West Orange at Apopka

[DarterBlue2]

For both teams this is a big game. Apopka needs to win to control its own destiny; if West Orange does not win, it is literally out of the playoffs. 

At first glance, it would appear to be a relatively easy game for Apopka. However, there are some things to consider.

1. This could be a trap game in the sense that Apopka comes off a big emotional win over Dr. Phillips.

2. West Orange is better than its record. Three of its losses have been to really good teams: Wekiva, Jones and Dr. Phillips; and all of its losses have been relatively close.

3. Coach Bob Head has given Darlington's Darters trouble from his days at Olympia and has continued to do so at West Orange.

4. It is Homecoming week with the related distractions.

5. Apopka is a bit banged up.

6. For the superstitious, it is Friday 13th.

Despite all of the above, Apopka should still win this game. My line is around 21 points. However, if it ends up being a lot closer, I would not be surprised.

[badbird]

I agree with what you said above.  I think Pinkos has the line at 20.  I would think that's about right.  If Apopka lets West Orange hang around early it might be a tight game late.  I got Apopka 35-17

[DarterBlue2]

West Orange 31 Apopka 27. Sloppy game played in sloppy second half conditions. West Orange deserved the win. Athlete for athlete, they match-up well against Apopka.

Not shocked by the result. However, Apopka shot itself in the foot on a few plays and paid the price. 

Trap game. If Apopka is to make the playoffs, the team will have to be healthy and win the Wekiva game. Otherwise, for the first time since 2000 they will probably miss the playoffs. 

[badbird]

In the old system if they lost to Wekiva they would be out.  I think with wins over Norland and DP they still get in with 3 losses.  I'm sure they are not thinking that way.  

[DarterBlue2]

2 minutes ago, badbird said:

In the old system if they lost to Wekiva they would be out.  I think with wins over Norland and DP they still get in with 3 losses.  I'm sure they are not thinking that way.  

True that a loss to Wekiva under this system would not automatically put them out of the playoffs. However, their fate would depend on a number of other teams in other Region 1 Districts and what they do between now and the end of the season. 

And, even if they made it, it would mean playing each of their playoff game on the road (assuming they got in as an 8th seed). I believe the semi finals still follow the prior format, so if they got that far, I am not sure which region would host this year.