Blue Darters batter Seminoles
Apopka executed its ground-and-pound run game to perfection in the first round of the Class 8A football region playoffs.
Jecoryan Davis-Hamilton rushed 17 times for 185 yards and three second-half touchdowns Friday to help the visiting Blue Darters distance themselves for a 54-21 regional quarterfinal win over Seminole.
Apopka (8-3), ranked No. 5 in the Sentinel Super 16, goes on the road to face second-ranked Winter Park (11-0) in the second round at Showalter Field. The Wildcats disposed of No. 8 Port Orange Spruce Creek 42-14.
Seminole, ranked No. 7 in the Super 16, finishes the season at 8-2.
“Offensively we were kind of able to have our way with them, as far as being physical and running the ball,” Apopka coach Rick Darlington said. “That’s what we do. People don’t see that all the time.”
Cornelius Williams and Akeem Brown added to Apopka’s attack as each reached the end zone for touchdowns in the first half. Williams tallied 98 yards and Brown added 90 for a Blue Darter team that amassed more than 400 yards in the win.
Seminole trailed 21-14 to start the second half but appeared in position to even the score after reaching Apopka’s 20 yard line on the first possession of the third quarter.
But penalties and backto-back tackles for losses took their toll. A bad snap on the punt attempt turned the ball over on downs and set Apopka up deep in Seminole territory.
The Blue Darters capitalized when Davis-Hamilton extended the advantage to 28-14 on a run of 11 yards. After Seminole scored for the final time on its next possession, Apopka forced consecutive three-and-outs before Davis-Hamilton scored again.
“They’re hard to defend, but the turnover in the second half really helped,” Darlington said. “I’m proud of our guys. They played good when they needed to against a good first-round opponent.”
Seminole freshman quarterback Timmy McClain, who was sacked three times, left the game midway through the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the helmet.
McClain finished 16 of 22 passing for 211 yards and touchdown passes to Juri Sabb and Zion Jackson. Sabb led the team with five catches for 122 yards.
Apopka added two more TDs late in the game when Spyncer Williams took an interception back 60 yards and Drez Barber scooped up a fumble for a 35-yard score.