Will the Blue Darters prevail in 4M?

[VeniceIndianFan]

With Apopka's defense returning 8 starters, it looks like the Darters are once again headed toward a clash with Miami Columbus for the state championship. Is this the season where the Darters finally find a victory against the Explorers? Or will Columbus once again win a low-scoring slugfest to claim the crown? 

[Jullian]

4 hours ago, VeniceIndianFan said:

With Apopka's defense returning 8 starters, it looks like the Darters are once again headed toward a clash with Miami Columbus for the state championship. Is this the season where the Darters finally find a victory against the Explorers? Or will Columbus once again win a low-scoring slugfest to claim the crown? 

Been awhile since Blue Darters have had an explosive offense. Great D will need some help from the O in the contested games…..

[DarterBlue2]

On 7/12/2023 at 8:42 PM, Jullian said:

Been awhile since Blue Darters have had an explosive offense. Great D will need some help from the O in the contested games…..

Coach Rolson should have his best overall team this year since taking over from SB. Given he's had three state finalists and a semifinals loser in his 4 year span as head coach, Apopka should have as good a chance as anyone else in 4M this year.

The offense should be fine though not up to the 2012 high bar.  

[ExplorerHomer2]

8 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

Coach Rolson should have his best overall team this year since taking over from SB. Given he's had three state finalists and a semifinals loser in his 4 year span as head coach, Apopka should have as good a chance as anyone else in 4M this year.

The offense should be fine though not up to the 2012 high bar.  

Looking forward to another great game this year, should we meet again at the finals. The Columbus defense was looking to field it's strongest squad ever this year. Just heard recently that our 5* TJ Capers managed to forego his senior year and is now enrolling at Louisville(?), not sure how that happened. Honestly, despite his ranking, he is probably the 3rd most impactful player on that defense. But will be a loss for sure.

As for offense we probably have the best returning QB and receiver tandem in a very long while in Mendoza and Leon. That should be a fun pair to watch if the OLine can get it done.

II don't know how a future Blue Darter / Explorer rematch can beat the last few in terms of excitement and close finishes, but I'd expect this year to be no different. Best of luck on your season!

[VeniceIndianFan]

10 minutes ago, ExplorerHomer2 said:

Looking forward to another great game this year, should we meet again at the finals. The Columbus defense was looking to field it's strongest squad ever this year. Just heard recently that our 5* TJ Capers managed to forego his senior year and is now enrolling at Louisville(?), not sure how that happened. Honestly, despite his ranking, he is probably the 3rd most impactful player on that defense. But will be a loss for sure.

As for offense we probably have the best returning QB and receiver tandem in a very long while in Mendoza and Leon. That should be a fun pair to watch if the OLine can get it done.

II don't know how a future Blue Darter / Explorer rematch can beat the last few in terms of excitement and close finishes, but I'd expect this year to be no different. Best of luck on your season!

The early graduation of Capers hurts, but in a way it’s bittersweet because you  have to be proud of him for taking initiative and graduating early to enroll in college. You’ll be hearing his name on Sundays some day for sure!