Apopka Pop Warner officially opened its 2026 season Saturday with a strong showing at home against the Lake Mary Rams in the Mid-Florida DI Platinum District. 

With seven teams taking the field, the Blue Darters collected four wins, two ties and one narrow loss in the opening weekend of the season. 

The day began with the 6U flag football team, which battled Lake Mary to a 24-24 shootout. The littlest Blue Darters matched the Rams throughout the game and finished their season opener with a hard-fought tie. 

Apopka’s 7U flag football team also played to a draw, battling non-district opponent Eastside to a 20-20 finish. 

The 8U Blue Darters provided Apopka’s first win of the day, defeating Lake Mary 13-6. 

The 10U team followed with another victory over the Rams, winning 18-6. 

Apopka’s 11U squad delivered the most dominant performance of the day, shutting out Lake Mary 31-0. The Blue Darters controlled the game from start to finish, earning a convincing victory to begin the season. 

The 12U team added another win against the Rams, defeating Lake Mary 18-6. 

The final game of the day featured Apopka’s 13U team in a dramatic battle. The Blue Darters fell just short, losing 19-18 in a one-point nail-biter. 

The season-opening slate marked the beginning of another opportunity for Apopka’s Pop Warner players to build on the program’s recent success. 

Apopka returns to action Saturday with a full day of games at Edgewater. The schedule begins with the 6U team at 8 a.m. and wraps up with the 13U team at approximately 4 p.m.