APOPKA BLUE DARTERS
2016: 10-1, 8A-4 District Champ
Head Coach: Rick Darlington, 152-39 record in 15 seasons
Key Returners: DE/DT Mychal Austin, OT Will Barnes, OLB/SS Spyncer Chambers, G Ed Montilus, RB Cornelius Williams, G/DT Shaderrick Bradford
The Scoop: The Blue Darters exited the postseason picture a bit prematurely for Rick Darlington’s taste last year. After a 40-39 loss to Timber Creek in the region quarters there was an overhaul with the APK staff this offseason. The team brought in three former head coaches: Rich Turner from Evans, Doug Allison from Leesburg and Mike Granato from Edgewater. They also promoted former Olympia front man Tom Paolucci to Defensive Coordinator. A bright spot for the unit is the offensive line that returns all five starters including 6-foot-4 tackle Will Barnes and 6-foot-4 guard Ed Montilus. Finding the right mix of youthful talent and experienced leaders will be key this fall for the Blue Darters as the skilled positions and back seven on defense will be young, new faces. And after a stellar spring game that saw sophomore Jecoryan Davis-Hamilton rush for nearly 400 yards and two touchdowns, it appears that the team will be running its offense through him.
Quotable: “If we lose this year it won’t be because internal issues it will be because the other team was better… I feel more so than ever that these guys are all in for Apopka. They believe in their team and Hoka Hey, what we preach, and I’m excited about this bunch.” - Rick Darlington, Apopka Head Coach
2017 Schedule
8/18 vs. Mainland (Preseason)
8/25 @ Ocoee
9/1 vs. Miami Norland
9/8 @ Lakeland
9/15 @ Dr. Phillips
9/22 vs. Boone
9/29 @ Evans*
10/6 @ Mandarin
10/13 vs. West Orange*
10/27 vs. Wekiva*
11/3 vs. Oak Ridge
Apopka’s Kick-Off Classic game against Mainland will be televised live on Spectrum Sports Channel 1147.