VENICE (SNN-TV) – For the first time since 2017, the Venice Indians aim to be crowned State Champions. The only obstacle left in their path is the 12-2 Apopka Blue Darters.
Venice has rolled through these playoffs at an emphatic rate, outscoring their opponents 195 to 35, and winning each game by an average of 40 points.
And the reasoning behind the dominance is the supreme talent on both sides of the ball, including stellar performances by key seniors like Ryan Browne, DJ Escort, Omari Hayes, Jayshon Platt, Myles Weston, Martin Ramos, Desavion Cassaway and Makalynn Clayton just to name a few.
The amount of veteran depth on this Indians team is incomparable, and Coach John Peacock realizes that Saturday’s game is life-changing for both him and Venice’s veteran players.
“You kind of sit back and you realize, these are the last two weeks I get to spend with 36 of these seniors. Kids that you’ve built some really strong relationships with, got to know them and know everything about them. Our locker room is never going to be the same after Saturday no matter what.” – John Peacock, Venice HC
With the seniors and company with state title aspirations in sights, the Apopka Blue Darters look to foil those hopes, particularly junior running back Keyondray Jones. Jones leads a Blue Darters rushing attack with 1,207 rushing yards on 184 carries and 12 touchdowns. The viable threat that Apopka poses in the ground game, doesn’t go unnoticed by Peacock and crew.
“If we’re able to stop the run and make them one-dimensional and try to get them to throw the ball, because that’s not what they want to do – I think we’ll be in very good shape defensively.” – John Peacock, Venice HC
But anything Apopka can do, Venice statistically does better. As Indians faithful have seen from September until now, Venice touts a bell-cow of their own in DJ Escort. The Murray State commit has tallied 21 touchdowns and 1,508 yards on 209 carries this season. Not to mention Ryan Browne, Alvin Johnson and Omari Hayes who‘ve combined for 26 rushing scores as well. And a key member of the offensive front, right tackle Makhete Gueye, pinpoints the running game as the key to victory on Saturday.
“If we play hard and we play aggressive, (and) physical, we’re going to win this game for sure. Our running back, DJ, he’s a good runner, our quarterback too and Omari (Hayes). I think if we play hard, we’re going to win this game for sure.” – Makhete Gueye, Venice Right Tackle
Saturday’s 8A State Final between Venice and Apopka is set for 1pm in Fort Lauderdale at DRV PNK Stadium. Tune in to SNN’s weekend edition for updates on the game.