Apopka is the preseason favorite to repeat as the Florida Class 8A state champion. Leading the way in that quest are players (counterclockwise from bottom left) Isaiah Beuhler, Chandler Cox, Zach Darlington, Martez Ivey and Anthony Ellis.
IIIustrated photo by Marc Estrada
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.
Quarterback Zach Darlington
Photo by Marc Estrada
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.
See the entire Preseason Xcellent 25Darlington 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.
See the entire Apopka photo galleryLocal 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)
