The East Ridge Knights continued their winning streak on Friday night as they clinched a playoff berth
against district rival, Apopka.  The FHSAA 6A top-ranked Darters barely survived at home last week against
Olympia, and this week they had to get the mistakes out of their system before they battled East Ridge, who
is currently riding a 7-game winning streak following last night's upset victory.

   The defenses dominated the first half of this football game, as the only scores in the first 24 minutes
came in the second quarter when the Knights' kicker, Justin Seaman booted two field goals.  Going into 
halftime, East Ridge knew that the battle was not yet finished.


   Caleb Nelson responded in the third quarter for the Darters as he scampered for a 25 yard touchdown, 
and the extra point put the Darters ahead 7-6.  When it mattered the most, East Ridge's superstar Jeremy
Wright shined.  Wright hit pay dirt twice in the fourth quarter from 9 and 33 yards out, giving East Ridge
a 21-7 lead with very little time remaining.  Apopka's defense had no right answer for Wright as he torched
the Darter defense with 173 yards and two touchdowns on the night, pushing his season total to over 
2,000 yards on the season. Apopka was able to score one more touchdown courtesy of sophomore running back,
Tom Smith, but it was not enough as East Ridge celebrated a 21-13 victory for the District 4-6A
 championship.

   Apopka only has one district game left, which will come next week at West Orange High School, who are
1-7 on the season.  The Darters will still make the 6A playoffs as the district runner-up, but don't expect
last night's loss to derail this championship-minded team.  East Ridge will finish district play at home
against Ocoee next week, and will get a week of rest as they await a home playoff game on November 21.


Next Week Preview:   Apopka at West Orange (11/7) 7:30pm EST - Listen LIVE at www.CFSfootball.com
                     Ocoee at East Ridge (11/7) 7:30pm EST