By Jay Rosquites
EBC Florida Bureau
ORLANDO, Florida (Eagle News) – The Orlando Apollos’s team slogan, “TAKE AIM”, has lived up to its name. In week one, they aimed for a strong offensive game versus the Atlanta Legends and succeeded with a rout. In week two, they aimed for a comeback win against the San Antonio Commanders and nailed that target. For week three, they aimed for another win against the Express and remain undefeated.
The Apollos dominated on both sides of the ball in the first half. Quarterback Garrett Gilbert completed 118 yards passing and running back D’Ernest Johnson plowed in for the only touchdown. The defense held up with two interceptions from defensive back Keith Reaser and linebacker Terrence Garvin completely shutting down the Express, 9-0.
In the second half, the Express answered with wide receiver Devin Lucien catching a 30-yard pass from quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
The Apollos offense, however, was not startled as Gilbert connected to wide receiver Rannell Hall in the endzone. Gilbert also notched a 21-yard rushing touchdown, his first of the season.
The Apollos secured ball control in the final minutes of the game, despite an answered touchdown by the Express and came out on top with a final score of 21-17.
After the game, Apollos’ Head Coach Steve Spurrier felt the win wasn’t pretty but was happy about it.
“It was a struggle. [The Express] changed up their defense after the first couple of drives. And, we were pitiful on our two-point attempts. Anyway, they could’ve easily won it, but they didn’t. And we were fortunate. So we’ll take it and we’ll learn from it,” said Spurrier.
As for the winless Express, they head into week four with much-needed adjustments.
“The biggest adjustment on defense, we really need to make a point to really simplify things,” said Express Head Coach Mike Singletary. “I think when you have guys missing tackles and missing plays, things like that, just means you’re doing too much.”
Despite the win, the Apollos’ Gilbert still feels that the team needs to grow.
“It certainly is still early, but I’m real pleased where we’re at as a team. And the best part to that is that we still have so much more room to grow,” Gilbert said.
The Apollos hit the road next week to take on the Salt Lake Stallions and seek to keep their win streak alive.
(Eagle News Service)