Playoff Week: 9-0 Blue Darters are flying high into post season

Apopka opens at home against 7-3 Timber Creek

The Apopka Blue Darters answered every challenge this season. They routed seven opponents by margins of over 30 points. They had two fourth quarter come-from-behind victories over Dr. Phillips (15-14) and Wekiva (38-31). The gave head coach Rick Darlington his first undefeated season (9-0) and rolled over their 8A District 4 opponents (3-0) to land a first round home game in the playoffs. They are five wins away from their fourth state title.

And they are one loss away from their season being over. Welcome to the playoffs Apopka. Win and advance...lose and go home.

Timber Creek a strong first round opponent

When the Timber Creek Wolves prowl onto Roger Williams Field in Apopka, they will throw a balanced attack at the Blue Darters both on offense and defense. When the Wolves have the ball, they are led by senior quarterback Brandon Garcia who has thrown for 956 yards and 9 touchdown passes. The catalyst of the offense, however, is sophomore Peter Hayes-Patrick who has rushed for 1,240 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Hayes-Patrick has also had seven games this season rushing for over 100 yards, which of late has been an issue for the Apopka defense. Senior wide receiver MJ Jarrell is Garcia's primary target with 364 receiving yards and three touchdowns on the season.

Timber Creek is a big-play defense, forcing 18 turnovers (13 interceptions and 5 fumbles recovered), and sacking opposing quarterbacks 17.5 times. Senior cornerback Trey Grenga and free safety Zak Souza lead a stingy Timber Creek secondary with four interceptions apiece, while senior defensive end Terry White leads the Wolves line with 8 sacks.

Timber Creek recovered from a 7-0 loss to Winter Park with wins over Boone, Colonial and University to finish second in 8A District 3 and qualify for the post season. Their head coach is Jim Buckridge, who is in his eighth season and has a 45-34 record.

Kickoff is at 7PM this Friday at Roger Williams Field on the campus of Apopka High School. The winner moves on to face the winner of the Wekiva vs. Winter Park game in the second round.