By Justin Baltes, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
In Summary:
Apopka defeated Wekiva 35-0 in the Mayor’s Cup, scoring all five touchdowns before halftime. Jakyvion Kemp surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage in the first quarter, Nyzier Collington scored twice, and the Blue Darters’ defense kept the Mustangs off the scoreboard. The rivalry’s 20th year also featured a personal milestone for Mayor Nick Nesta, who presented his first Mayor’s Cup to Apopka High School.
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Apopka left little doubt about who controlled the Mayor’s Cup on Friday night, shutting out Wekiva 35-0 behind a dominant first half. The Blue Darters scored five touchdowns before halftime, taking command of the rivalry matchup while controlling both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Related: Nesta urges Apopka residents to find common ground and build a stronger community.
The game also marked Wekiva’s 20th year as a school and the rivalry's 20th year. Apopka’s band added to the Halloween atmosphere by dressing up.
Apopka wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Quarterback Kai Goodling opened the scoring with a quarterback sneak at 9:31 in the first quarter, giving the Blue Darters a 7-0 lead.
Running back Jakyvion Kemp played a major role in Apopka’s opening drive and continued to find success throughout the first quarter. Kemp surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage in the opening period and added a touchdown at the 6:22 mark to extend the lead to 14-0.
Wekiva struggled to find its footing offensively. A punt that traveled about 10 yards gave Apopka favorable field position, and the Blue Darters capitalized. Nyzier Collington caught a touchdown pass with one minute remaining in the first quarter, extending the advantage to 21-0.
Apopka’s defense continued to make life difficult for the Mustangs in the second quarter. With 4:55 remaining, Wekiva went for it on fourth-and-7 from the Apopka 20-yard line, but the Blue Darters stopped the attempt to force a turnover on downs.
Collington found the end zone for a second time with 1:35 remaining in the half, pushing the lead to 28-0. Apopka added one more touchdown before halftime when Johnson Navilssaint hauled in a screen pass and turned it into a 51-yard score with 40 seconds remaining, sending the Blue Darters into the break ahead 35-0.
With Apopka holding a 35-point lead, a running clock was in effect during the third quarter. The Blue Darters continued to control the game defensively, recording back-to-back sacks and stopping Wekiva on another fourth-down attempt to preserve the shutout.
The victory also gave Mayor Nick Nesta a chance to celebrate with his alma mater. Nesta presented his first Mayor’s Cup to Apopka High School, adding a personal milestone to a night that belonged to the Blue Darters.
Key Points:
- Apopka shut out Wekiva 35-0, scoring five touchdowns in the first half.
- Quarterback Kai Goodling opened the scoring with a quarterback sneak, and Jakyvion Kemp added a touchdown after helping power the early offense.
- Nyzier Collington scored twice, while Johnson Navilssaint turned a screen pass into a 51-yard touchdown shortly before halftime.
- Apopka’s defense stopped multiple fourth-down attempts and recorded back-to-back sacks to help preserve the shutout.
- The matchup marked the rivalry’s 20th year, with Mayor Nick Nesta presenting his first Mayor’s Cup to his alma mater.
