Apopka Knows Its Way To The Finals
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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 –…
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Continue ReadingIf 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 Jeff Rolson 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 Travion Barnes Travion Barnes 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Apopka | 2022 FL (OLB, 6-0, 210), sack specialist Yamir Betancourt (DT, 5-10, 230), Quincy Frazier Quincy Frazier 6'2" | 220 lbs | RB Apopka | 2022 FL (RB, 6-2, 205), Dyson Hurlburt (OT, 6-3, 240), Andrew Kennedy (PK, 6-1, 160), Troy Lea (DT, 6-1, 260) and impressive UCF-bound standout Nikai Martinez Nikai Martinez 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Apopka | 2022 State FL (CB, 5-11, 170).
In addition, the senior class also boasts Andrew McClain (QB, 6-1, 180), Jonah Mitchell (LS, 6-0-, 245), Kavion Nichols (S, 5-10, 170), Andre Phillips (OLB, 6-1, 215), Josiah Robinson (LB, 5-10, 200), Lowendy Smith (DB, 5-11, 170), standout Michael Spain (DE, 6-2, 210), Andrew Summerlin (WR, 6-3, 175), Brent Waldon (CB, 6-0, 170) and offensive tackle Jace Wright (6-3, 335).
THIS BALL WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL
Even with such an experienced and talented group of seniors, the Blue Darters also feature some impressive football talent – with highly-recruited Kaven Call Kaven Call 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Apopka | 2023 State FL (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, Antonio Ferguson Antonio Ferguson 6'3" | 230 lbs | WR Apopka | 2023 FL (TE, 6-4, 235), Demetrius Hall (OT, 6-2, 306), Bryce Harrison Bryce Harrison 6'6" | 235 lbs | TE Apopka | 2023 FL (TE/WR, 6-6, 200), talented running backs Ke’shawn Jones Ke’shawn Jones 5'8" | 165 lbs | RB Deerfield Beach | 2023 FL (5-7, 165) and Keyondre Jones (RB, 5-7, 170) – as well as Malik Nicholson (OL, 5-10, 180), fast-rising Tai Ray Tai Ray 6'5" | 275 lbs | OL Apopka | 2023 FL offensive lineman (6-6, 300), Zeldrick Roberts (OLB, 5-9, 195), Zaire Warner (OC, 6-0, 250) and outside linebacker Rashad Watson (5-10, 185).
Even the 2024 sophomores have been make a major contribution with Matthew Campbell Matthew Campbell K Naples Barron Collier | 2022 FL (OLB, 5-11, 215), Demetric Hall (DE, 6-2, 215), Ethan Korkes (OC, 6-2, 285) and outside linebacker Lorenzo Payne (6-1, 210).
APOPKA BLUE DARTERS (12-2)
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
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You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.