponents with solid play on both sides of the ball. Offense is lighting it up with six running clocks and outscoring opponents 476-64. A few trash teams but impressive win against Palmetto and a 5-pt loss against a solid University School common opponent which clocked Columbus this year 35-0. Their defense has been lights out except for the STA game, recording 6 shutouts.
My Explorers on the other hand have had a solid season but performed well-below the initial hype in August. New coach, some lack of true leadership on the field, rare kicking woes (against Dillard in particular LOL!) and way too many penalties for an Explorer team. Starting QB hasn't progressed much if at all this year, new sophomore QB getting lots of reps because of it. Losses against BTW and U School are forgivable, but the blow outs in those games weren't.  Defense just quit. They've got the tools offensively, but D is really suspect this year.
I see an exciting, high scoring game, and I'm not counting my Explorers out. That said, I think if Western gets out early, it could get ugly. I seen us fold once that happened twice this season The defense better get ready to play 4 quarters.
Prediction: 41-30, bad guys. 

Didn't know that - maybe it's their time. They just have had a string of bad luck making out of the first two rounds. Last year they were comparable if not better than Columbus on paper, and they fell apart in that game: dropped TD passes, massive penalties in the first half and at least two pick 6 maybe 3 To's in all - all on their home field.
I'm not saying they can't pull it off, they CAN. but Coach Glenn can't have a showing like that against Vero. I think this years team is actually better than the one Columbus beat last year. And Columbus is worse!

Having played against Deerfield ...seeing them play in the stands && being from south Florida ..Deerfield has always been one of the most talented rich teams in south Florida constantly. 
 
the only thing that has held them back honestly from being multiple state champs at this point is coaching. Their extremely talented but also extremely undisciplined. 
 
I don’t follow vero other then the things I see on here about em so I know nothing about their coaching staff; but if vero coaching staff is solid to above avg I see vero in this game to the end with a chance to possibly win it at home.

I say The West Defense is something AMH haven't seen all season long and that will be the difference in this game.

Western hasn't played a super tough schedule, so maybe that's why they were considered such underdogs against a powerful Palmetto attack. But Western's O is legit and the defense is tough. The scored 43 on SD's stingy defense, scored 72+ pts twice and have 6 shutouts - all of them, running clocks. their two loses were to STA (Legit) and a tough 1 possession loss to a solid University squad (a team that clocked Columbus earlier this season).
They are a solid team, and Columbus will have to play WAAAAY better defensively - and much more disciplined - than they did last night to have a shot.

Western vs Columbus at tropical park next week for 8a 4 regional championship

Miami Columbus 35
Lehigh 0
Surprised this game actually happened with the weather being so ugly all day down here. Running clock in the first half, 2s and 3s in for entire 2nd. Lehigh not much of an opponent vs the Explorers at home. Good news is the Explorer quarterback battle is real and should provide at least an adequate dual threat play caller next year, and more importantly someone to get the ball in the hands of either Norris or little Henderson. These 2 receivers are the real deal.
Although some big playmakers were are lost over the past two seasons overall, there may not be much of a drop off next season on either side of the ball. At least based on this brief outing. Just gonna be a hell of and out of district schedule .

Looks like Columbus will have an identical schedule as last year, still playing BTW and NW to keep it real non district. Gonna get real right quick with a kickoff pre-season @ Chaminade.