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Sebring Hosts Hardee In Key District Football Matchup

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

The Sebring defense stuffs Jensen Beach receiver Gerald Footman (18) during Friday’s victory at Firemen’s Field. The Blue Streaks will need the same effort to slow down the Hardee running game.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: October 5, 2007

SEBRING — It's one of the oldest and best rivalries in the state.
Toss in the fact that tonight's matchup between Sebring and Hardee is a crucial Class 3A-District 12 game, and you have all the ingredients for a great night on the gridiron.

"This rivalry has always been big and now that it's a district game, it means even more," said Sebring fourth-year coach Jared Hamlin. "Hardee is a good football team that is well-coached and they don't make a lot of mistakes.
"The kids are excited about playing and it should be a heck of a game."

The two teams first met in 1926, and Hardee leads the series 32-10-1, including last year's 21-7 win.
The Wildcats have beaten Sebring seven consecutive times, with the Blue Streaks last win coming in 1999.
Hardee is 4-1 overall and 0-1 in district play, with the loss being a 10-7 upset at the hands of Avon Park.

The Wildcats are on a roll after beating Lakewood Ranch 47-33 last week.
"Hardee has a great rushing attack and we're going to have to play great defense to slow them down," Hamlin said.
Sebring is 3-2, 0-0, and the Blue Streaks are a confident bunch after knocking off Class 4A Jensen Beach 31-17 last week for homecoming.
Sebring was led by tailback T.J. Williams, who ran for 222 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns in the win over the Falcons.

"We wanted to get the ball in T.J.'s hands and he did a great job of running and our offensive line did a better job of opening some holes for him," Hamlin said. "We had contributions from a lot of different players and we made a lot of big plays on offense and defense."
Williams, who leads the Heartland in rushing with 583 yards and five touchdowns, gives the Blue Streaks a power runner.

Sophomore running back Daniel Burnett, who has gained 367 yards, is more of a slasher and gives Sebring a potent backfield combination.
"We're going to have to execute and stay with our blocks because Hardee has a quick defense," the Blue Streak coach said. "Our offense continues to improve, but we can't afford to make any mental or physical mistakes."

Senior quarterback Steven Fortner made his varsity start in last week's win, and the Blue Streaks have the speed at the wide receiver positions to make big plays.
Senior Sam Robinson has five receptions for 195 yards with two touchdowns and Hamlin has made it a point to get Robinson more involved in the offense.

"We want to put the ball in the hands of our playmakers, whether its passing or handing it off," Hamlin said. "It's tough to drive the ball the length of the field against Hardee and we're going to need to make some big plays during the game."

Hardee, which runs the option attack, keeps the ball on the ground and is led by senior running back Jayquan Gandy and quarterback Jordan Grimsley.
Gandy has rushed for 398 yards and five touchdowns, while Grimsley has gained 365 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Tailback Jimmy Cimeus is also a threat with 71 carries for 334 yards and seven touchdowns.
"Hardee is very effective running the ball and we have to read our keys and follow our assignments," Hamlin said. "It's going to be a physical game and we're looking forward to playing in front of our fans."

Sebring High School Football Photo Gallery

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