APOPKA(7-0) AT OLYMPIA(5-2)
This is a battle of teams that are 4-0 in district play, and the Orlando Sentinel's #2 (Apopka) and #6 (Olympia) teams in their Super Sixteen(Central Florida). Last year Apopka needed a TD drive in the closing minutes to win 37-35.
Northwestern commit Trevor Siemian has 1,451 yards passing, spreading it around to Rashad Lawrence(253 yards in 3 games), Isiah Myers (317 yards), Sanders Suis(266 yards), Henry Eddy(171 yard), and Rudy Crowder (196 yards). The status of star RB Jarius Pace is still up in the air, he is a talented play-maker who brings balance to this offense. Isiah Hurst is another option with over 300 yards on the year.
QB Keon Brooks leads Apopka with just 446 yards passing, however he has run for 473 on the year. The Blue Darter running attack has been dominant, Tom Smith(614) and Quay Barnes (428) join Brooks to form a very talented trio of play-makers. The running back attack combines with a defense that has given up a high of 15 points (against Miami Jackson).
Olympia dropped two early games (Edgewater and Dr. Phillips), but have since played great football four weeks in a row, including a big win over Ocoee last week. The Olympic defense will determine the outcome of this game, they have to make some plays in this one, particularly on third downs. The Apopka defense is terrific, as long as they avoid turnovers they should win a good game.
Apopka 31, Olympia 26
DELAND(8-0) AT LAKE BRANTLEY(5-2)
Since a 49-48 win over Seabreeze on September 18th, the Bulldogs of Deland might have been the most dominant team in the state. The defense has pitched four shutouts in their last five games.....and gave up six points in the other. Lake Brantley does not have a prolific offense so this is going to be a tough test for them to figure a way to score with this team.
The Deland offense features a pair of D-1 RB's: UF 2011 commit Pop Saunders (134-1102) and Northwestern 2010 commit Shontrelle Johnson (120-973). While they don't throw the ball much, there is Memphis commit Dramon Grady to think about as well. The good news for the Patriot's is that they can play some defense too. The DL, led by Danny Palmer, will need to control the line of scrimmage and shut down the running lanes....and the LB's need to clean up everything else.
This is a non-district game and both appear headed for the playoffs, Deland has a huge game with rival Mainland next week. If Deland sleeps a little and looks ahead, the Patriot's are the type of team that could give them their first loss, but it appears like the Bulldogs are focused and rolling right now.
Deland 31, Lake Brantley 17