By Justin Baltes, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
In Summary:
The Wekiva Mustangs will host the Apopka Blue Darters in the annual Mayor’s Cup, bringing students, families, and alumni together for a rivalry rooted in community pride. Wekiva enters at 2-7 after seven straight losses, while Apopka looks to rebound after a 45-13 loss to Lake Mary that ended its playoff hopes. The matchup also marks Mayor Nick Nesta’s first Mayor's Cup, and the Apopka High School graduate praised both schools for representing the city’s heart and spirit.
*****
The Wekiva Mustangs and Apopka Blue Darters will meet for the annual Mayor’s Cup, a rivalry matchup that carries significance beyond the football field for the Apopka community.
Related: OCPS reviews early academic progress as micromobility enforcement moves forward.
This year's game will be Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta's first Mayor's Cup, an Apopka High School graduate and proud Blue Darter. The rivalry brings together students, families, alumni, and residents to represent their schools and compete for local bragging rights.
“There’s nothing quite like a hometown rivalry, and when Apopka High School and Wekiva High School take the field, you know it’s going to be a great night of football,” Nesta said.
Nesta said the Mayor’s Cup represents more than bragging rights, highlighting the tradition, school pride, and friendly competition between the two schools.
“While only one team will take home the trophy, both schools represent the heart and spirit of Apopka,” Nesta said. “I look forward to another exciting matchup, some great football, and seeing our community come together. May the best team win!”
As Nesta continues his tenure as mayor, the annual matchup offers another opportunity to celebrate the community’s connection to its two high school football programs.
Wekiva will host Apopka in the season finale, giving the Mustangs a chance to defend their home field and finish the season with a win over their crosstown rival. Wekiva enters the matchup at 2-7 and has lost seven straight games, making the Mayor’s Cup a chance to end a difficult season on a positive note. The Blue Darters are 3-5 on the season.
Apopka also enters the rivalry looking to rebound after a 45-13 loss to Lake Mary ended its playoff hopes. The Blue Darters have faced challenges all season, and the rivalry game offers one final chance to give fans something to celebrate before turning their attention to next year.
Despite both teams' struggles, the Mayor’s Cup carries its own stakes. Rivalry games let players represent their schools, build memories with teammates, and compete for a trophy that matters to the people who support them all year.
The Mayor’s Cup remains an important tradition for the Apopka community, bringing together two schools connected by geography, competition, and local pride. Festivities at Wekiva are scheduled to begin at 6 pm, with kickoff set for 7 pm.
Five key points
- Wekiva hosts Apopka in the annual Mayor’s Cup to close the teams’ football seasons.
- The Mustangs enter at 2-7 and are seeking to end a seven-game losing streak.
- Apopka looks to rebound after falling 45-13 to Lake Mary and losing its playoff chances.
- Mayor Nick Nesta, an Apopka High graduate, will experience his first Mayor’s Cup as mayor.
- Festivities begin at 6 pm at Wekiva, followed by kickoff at 7 pm.
