By: Ross Van De Griek
We are just a day away from the start of the 2019 FHSAA Football Class 8A Championship game between the Columbus Explorers (10-4) & the Apopka Blue Darters (12-1).
Columbus, is back in the state championship game for the second consecutive year, after coming up just short in last year's title game vs Mandarin. "A lot of our guys remember that game & are hoping to take advantage of adversity", said Columbus head coach Dave Dunn.
Columbus senior running back Henry Parrish ran for 149 rushing yards, on 23 carries in last year's state title game against Mandarin. Senior wide receiver Xzavier Henderson had 187 receiving yards, on 7 catches & had 3 receiving touchdowns, in last year's state title game.
How did Columbus get here? They defeated Coral Gables 50-14 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Miami High 35-2 in the regional semifials, defeated Western 36-21 in the regional finals & defeated Deerfield Beach 28-21 in the state semifinals.
Columbus (10-4) is seeking their first state football title in school history & are led by second year head coach Dave Dunn.
Players to watch for Columbus: Senior quarterback Brandon McDuffey (1480 passing yards, 11 touchdowns & 9 interceptions), senior Henry Parrish (263 carries, 2319 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns), senior wide receiver Xzavier Henderson (37 receptions, 503 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns), junior linebacker Joseph Price (67 total tackles) & junior linebacker Dustin Vinas (44 total tackles).
Team Facts about Columbus: 2nd straight year in the state championship, senior running back Henry Parrish is the school's all-time leading rusher & Columbus has not lost a district game since 2016.
Apopka, is back in the state championship game for the first time since 2014, where they defeated Columbus 30-23 & former running back Deshawn Massey had 111 rushing yards & 3 rushing touchdowns in that game. "When you have the talent that we do, you always feel like you have a chance to win", Jeff Rolson told the Orlando Sentinel earlier this week.
How did Apopka get here? They defeated Flagler Palm Coast 42-25 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Bartram Trail 34-13 in the regional semifinals, defeated Sanford Seminole 20-0 in the regional finals & defeated Steinbrenner 41-15 in the state semifinals.
Apopka (12-1) is seeking their fourth state football championship in school history & are led by first year head coach Jeff Rolson & his eighth year overall, after spending time at Valdosta (2003-2005) & Kissimmee Osceola (2006-2009).
Players to watch for Apopka: Junior athlete Jaquan Lowman (1396 rushing yards & 855 passing yards, 29 total touchdowns), senior wide receiver & Indiana commit Jalen Williams (15 catches, 264 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns), senior defensive end Jalen Carter (Georgia commit), senior defensive back Anthony Fieldings (Georgia Southern commit).
Team Facts about Apopka: They have made the state playoffs every year since 2000, they are 3-1 in state championship games (Only loss came in 2013).
Score Prediction: Apopka 31, Columbus 28