- April 19, 2024
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APOPKA The Apopka Blue Darter’s run-heavy offense and suffocating defense were too much for DeLand Friday night, as the Blue Darters topped the visiting Bulldogs, 35-0.
Through three games this season, Apopka (3-0) has scored a total of 175 points while allowing just seven. The Blue Darters defeated Edgewater 78-0 in Week Two after topping Ocoee 62-7 in Week One.
The Blue Darters utilized several playmakers on offense. Senior quarterback Demetri Burch led the team in rushing with 113 yards and scored one touchdown on the ground while also throwing for two touchdowns and 104 yards.
“(Burch) did some good things," Darlington said. "He did some things he’s gotta work on — like holding the ball, overthrowing it — but he made some really nice throws tonight. A lot of times he looked very calm in the pocket."
Burch's highlights included fooling the defense toward the end of the second quarter with a Statue of Liberty play that fellow senior Deshawn Massey took 26 yards for a touchdown. Massey scored a total of two touchdowns on the game.
“Our mindset was hit them in the mouth first,” Massey said. “If we hit them in the mouth first than everything should roll into place.”
After two early touchdowns by Burch and Massey, junior defensive back Jarvis Ware picked off a pass and ran it back 26 yards for a touchdown — a huge momentum boost for the Blue Darters.
In spite of all that, Apopka head coach Rick Darlington said afterward that his team did not put forth its best effort.
“I thought we were sloppy,” Darlington said. “We had three turnovers — a lot of penalties on defense. It wasn’t a very cleanly played game."
For the Blue Darters: Apopka (3-0) will host Dr. Phillips (3-0) in one of the most anticipated games of the season.
