Apopka Knows Its Way To The Finals

If you follow high school football in the state of Florida, you already know that when it’s state championship time, Apopka can’t be far away. The Blue Darters have been one of the most successful programs throughout the years - and as we are a day away from the start of the State 4A-8A Championships at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, head coach <strong>Jeff Rolson</strong> and his team are right in the mix. When they take on Venice on Saturday afternoon (1:00), this football program will continue a tradition that has lasted for decades and has produced several impressive athletes – as well as football coaches. What makes this year special is the way the Blue Darters finished – winning the eight straight. Overcoming close losses to 7A powers Orlando Edgewater and Lakeland. While there are plenty of quality underclassmen, this team has been relying on a talented and battle-tested senior class – led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50075" first="Travion" last="Barnes"] </strong>(OLB, 6-0, 210), sack specialist <strong>Yamir Betancourt</strong> (DT, 5-10, 230), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111444" first="Quincy" last="Frazier"]</strong> (RB, 6-2, 205), <strong>Dyson Hurlburt</strong> (OT, 6-3, 240), <strong>Andrew Kennedy</strong> (PK, 6-1, 160), <strong>Troy </strong>Lea (DT, 6-1, 260) and impressive UCF-bound standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50041" first="Nikai" last="Martinez"]</strong> (CB, 5-11, 170). In addition, the senior class also boasts <strong>Andrew McClain</strong> (QB, 6-1, 180), <strong>Jonah Mitchell</strong> (LS, 6-0-, 245), <strong>Kavion Nichols</strong> (S, 5-10, 170), <strong>Andre Phillips</strong> (OLB, 6-1, 215), <strong>Josiah Robinson</strong> (LB, 5-10, 200), <strong>Lowendy Smith</strong> (DB, 5-11, 170), standout <strong>Michael Spain</strong> (DE, 6-2, 210), <strong>Andrew Summerlin</strong> (WR, 6-3, 175), <strong>Brent Waldon</strong> (CB, 6-0, 170) and offensive tackle <strong>Jace Wright</strong> (6-3, 335). <strong>THIS BALL WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL</strong> Even with such an experienced and talented group of seniors, the Blue Darters also feature some impressive football talent – with highly-recruited <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128012" first="Kaven" last="Call"]</strong> (DE, 6-3, 217) leading the way. He is one of the top prospects in the state and will be a force over the next year. Also, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128455" first="Antonio" last="Ferguson"]</strong> (TE, 6-4, 235), <strong>Demetrius Hall</strong> (OT, 6-2, 306), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128538" first="Bryce" last="Harrison"]</strong> (TE/WR, 6-6, 200), talented running backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128399" first="Ke’shawn" last="Jones"]</strong> (5-7, 165) and <strong>Keyondre Jones</strong> (RB, 5-7, 170) – as well as <strong>Malik Nicholson</strong> (OL, 5-10, 180), fast-rising [player_tooltip player_id="128611" first="Tai" last="Ray"] offensive lineman (6-6, 300), <strong>Zeldrick Roberts</strong> (OLB, 5-9, 195), <strong>Zaire Warner</strong> (OC, 6-0, 250) and outside linebacker <strong>Rashad Watson</strong> (5-10, 185). Even the 2024 sophomores have been make a major contribution with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50091" first="Matthew" last="Campbell"]</strong> (OLB, 5-11, 215), <strong>Demetric Hall</strong> (DE, 6-2, 215), <strong>Ethan Korkes </strong>(OC, 6-2, 285) and outside linebacker <strong>Lorenzo Payne</strong> (6-1, 210). <strong>APOPKA BLUE DARTERS (12-2)</strong> Orlando Colonial, W 47-0 Winter Garden West Orange, W 13-0 Orlando Dr. Phillips, W 28-14 Orlando Edgewater, L 16-7 Orlando Evans, W 20-6 Lakeland, L 20-17 Ocala West Port, W 44-0 Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley, W 41-3 Ocoee, W 42-0 Apopka Wekiva, W 37-6 St. Johns Creekside, W 42-0 St. Johns Bartram Trail, W 34-2 Sanford Seminole, W 28-27, (OT) Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, W 21-0 &nbsp; Catch More Florida High School Football. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/"><strong>https://prepredzone.com/florida/</strong></a> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: </em></strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com"><strong><em>Floridakids1@aol.com</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong>