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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 18-34: Feeling the pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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27. Rodney Wells, Dr. Phillips High School
26. Jeff Darlington, Apopka High School

On Sept. 15, the two power football programs will meet at Dr. Phillips High School (literally in the shadow of the

Dueling Dragons

Dragon Challenge, may that roller coaster rest in peace). It has been an annual meeting with state championship and sometimes district implications.

Apopka, famous for its triple option offense, is a constant threat to make the state championship game. Last year’s surprise loss in the first round was shocking. This a year after Apopka fell in the regional semifinals. Two straight years without a final four appearance is rare for the Blue Darters.

That left the door open for Dr. Phillips.

The Panthers reached the state championship game last year, falling to Miami Southridge 14-10. Dr. Phillips is still looking for its first state championship. The same state championship that Apopka seems to win and compete for every year so easily.

It is another year, though, and both Apopka and Dr. Phillips are again vying for the state crown in 8A, Florida’s largest classification. Apopka is No. 1 in the Orlando Sentinel’s Super 16 poll and Dr. Phillips is No. 4. These schools are again favorites to make it out of the Central Florida region and closer to the state championship.

It is a testament to the programs Rodney Wells and Jeff Darlington have built. They continue to get the most from their teams.

Darlington has been the biggest mainstay in high school football in Central Florida. His Blue Darters program is truly the envy around town.

There are a lot of consistently strong football programs in the city. But nothing like these two Class 8A powers. They set the tone for the entire city, consistently getting players to good college programs and winning. The fact both teams were willing to play just about anybody — even before the FHSAA’s playoff changes — and still won those games is all the more impressive.