Ryan Browne leads Venice past Apopka in 8A Florida high school football state championship

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Senior quarterback Ryan Browne threw four touchdown passes to lead the Venice Indians to a 35-7 victory over the Apopka Blue Darters in the Class 8A Florida high school football state championship on Saturday.

It’s the third Florida high school football state title for Venice (14-1).

Senior running back Damarion Escort also added 20 carries for 109 yards on the ground (5.4 yards per carry) in the win.

Here is a look at the top performers from the 2021 8A title game:

Apopka Top Stars

Junior running back Keyondray Jones- 14 carries, 70 yards (4.8 yards per carry)

Senior running back Zeldrick Roberts- 8 carries, 33 yards (4.1 yards per carry), 1 touchdown

Sophomore safety Antwone Robinson- 12 total tackles (Team-high)

Senior linebacker Tra’vion Barnes- 11 total tackles

Junior linebacker Malik Nicholson- 8 total tackles

Venice Top Stars

Senior quarterback Ryan Browne- 18-21 for 250 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, Browne also added 4 carries for 15 yards (3.75 yards per carry)

Senior running back Damarion Escort- 20 carries for 111 yards

Senior wide receiver Jayshon Platt- 9 targets (7 catches), 108 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 fumbles lost

Senior wide receiver Omari Hayes- 9 targets (8 catches), 78 yards, 1 touchdown

Junior wide receiver Keyon Sears- 2 targets (2 catches), 69 yards, 2 touchdowns

Junior defensive end Damon Wilson- 8 total tackles (Team-high), INT return for touchdown

Senior defensive end George Philip- 7 total tackles

Senior linebacker Logan Ballard- 5 total tackles, 1 sack

Apopka Team Stats

Rushing Yards: 119

Passing Yards: -4

Total Yards: 115

First Downs: 5

3rd Down Conversions: 0-9

4th Down Conversions: 0-1

Time of Possession: 26:03

Venice Team Stats

Rushing Yards: 164

Passing Yards: 250

Total Yards: 414

First Downs: 17

3rd Down Conversions: 6-15

4th Down Conversions: 4-8

Time of Possession: 21:57