Vinnie Cammarano
Key Points
Apopka’s 12U Pop Warner team closed its season Saturday with a 46-12 loss to the Central Florida Knights in the Mid-Florida Championship held at Lake Brantley High School.
The Blue Darters were the lone Apopka Pop Warner team to reach the championship, earning their spot after defeating the Lake Mary Rams 34-24 on Oct. 17.
Apopka, coached by Mike Lowman, opened the title game with a strong defensive stand, stopping the Knights on fourth down to take possession near the 18-yard line. After a turnover gave Central Florida the ball back, Apopka’s defense again came up with a key stop, as Kaiden Johnson recorded a sack on fourth down.
Quarterback Ayden Lowman put Apopka on the board with a touchdown on a quarterback sneak, giving the Blue Darters a 6-0 lead with 4:05 remaining in the first quarter. The Knights answered with a touchdown of their own to tie the game 6-6.
Central Florida took control in the second quarter, scoring twice to build a 22-6 advantage. Apopka continued to battle, with Lowman making plays on the ground and through the air.
After a defensive stop in Knights territory just before halftime, Lowman connected with Sire Warren on a 14-yard jump ball in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. This sent the Blue Darters into the break with some momentum down 22-12.
The Knights extended their lead in beginning of the third quarter, adding two touchdowns as Apopka struggled to maintain possession. Central Florida capitalized on fumbles and sustained drives filled with power runs and screen plays, including a 36-yard touchdown run that helped widen the gap.
Their final score of the quarter pushed the advantage to 46-12, which held through the finish.
Although the championship game ended with a difficult result, Apopka’s season included a meaningful postseason run. The Blue Darters advanced through the Mid-Florida field to earn their place in the final, representing Apopka as the area’s only Pop Warner team in the championship.
