Apopka Blue Darters (10-4) vs. Miami Columbus Explorers (13-1)

When: Saturday, 7:07pm

Where: Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando (1 Citrus Bowl Place)

TV: BHSN (Channel 47 and HD 1147)

Live Streaming: www.bhsnlive.com

Coaches: Apopka – Rick Darlington (13th, 131-36); Columbus – Chris Merritt (14th, 129-36)

How they match up: After four regular season losses, Apopka has caught fire in the postseason to reach the 8A state championship game for the third consecutive season. The Blue Darters won the 2012 title in a 53-50 heart stopper against Cypress Bay and lost to South Dade 41-28 last season. Apopka’s single wing offense has shredded opponents for 48 points per game in the postseason. Demetri Burch (176 car, 1,340 yds, 19 TD), Auburn commit Chandler Cox (162 car, 1,206 yds, 15 TD) and Deshawn Massey (108 car, 956 yds, 16 TD) all play an integral role in the Blue Darters attack. Offensive lineman Martez Ivey, rated as the top prospect in the nation by 247sports, is the rock of an offensive line that has made dramatic improvement since the start of the season. Senior middle linebacker Billy Caughell leads the defense with 110 tackles and 10 for loss. Ben Bascom, who missed seven games with a broken fibula, has bolstered the Blue Darters secondary during their postseason run.   

Columbus hasn’t appeared in a state championship since 1982. The Explorers’ only loss of 2014 came at the hands of nationally ranked Miami Central, 42-14, in week four. Columbus utilizes a pair of running backs in Ivan Smith (96 car, 709 yds, 7 TD) and Andres Fernandez (111 car, 645 yd, 9 TD). The only division-1 commit on the Explorers roster is Florida International pledge Austin Maloney (51 rec, 828 yds, 10 TD). His presence could pay huge dividends against a secondary that has struggled with deep passes this season. The strength of Columbus is its defense. The Explorers haven’t allowed an opponent to score more than 12 points since beating Highlands, Kentucky 38-34 on Oct. 11.

Three facts to know:

1. Apopka is the fourth program from Central Florida to make three consecutive state title games. The others: Edgewater (2002-04), Cocoa (2008-10) and Warner Christian (2008-10).

2. With a win, Apopka would tie Merritt Island and Cocoa for the most state championships in Central Florida history.

3. Cox has accounted for five touchdowns in the last two state title games. In 2012, he scored three rushing touchdowns and he threw for two last year.