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Fort Lauderdale, FL — Venice, the new team in 8A, instantly became a threat once the announcement was made this year. The former 7A power won a state championship in 2017 and has been itching to get back ever since.
On Saturday afternoon, the Indians got their chance to add a third state championship, they did just that.
Venice (14-1) wins third state title in school history with a 35-7 win over Apopka (12-3) at DRV PNK Stadium.
It was over when…
Senior quarterback Ryan Browne had a magical day and it culminated when he found Jayshon Platt on the near sideline and the senior would blaze down the sideline for a 58-yard touchdown with 9:44 left in the game. Browne threw for four touchdowns and was never sacked.
Game Story
Venice took just five plays to get on the scoreboard. Browne connected with Omari Hayes for a quick pass over the middle and the senior used his speed to outrun the Blue Darters to the end zone.
Big play gets @VeniceIndianFB on the scoreboard as @OmariHayes4 takes it the distance for the touchdown. @footballhotbed pic.twitter.com/qTFw7YGb2J
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 18, 2021
Apopka would take advantage of a mistake to tie the game up. Senior Andre Phillips forced a fumble on the Venice punt returner, and Phillips would recover the football on the Indian five-yard line. Junior running back Zeldrick Roberts scored to help tie the game at seven.
The Indians would counter with another touchdown pass from Browne. The senior found junior Keyon Sears all alone in the corner of the end zone to get out in front on the scoreboard.
Venice re-takes the lead as Keyon Sears catches this one for the touchdown. @VeniceIndianFB leads 14-7 first quarter.@FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/019IfLnbwt
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 18, 2021
One of the more bizarre calls from a referee resulted in the next Venice touchdown. Junior defensive end Damon Wilson made an athletic play at the line of scrimmage to bat the ball in the air to himself, but the football was knocked away before Wilson could secure the football. The play was ruled a touchdown.
This was ruled a touchdown in favor of @VeniceIndianFB.
Did the ref make the right call?
Or did @ApopkaFootball get robbed?@FootballHotbed @MaxPreps pic.twitter.com/2Wyd7LsEij
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 18, 2021
The Indians would take a 21-7 lead into the break.
Venice’s explosive offense would get it going again in the third quarter. Browne would find Sears again wide open for a 47-yard touchdown pass.
The Indian defense held Apopka misdirectional running offense to a total of 119 yards that included -4 yards passing.
Big Time Players
Ryan Browne, Quarterback, Venice – The senior went 18-of-21 for 250 yards and threw four touchdowns.
Keyon Sears, Wide Receiver, Venice – The 2023 playmaker had two catches for 69 yard scoring two touchdowns.
Damon Wilson, Defensive End, Venice – The (6-5, 250) junior had eight tackes, a half sack and two tackles for loss including the interception and touchdown.
Omari Hayes, Wide Receiver, Venice (featured image) – The senior had 8 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. He also had nine carries for 26 yards.
Damarion Escort, Running Back, Venice – The 2022 back had 20 carries for 109 yards (5.4 per carry).
Logan Ballard, Linebacker, Venice – The senior had five tackles a sack and two tackles for loss.
George Phillip, Defensive End, Venice – The 2022 defender had seven tackles a half sack and a tackle for loss
Antwone Robinson, Linebacker, Apopka – The sophomore had 12 tackles and a tackle for loss
