By Roger Franklin Williams

As we approach a new football season, the biggest impression from this perspective is how far Apopka Football has come from this time last year. We entered our Preseason Classic against West Orange with a program of over 100 players, including a large, well-stocked varsity roster, a big junior varsity roster, a freshman program — which is significant because many area schools no longer have freshman football and a schedule that is much more manageable.

This is quite a contrast from this time last year when our first-year head coach, Marcus Neeson, was attempting to stick a proverbial finger in a dike that was more like a tidal wave. 

Coach Neeson took over a program that was reeling from massive player defections (more than 30 varsity players exited the program after spring football), a severely depleted coaching staff and a schedule that was possibly the most difficult in the state — one that included eight playoff teams and was loaded with some of the most elite programs in the state.  

It is impossible to overestimate the job Coach Marcus Neeson has done off the field as he has worked around the clock to rebuild Blue Darter Football. His efforts have spanned the realm of reaching out to area youth football programs, which start around age 7, to proactively bring former Blue Darter players, including former and current NFL players and other Apopka Football legends, back into the program in dramatic and creative ways.  

One more important thing to note is that (despite all the extraordinary obstacles) Coach Neeson and his band of courageous overachievers were able to capture two victories last year, which included ending the season with a 35-0 victory over rival Wekiva to capture the “Battle for the Mayor’s Cup,” thereby ending a season with unspeakable hardships on an upliftingly positive note. 

On Friday, Aug. 14, Coach Neeson led Apopka Football toward the next step — the ON-THE-FIELD phase of rebuilding. We traveled to West Orange for the 2026 Preseason Classic against West Orange. It is interesting to note that this is perhaps the first season since West Orange High School was established in the fall of 1975 that Apopka and West Orange have not played in the regular season; I’m wondering about the backstory. Preseason games do not count toward the regular-season record or qualifying for the playoffs.  

Our regular season starts with a trip to Orlando to play the Boone Braves, a 2025 district champion with an 11-2 record last season. According to Coach Neeson, the 2026 Blue Darters will include a mix of returning players who gained valuable experience last season, players up from the freshman and junior varsity teams, as well as a few transfers.  

According to Coach Neeson, Blue Darter fans can expect an offense that employs “multiple” formations and tactics; a solid defense; a coaching staff that is well stocked with experienced coaches; and a schedule that is tough but much more realistic than in 2025. Coach Marcus Neeson has made extraordinary strides in rebuilding Apopka Football off the field in the past 12 months. We eagerly anticipate the on-the-field season results, starting Friday.