MaxPreps 2013 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 17 Apopka

The last time Apopka (Fla.) took the field, it survived in a teeth-grinding 53-50 victory over Cypress Bay to capture the Class 8A state title.

The next time it steps onto the field against Byrnes, it will do so as a nationally ranked team favored to repeat as the Class 8A state champion.

Seventeen starters return from last year's team. It features an accomplished, talented quarterback (Zach Darlington, who just committed to Nebraska), a fierce defensive line (led by Anthony Ellis, Isaiah Beuhler, Eric Jackson and Shardell Blackshear) and a big, talented offensive line highlighted by Class of 2015 Top247 recruit Martez Ivey.

If Apopka can find a capable running back to replace diminutive spark plug Jevric Blocker, it should once again light up the scoreboard. Daquan Isom, who scored twice in the title game, could fit the bill.



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Darlington threw for 1,725 yards and rushed for another 708 yards last year. The coach's son, he's a true dual threat that understands the team's offense, offers leadership and has already guided Apopka to one state title. Put simply, he's an incredible commodity for the 2013 Blue Darters.

All of the team's main receivers from a year ago return, as well as Chandler Cox, Darlington's backup, who can contribute at tight end.

The team's secondary, which is wholly intact, should be a strength. Seniors Rakeem Smith and Robert Thomas will serve as the safeties; J.J. Simmons and Ben Bascom should line up at cornerback.

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Local look: "Maybe they go unnoticed because they don't scream for attention. These kids are humble. They play together, play for each other."
- Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel (See story)
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Size: Class 8A


Enrollment: 3,665




2012 finish: 13-2, Class 8A state champion


Head coach: Rick Darlington


Years at school: 11 (1999-2002; 2006-present)


Career record: 157-56


Notable players coached:

DB Brandon Meriweather (Miami, NFL)



RB Steve Baylark (UMass, NFL)

OL Ty Darlington (Oklahoma)
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No. of returning starters: 7 (offense), 10 (defense)


Key losses:

RB Jevric Blocker

OL Dazzie Morris

TE Trey Hendrickson




Key returners:

QB Zach Darlington

OL Martez Ivey

DL Anthony Ellis

DL Isaiah Beuhler

ATH Chandler Cox





Key newcomers:

WR Ray Ray Smith

DB Frantz Lumaine {PAGEBREAK}

Toughest game: A road showdown against Byrnes is tough sledding for any team, even one as talented as Apopka. Byrnes will give the Blue Darters everything they can handle. A win would be quite impressive; a loss, not totally deflating.

Question mark: Can Apopka live up to the hype? Last year, coming off a 6-5 season, it caught people by surprise. Now, it will be the hunted.

Local look: The Orlando area features one of the nation's top junior running backs in Timber Creek's Jacques Patrick. Olympia, which beat Apopka last season, is the team's last regular season game. Dr. Phillips will be strong once again.

Overall outlook: With a wealth of starters back, Apopka should be very good in 2013. Capturing a second-straight Class 8A title will require another difficult playoff run. This team is capable of making such a run. After getting off to a 1-2 start last season, opening up with a victory against Byrnes would give Apopka tremendous momentum for the rest of its early schedule.



Coach quote: "It's a new year, never know how it comes together...You never know, is complacency going to set in?"
- Head coach Rick Darlington
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