Vinnie Cammarano
Key Points
Apopka celebrated its senior class Friday night, but the Blue Darters’ matchup against Timber Creek was cut short by severe weather, leaving the teams with more football to play at a later date.
The Blue Darters honored 21 senior football players at Roger Williams Field, along with senior members of the band, cheerleading squad and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. However, lightning in the area forced a lengthy delay before continued storms and heavy rain led to the game’s suspension.
Apopka trailed early after Timber Creek opened the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown pass down the right sideline. The Blue Darters answered immediately with a trick play.
Coach Marcus Neeson said during the delay that he had some plays ready and designed for the birthday boy, Nyzier Collington.
After Johnson Navilssaint returned the kickoff to the 40-yard line, quarterback Kai Goodling threw what looked like a screen pass to Collington. Collington stopped and launched a pass deep downfield to Jakyvion Kemp, who caught it at the Timber Creek 30-yard line and raced into the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point was unsuccessful, leaving Apopka trailing 7-6 with 9:26 remaining in the first quarter.
The Blue Darters’ defense responded on the Wolves’ next possession. Jakendall Kemp made a tackle for loss that helped force a turnover on downs. Later in the quarter, Marcus Young chased down a screen pass and forced a fumble near midfield. Josiah Long recovered the ball and returned it to the Timber Creek 46-yard line.
Apopka capitalized on the opportunity in the second quarter. Goodling connected with Collington on a 24-yard screen pass to the Timber Creek 16-yard line. On the next play, Goodling launched a pass toward a streaking Collington, who ‘Mossed’ the opposing corner for a touchdown, giving the Blue Darters a 12-7 lead with 10:41 remaining in the quarter. A dropped snap prevented the extra point.
Timber Creek struggled to move the ball against Apopka’s defense on its next possession and punted to the Blue Darters’ 45-yard line.
Apopka picked up 2 yards on a Kemp rush before an incomplete pass. Kemp then took a direct snap and ran for 9 yards as the Blue Darters continued their drive.
With 7:30 remaining in the second quarter, lightning in the area forced officials to suspend play. Fans were sent to their vehicles while both teams retreated to their locker rooms. After more than an hour of delay, persistent lightning and heavy rain prevented the game from resuming, forcing its suspension for the night.
The teams are expected to resume play at a later date, with Nov. 6 as a possible option. If the game resumes as anticipated, Apopka will lead 12-7 with 7:30 remaining in the second quarter.
