University High of Orange City had its best football season ever last year. In his first year at the school, which opened in 2010, coach Justin Roberts was loaded with young talent and he guided the Titans to 10-2.

The two in the loss column, however, was the Titans’ nemesis. DeLand ruined what could have been a season to remember in west Volusia, winning both matchups. The Bulldogs sent the Titans home in their final game, a stinging 31-13 defeat in a Class 4S, Region 3 semifinal game.

DeLand coach Rick Darlington engineered those victories and guided his own team into the state semifinals round. The Bulldogs, who finished 11-3, lost to Venice, one step from another state title game appearance for Darlington.

University is loaded, with every key playmaker back for 2024, while DeLand has what Darlington has called the “youngest team I’ve ever had.”

On paper that bodes well for UHS in its bid to win its first district title. But Darlington-coached teams are always difficult to defeat. He has won 251 times in his 27-year head coaching career, 72% of his games.

University quarterback Malachi Walters is back running the show. He is surrounded by playmakers, including senior receivers Jermane Hayes, Isaiah Baker and junior Barrett Schulz and senior running backs Ja’bailey “Beechie” Morris and Anthony May.

Walters threw for 2,238 yards and 28 touchdowns a year ago, almost all of that going to Hayes and Baker.

Morris and May combined for 1,198 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.

DeLand lost special players in quarterback TJ Moore and playmaker Javon Ross. Moore threw for 1,664 yards and 21 touchdowns last season and rushed for another 1,348 and 12 TDs. Ross accounted for 1,914 rushing and receiving yards and 30 touchdowns. He had 473 return yards.

It’s a lot to make up.

DeLand’s offense will be led by senior running back LaDamion Belcher, who ran for 496 yards and 8 touchdowns, and he began to come on strong near the end of the season. The player to watch is Marceles Carey, a speedster who will run circles around defenses, much the way Ross did for the ‘Dogs. Also watch out for freshman running back Taihj Moore.

The big backyard showdown between these two rivals, sitting 10.5 miles apart, is scheduled for Oct. 25 at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.

Also residing in District 2 are Flagler Palm Coast and Spruce Creek of Port Orange, which is teeming with talent and will have something to say about this district championship.

DeLand Bulldogs

Coach: Rick Darlington (3rd year, 17-8; 251-95 career).

2023: 11-3, 4S state semifinals.

University Titans

Coach: Justin Roberts (2nd year, 10-2).

2023: 10-2, 4S region semifinal.