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Apopka pulls away to rout Freedom

Written by Shannon J. Owens

APOPKA -- During a seven-minute stretch of the third quarter, little-known Freedom looked like a team on the verge of pulling off the biggest upset of the season against No. 1 Apopka.

But it took just seconds for the Blue Darters (2-0) to shatter the Patriots’ hope and roll to a 57-21 victory at home Friday.

Running a spread, Freedom quarterback Julian HowlandÖ launched a 40-yard pass into the hands of senior Trevor WrightÖ to set up a 5-yard touchdown run and cut its deficit 28-21.

Apopka was stopped short at Freedom’s 45-yard line and was forced to punt. And that’s when things got interesting.

The Blue Darters recovered possession when a Freedom player fumbled the return. Apopka converted on the four of the next six drives.

Two Apopka running backs finished with rushing performances greater than 100. Jeremy Gallon had 115 yards on 15 carries, not including his 97-yard kickoff return in the third quarter. Travelle Davis finished with 102 yards on 13 carries, including a 48-yard touchdown run.

Sophomore running back Tom Smith also turned in a big performance with one touchdown and 61 rushing yards.

The Patriots’ leading rusher, Jordan Mays, was held to 43 rushing yards and one 25-yard touchdown.

Apopka received a tougher test than it probably expected heading into next week’s televised game against nationally ranked South Panola of Mississippi. Last week the Patriots (0-2) scored just one touchdown in a 16-6 loss to Bishop Moore. last week.

The Blue Darters have scored 90 points in its first two games of the season.

Shannon J. Owens can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Apopka 57, Freedom 21

FIRST — F: Mays 25 run (Grady kick). SECOND — A: Smith 10 run (Catron kick); A: Davis 1 run (Catron kick); A: Nelson 20 run (Catron kick). THIRD — F: Doll 60 kickoff return (Grady kick); A: Gallon 97 kickoff return (Catron kick); F: Cleveland 5 run (Grady kick); A: Gallon 12 run (Catron kick); A: Nelson 18 fumble recovery (Catron kick); Gallon 25 run (Catron kick). FOURTH — A: Davis 48 run (Gallon run).