In a game featuring two of Central Florida's biggest perrenial powerhouses, the No. 3 Apopka Blue Darters defeated the No. 4 Mainland Buccaneers 26-14 in a Kickoff Classic that was played at Roger Williams Field on the campus of Apopka High School.
Apopka Junior running back Cornelius Williams was the Spectrum Sports Player of the Game, rushing for 181 yards on 10 carries. Williams also ran for three touchdowns. Williams' 84-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter gave the Blue Darters a 13-0 lead as Apopka dominated the first half.
Apopka sophomore running back to Jecoryan Davis-Hamilton also contributed to the Blue Darters attack by rushing for 75 yards. Davis-Hamilton also connected on a 48-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Zion Hill.
Mainland was led by new quarterback Jake Novello who is replacing three-year starter Denzel Houston. Novello was 17-31 for 254 yards and a touchdown. Novello was also picked off twice in the losing effort.
Mainland opens their 2017 campaign by hosting Volusia County rival DeLand while Apopka will travel to play Ocoee next Friday.