Darters dominant in semis
Defense smothers Titans en route to returning to 8A title game
PORT ST. LUCIE — Apopka’s defense left no doubt Friday night while securing a spot in the FHSAA Class 8A state championship game for the second time in three years.
The Blue Darters were disruptive and dominant while holding Treasure Coast (10-2) to under 50 yards of offense during a 21-0 semifinal road win at South County Regional Stadium.
Apopka (12-2) will have an open week before it faces Venice (13-1) for the state title on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale. Venice won 35-7 vs. Miami Columbus (9-4) in the other semifinal.
“To be back in it is overwhelming and exciting,” said Apopka junior defensive lineman Kaven Call. “I’ve already been here, and now I know what we need to do. We need to come out with a W.”
Call was a freshman in 2019 when the Blue Darters blew a late lead and lost 21-20 vs. Columbus in a state final played at Daytona Stadium. Apopka lost 28-24 in last year’s state semifinal round at home against eventual champion Sanford Seminole.
Friday’s outing, which plodded along with few remarkable moments, was nowhere near as close.
The Titans entered averaging 345 yards rushing per game using a single-wing offense inspired by Apopka and implemented years ago by former Blue Darters coach Rick Darlington.
“It was just a matter of being able to handle the physicality,” Apopka coach Jeff Rolson said afterward.
Treasure Coast standout running back Eden James was limited to just 31 yards rushing on 21 carries entering the final drive.
Apopka surpassed 300 offensive yards after overcoming an interception and self-inflicted penalties in the first half.
Senior wideout Quincy Frazier broke the game open when he took a handoff 73 yards for a touchdown with 7:35 to go in the second quarter.
“Our offensive linemen did their jobs, and the hole was there. It was all 11 of us on that play,” Frazier said. “We’ve been here before and we’re trying to get our redemption.”
He scored again on a 21-yard catch in the end zone on a throw over the middle from Andrew McClain.
Frazier has played with a heavy heart in recent weeks since the death of his mom and faithful Blue Darter supporter, Brianne Frazier, in November.
“I know she’d want us to get [to the state final] and keep going, so this is for her,” said Frazier, who finished with 3 receptions for 43 yards.
“Quincy Frazier is probably one of the toughest kids I’ve ever met in my life. He’s so strong, emotionally and physically,” McClain said.
“My heart bleeds for that young man,” Rolson said. “She was so integral in everything he did. It was just a special relationship. For him to get back and contribute and make the plays he’s making, I know he’s doing it for her, so it’s special.”
Apopka opened the third quarter by draining the first eight minutes before missing wide right on a 34-yard field goal attempt. But the 14-play drive proved to be worthwhile.
After promptly forcing Treasure Coast to go three-and-out, junior running back Keyondray Jones broke loose for a 51-yard touchdown run along the home sideline three plays later.