ESPN RISE

ESPN RISE takes a look at the teams to watch this month in central Florida:

Football -- Apopka
In 2006, the Blue Darters installed the single wing, a classic offense in which the ball is snapped directly to one of four backs. It was a rushing-dominated attack that relied on timing and misdirection -- and the running talents of then-sophomores Jeremy Gallon and Travelle Davis. Turned out the 5-foot-9 Gallon was also a remarkably accurate passer. To exploit his talents, coach Richard Darlington opened up the offense to include more passing last year. It became more of a single wing and spread offense hybrid and worked to the tune of a 12-2 season and a Class 6A state semifinal appearance. Gallon has since committed to Michigan, while Davis last year proved invaluable as a blocker. "He'd just go around the corner and splatter guys," Darlington says. Senior Caleb Nelson is a good QB in his own right, and he and Gallon frequently toggle between slot receiver and QB to the utter confusion of the other team. They do the same on defense, alternating defensive back positions. Sophomore Tom Smith is the future of the Darters rushing attack, and even senior Pooh Bear Mars, a highly touted middle linebacker, gets snaps as a power rusher and lead blocker. "Our kids have to play a lot of positions," Darlington says. "They like it." While talented and versatile, the team lacks size and depth and must stay healthy if it's to make another deep playoff run. Not that the Darters are looking that far ahead. "We just go out there and try to play good every Friday night,"Darlington says.

Girls' Volleyball -- Berkeley Prep
Coach Randy Dagostino has led Berkeley Prep to 12 state titles and more than 700 wins in the last quarter century, but in recent years his teams have been stopped by a familiar foe: Lake Highland Prep. Berkeley lost to Lake Highland in the state semifinals last year and the Class 3A finals in each of the two previous seasons. Rated the No. 63 team in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com at press time, this could be the year the Bucs -- led by junior hitters Lindsay Young and Chelsea Parker and senior setter Christina Theofilos -- get back on top.

Boys' Cross Country -- Jesuit
Jesuit, which finished third at the state meet last season, looks to overtake its brethren from down south, Belen Jesuit, atop the Class 2A heap. Leading the way will be Connor Revord, one of state's top harriers who nearly played football instead of running in his senior season. Jordan Schilit finished 12th at state last season and has chopped considerable seconds off his best time since, while fellow seniors Logan Trimble, Ben Martin and Mikey Gonzalez are meet-tested.

Girls' Golf -- Lake Mary
The Rams captured their first Class 2A state golf title last season and return four of five starters. Senior Nicole Agnello finished third individually at state last season and was ranked among the nation's Top 150 golfers in the American Junior Golf Association Polo Rankings at press time. Jessica Schall, who finished fifth overall as a sophomore last season, is ranked among the Top 200 in the country. Melody Williams finished in the Top 20 at state, while junior Caitlin Winters was 31st.

Breakout teams

FOOTBALL -- GAITHER
Senior Jarvis Giles was one of the state's most productive rushers the last two seasons.

GIRLS' SWIMMING -- COUNTRYSIDE
Melanie Margalis and nearly the entire squad that finished fourth at state return.

BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY -- OKEECHOBEE
Junior Heriberto Guerrero is one of the state's top harriers.

GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY -- SOUTH LAKE
Sophomore Kali Carney finished seventh, the team 11th, at state in 2007.