THE HAVES & THE HAVE NOTS

[DarterBlue2]

On 7/30/2024 at 10:42 AM, THIS_IS_DILLARD said:

Never heard of them. I’m assuming they’re in tarpon springs Florida ?? Where ever that maybe lol Hahaha. Sorry for my lack of knowledge about any schools that’s not in broward, dade, WPB, Orlando or Tampa.

but I have heard about the loads of transfers they got, not sure if they’re in metro or suburban but I’m going to most def be paying attention to them this upcoming season. 

They are a school with a very heavy Greek presence. They did make a run to the Regional finals back in around 2009? or so, losing to Edgewater (at Edgewater), but playing them tight. Since then they have done nothing much. 

[DILLARDBOYZ954]

1 hour ago, DarterBlue2 said:

They are a school with a very heavy Greek presence. They did make a run to the Regional finals back in around 2009? or so, losing to Edgewater (at Edgewater), but playing them tight. Since then they have done nothing much. 

O ok appreciate that info darter. Are you ready for this season 

[DarterBlue2]

1 hour ago, THIS_IS_DILLARD said:

O ok appreciate that info darter. Are you ready for this season 

I am very ready. I am anxious to see how our young players perform. Team will be sophomore dominated. But this group went undefeated as freshmen (8-0), and won a Pop Warner title the year before that. 

A few of them got good varsity experience last year due to injuries to our starters and weakness in certain areas. If they gel, APK could make some noise. But with a young team, you never know as they are not battle tested at the Varsity level.

[DILLARDBOYZ954]

12 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

I am very ready. I am anxious to see how our young players perform. Team will be sophomore dominated. But this group went undefeated as freshmen (8-0), and won a Pop Warner title the year before that. 

A few of them got good varsity experience last year due to injuries to our starters and weakness in certain areas. If they gel, APK could make some noise. But with a young team, you never know as they are not battle tested at the Varsity level.

I saw on another post this was your last season posting on here , is everything okay ? You know i love our football conversations.

especially when you’re able to make it to Otis gray for a game. 

[DILLARDBOYZ954]

12 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

I am very ready. I am anxious to see how our young players perform. Team will be sophomore dominated. But this group went undefeated as freshmen (8-0), and won a Pop Warner title the year before that. 

A few of them got good varsity experience last year due to injuries to our starters and weakness in certain areas. If they gel, APK could make some noise. But with a young team, you never know as they are not battle tested at the Varsity level.

Also what are some must see games on you guys schedule this year so I can keep a eye out for it 

[DarterBlue2]

37 minutes ago, THIS_IS_DILLARD said:

I saw on another post this was your last season posting on here , is everything okay ? You know i love our football conversations.

especially when you’re able to make it to Otis gray for a game. 

I am leaving the country. I will still follow Apopka football, but from a distance. So, I won't be as connected to what's going on.

[DarterBlue2]

46 minutes ago, THIS_IS_DILLARD said:

Also what are some must see games on you guys schedule this year so I can keep a eye out for it 

KOC vs Tampa Bay Tech on 8/16 should give a very good indication of how the season will go. Edgewater on 9/20, it's been a while since we have beaten them. Cocoa on 10/10. Cocoa is always very, very good. It's important we that we be at least competitive against them if the Darters are to make a run. Osceola on 10/18. I attended a spring practice. They looked good. If they are healthy this should be a great game. Madison County on 10/25 at their place. Last time we played them, nearly 20 years ago, they kicked our (you know what) at their place. I have been waiting patiently for revenge for many seasons. 

Also, if we get more than one and done in the playoffs, I am looking forward to rematches with both Seminole and Lake Mary the first teams to put running clocks on us last year in many many years. 

[DILLARDBOYZ954]

4 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

KOC vs Tampa Bay Tech on 8/16 should give a very good indication of how the season will go. Edgewater on 9/20, it's been a while since we have beaten them. Cocoa on 10/10. Cocoa is always very, very good. It's important we that we be at least competitive against them if the Darters are to make a run. Osceola on 10/18. I attended a spring practice. They looked good. If they are healthy this should be a great game. Madison County on 10/25 at their place. Last time we played them, nearly 20 years ago, they kicked our (you know what) at their place. I have been waiting patiently for revenge for many seasons. 

Also, if we get more than one and done in the playoffs, I am looking forward to rematches with both Seminole and Lake Mary the first teams to put running clocks on us last year in many many years. 

Sound like you guys have a very very solid schedule all of those games can go either way. Even tho that cocoa game is going to be very tough. Is it home or away ? 
 

and as far as Madison county , haven’t they been down the last 2 years ?

[DarterBlue2]

13 minutes ago, THIS_IS_DILLARD said:

Sound like you guys have a very very solid schedule all of those games can go either way. Even tho that cocoa game is going to be very tough. Is it home or away ? 
 

and as far as Madison county , haven’t they been down the last 2 years ?

Yes, it's a solid schedule. It's not a National type schedule, but we only have one scrub team on it and we play that team because they are in our new district. 

Cocoa is a home game. Yes, it's going to be tough. A lot depends on how the team progresses leading into that game. If we are firing on all cylinders, it will be a great game.

Regarding Madison County, you are right. They are not the same team as they were from the late 1990s through around 2008. In a way, they have fallen off like Glades Central in South Florida has. But it's at their place, so I expect a great crowd of hostile fans. It will be a test of how we will perform in the playoffs if we have to make a long road trip along the way. 

[DILLARDBOYZ954]

2 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

Yes, it's a solid schedule. It's not a National type schedule, but we only have one scrub team on it and we play that team because they are in our new district. 

Cocoa is a home game. Yes, it's going to be tough. A lot depends on how the team progresses leading into that game. If we are firing on all cylinders, it will be a great game.

Regarding Madison County, you are right. They are not the same team as they were from the late 1990s through around 2008. In a way, they have fallen off like Glades Central in South Florida has. But it's at their place, so I expect a great crowd of hostile fans. It will be a test of how we will perform in the playoffs if we have to make a long road trip along the way. 

Had never heard of them until I got on this board a few years ago along with the other rural 1A schools. When I think of Madison county I think of a school in the middle of no where with little to football presence , which obviously is not the case with them but still lol.

Do APK Still run that crazy style of wing That was always hard to stop ? 

[DILLARDBOYZ954]

7 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

I am leaving the country. I will still follow Apopka football, but from a distance. So, I won't be as connected to what's going on.

Awww man. We most definitely have to meet for a game before you go. 

[Ray Icaza]

8 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

KOC vs Tampa Bay Tech on 8/16 should give a very good indication of how the season will go. Edgewater on 9/20, it's been a while since we have beaten them. Cocoa on 10/10. Cocoa is always very, very good. It's important we that we be at least competitive against them if the Darters are to make a run. Osceola on 10/18. I attended a spring practice. They looked good. If they are healthy this should be a great game. Madison County on 10/25 at their place. Last time we played them, nearly 20 years ago, they kicked our (you know what) at their place. I have been waiting patiently for revenge for many seasons. 

Also, if we get more than one and done in the playoffs, I am looking forward to rematches with both Seminole and Lake Mary the first teams to put running clocks on us last year in many many years. 

Saw our Kowboys participated in a padded scrimmage about a week ago that included both APK and Edgewater, but I was unable to attend.  Wondering if you got to see that or if you already moved to my native country?  

[Perspective]

11 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

I am leaving the country. I will still follow Apopka football, but from a distance. So, I won't be as connected to what's going on.

Being close to a school or "connected to what's going on" certainly hasn't kept other people from posting on this board. 

[DarterBlue2]

6 hours ago, THIS_IS_DILLARD said:

Had never heard of them until I got on this board a few years ago along with the other rural 1A schools. When I think of Madison county I think of a school in the middle of no where with little to football presence , which obviously is not the case with them but still lol.

Do APK Still run that crazy style of wing That was always hard to stop ? 

We didn't use it in the Spring game against Jones. We went spread and a variant of the I formation. I am sure we still practice it, but whether we use it in a game will likely depend on how Tyson Davison does at the QB position this year. If he proves he's overcome his weaknesses and he's healthy during the season, we may use it very little, if at all. 

Madison was once a dominant program over a period of more than 10 years. Made many state title appearances but got beat by Chaminade more than once and also by Immokalee in a huge upset once. But they have won the Ship at least once (possibly more than once, but I would have to do some research).  But for a small, rural school they used to produce a ton of talent. Not on the level of Glades and Pahokee, but not that far from them. 

[DarterBlue2]

5 hours ago, Ray Icaza said:

Saw our Kowboys participated in a padded scrimmage about a week ago that included both APK and Edgewater, but I was unable to attend.  Wondering if you got to see that or if you already moved to my native country?  

Ray, I actually just got back from China last week where I went to see my younger son, his wife and their son (my grandson). So no, I have not been to any practices as I was gone almost all of July. 

I plan on making my move to your native country sometime in September but could push the date back if Apopka makes a deep run. 

[Ray Icaza]

1 hour ago, DarterBlue2 said:

Ray, I actually just got back from China last week where I went to see my younger son, his wife and their son (my grandson). So no, I have not been to any practices as I was gone almost all of July. 

I plan on making my move to your native country sometime in September but could push the date back if Apopka makes a deep run. 

I do remember you telling me that China was on your itinerary, just didn't remember exactly when.  This old brain is turning to mush.  Hopefully, I can return the favor and join you in Apopka if you are still here for our game vs your Darters.    

[Perspective]

4 hours ago, Perspective said:

Being close to a school or "connected to what's going on" certainly hasn't kept other people from posting on this board. 

Darter, don't forget, it's called the World Wide Web for a reason. 

Also, for those of us who don't remember Ray's native country, where are you planning to move?  If it's none of our business or you don't feel like sharing, I totally understand.  Just curious. 

[DarterBlue2]

4 hours ago, Ray Icaza said:

I do remember you telling me that China was on your itinerary, just didn't remember exactly when.  This old brain is turning to mush.  Hopefully, I can return the favor and join you in Apopka if you are still here for our game vs your Darters.    

I may still be here. I meant end of October not September when I typed my post. September will be too soon (possibly) to properly assess Apopka's playoff chances. So, yes, we can hang out at the Osceola game in all likelihood. 

4 hours ago, Perspective said:

Darter, don't forget, it's called the World Wide Web for a reason. 

Also, for those of us who don't remember Ray's native country, where are you planning to move?  If it's none of our business or you don't feel like sharing, I totally understand.  Just curious. 

@Perspective, I won't name the country to protect Ray's privacy since he's originally from there, albeit he's been in Central Florida for a long time. Suffice it to say that it's not far away and there are regular flights from MCO to it. It's also quite small occupying a total land mass of about the I-4 corridor but it has an outsized importance to the USA based on its location. 

[Ray Icaza]

32 minutes ago, DarterBlue2 said:

I may still be here. I meant end of October not September when I typed my post. September will be too soon (possibly) to properly assess Apopka's playoff chances. So, yes, we can hang out at the Osceola game in all likelihood. 

@Perspective, I won't name the country to protect Ray's privacy since he's originally from there, albeit he's been in Central Florida for a long time. Suffice it to say that it's not far away and there are regular flights from MCO to it. It's also quite small occupying a total land mass of about the I-4 corridor but it has an outsized importance to the USA based on its location. 

Unfortunately, it has an outsized importance to China also and the geniuses running our country are asleep at the switch which is troubling.  No attorney/client privilege with our friendship Darter so if those interested can't figure it out you are free to disclose as I am an American now but very proud of my country of birth.  As I previously told you, my wife and I are also considering moving back there now that we have fulfilled some family commitments.  If that happens, I will be happy to buy you a "Cerveza" to celebrate life. 

[DarterBlue2]

17 minutes ago, Ray Icaza said:

Unfortunately, it has an outsized importance to China also and the geniuses running our country are asleep at the switch which is troubling.  No attorney/client privilege with our friendship Darter so if those interested can't figure it out you are free to disclose as I am an American now but very proud of my country of birth.  As I previously told you, my wife and I are also considering moving back there now that we have fulfilled some family commitments.  If that happens, I will be happy to buy you a "Cerveza" to celebrate life. 

I'll hold you to that, as I never pass up a free beer! Also, I found two of the popular beers there to be quite good and a great bargain for the price.

[KeemD321]

On 8/6/2024 at 1:56 AM, DarterBlue2 said:

KOC vs Tampa Bay Tech on 8/16 should give a very good indication of how the season will go. Edgewater on 9/20, it's been a while since we have beaten them. Cocoa on 10/10. Cocoa is always very, very good. It's important we that we be at least competitive against them if the Darters are to make a run. Osceola on 10/18. I attended a spring practice. They looked good. If they are healthy this should be a great game. Madison County on 10/25 at their place. Last time we played them, nearly 20 years ago, they kicked our (you know what) at their place. I have been waiting patiently for revenge for many seasons. 

Also, if we get more than one and done in the playoffs, I am looking forward to rematches with both Seminole and Lake Mary the first teams to put running clocks on us last year in many many years. 

I might go to the Cocoa @ APK game. I took that night off. Just gotta remember it's on a Thursday lol

[DarterBlue2]

1 hour ago, KeemD321 said:

I might go to the Cocoa @ APK game. I took that night off. Just gotta remember it's on a Thursday lol

If Apopka's youngsters mature quickly it could end up being a very good game. If they don't this is a relatively easy win for Cocoa. As the game approaches, if you decide to go, I will send you my personal info and we can meet up if you want. 

[KeemD321]

6 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:

If Apopka's youngsters mature quickly it could end up being a very good game. If they don't this is a relatively easy win for Cocoa. As the game approaches, if you decide to go, I will send you my personal info and we can meet up if you want. 

I can see it being a great game especially with Apopka coming off a bye week and Cocoa will be coming off the Norland game. So Apopka will have an extra week to prepare for the Cocoa passing attack. The key will be slowing down 4 receivers that will be fresh throughout the game since they have about 8 or 9

[Nulli Secundus]

On 8/6/2024 at 3:52 PM, DarterBlue2 said:

We didn't use it in the Spring game against Jones. We went spread and a variant of the I formation. I am sure we still practice it, but whether we use it in a game will likely depend on how Tyson Davison does at the QB position this year. If he proves he's overcome his weaknesses and he's healthy during the season, we may use it very little, if at all. 

Madison was once a dominant program over a period of more than 10 years. Made many state title appearances but got beat by Chaminade more than once and also by Immokalee in a huge upset once. But they have won the Ship at least once (possibly more than once, but I would have to do some research).  But for a small, rural school they used to produce a ton of talent. Not on the level of Glades and Pahokee, but not that far from them. 

Madison is 6-6 in Finals

L 1998 4A Glades Central (Belle Glade) 33, Madison County 28
W 2001 2A Madison County 21, Clewiston 14 
L 2003 2A Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) 27, Madison County 0
L 2004 2A Immokalee 17, Madison County 15
W 2007 2A Madison County 28, Tampa Catholic 7
L 2011 3A American Heritage (Delray Beach) 30, Madison County 3
L 2012 3A University School (Fort Lauderdale) 24, Madison County 17
W 2017 1A Madison County 35, Blountstown 20
W 2018 1A Madison County 48, Baker 6
W 2019 1A Madison County 70, Blountstown 35
W 2021 1A Madison County 13, Hawthorne 12
L 2023 1R Hawthorne 22, Madison County 13