It is a state final rematch for both high schools. The Explorers captured their only state title in school history with a 21-20 victory over the Blue Darters for the FHSAA Class 8A crown in 2019.
Columbus(13-1) have outscored their opponents 519-180 this season and won six straight games. The Explorers reached the state championship game for the third time in five years. They wiped out Miami 64-0 in the regional quarterfinal, blanked Miami Palmetto 28-0 in the regional semifinal, outlasted Doral Academy 31-3 in the regional final and got by Ocoee 41-36 in the state semifinal.
The Explorers look toward quarterback Alberto Mendoza to lead their offense down the field. Running backs Sedrick Irvin, Edward Bandy, Tremonte Underwood and Agyeman Addae will get their share of carries. Mendoza can throw the ball to wide receivers Darriel Harper, A.J. Arellano, Jose Leon, Fadrelle Andrus and tight end Benjamin Blackburn.
Apopka(11-3) shows up in the state title contest for the second straight year and the third time in the last four seasons. They have won four straight games and outscored their opponents 287-224 during the 2022 campaign. The Blue Darters topped Boone 17-3 in a regional quarterfinal, took Winter Park 28-7 in a regional semifinal, stopped Lake Mary 30-23 in a regional final and slipped by Palm Beach Central 27-24 in a state semifinal.
Quarterback Tyson Davison will lead the Blue Darters offense with his passing and running. Their rushing attack will include running backs Zeldrick Roberts, Rashad Watson, Kaleb Hicks, Noah Morgan and Malik Nicholson. Wide receivers Nathan Jenkins, Jordan Wright and Isaac Knight can make pass receptions from Davison.
No comments:
Post a Comment