PLAYERS TO WATCH:
APOPKA: QB Zack Darlington , RB Kevin Smith , ATH Daquan Isom , TE Trey Hendrickson , RB Jevric Blocker
THE OUTLOOK:
The Class 8A State Title game will apeal for the type of football fan who enjoys Big-12 football. Tons of offense and lots of points.
Since the start of the playoffs both teams have put up no less than 30 points a game.
The Blue Darters have been led by the outstanding play of their junior quarterback Zack Darlington who has caught the attention of the entire state with his performance thus far in the playoffs. Against Dr. Phillips, Darlington threw for over 200 yards and four touchdowns against a Panther defense that is considered one of the best in the state.
For Cypress Bay it's all about the running game, averaging over 344 yards a game led by the top rusher in Broward County , Matt Dayes. Last week against Columbus, the Lighting did what they do all season and that is score before you can even blink , putting up 26 points in barely more than a quarter of play winning convincingly, 33-13.
The main point of emphasis in this game will be the quarterback play from both teams. While Cypress Bay's rushing attack is top-notch we all know that in order to win big games you've got to be able to be two-dimensional on offense, something Cypress Bay has struggled with at times.
The Blue Darters will have the advantage of playing in their backyard and since this will be new territory for both teams (the first for Cypress Bay) the atmosphere should be electric. If Cypress Bay can manage to strike early and keep the momentum in their favor they may be hoisting the trophy at the end of the game.
Expect this game to be a tight-one filled with explosive plays from start-to-finish.
PREDICTION: APOPKA 35, CYPRESS BAY 28
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