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Highlands Today

Streaks Face Braden River In Critical District Game

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: October 26, 2007

SEBRING — The Sebring football team needs a victory tonight as it travels to Braden River for a key Class 3A-District 12 matchup.

At 3-4 overall and 0-2 in district play, the Streaks are still mathematically alive for a playoff spot.
"This is a must-win for us," said Sebring fourth-year coach Jared Hamlin. "If we win the rest of our games and things fall the right way, we still have a chance for the playoffs.

"If we don't win, we're definitely eliminated from the district race."
Braden River comes in at 3-5, 1-2, and the Pirates are a dangerous team that's looking to rebound from a 42-7 defeat at the hands of Hardee last week.

"Braden River is a good team with some talented athletes," Hamlin said. "They have good speed on both sides of the ball, and we're going to have play well to get a win."

Braden River runs the I-formation on offense, and junior quarterback Willie McNeal is the man that keeps the Pirates' ship on course.

"McNeal is an outstanding athlete," Hamlin said. "He is quick and has good vision when he runs."
Sophomore running back Jajuan Bell is also a threat out of the Braden River backfield.

"Bell runs hard, but he's not a breakaway threat," the Blue Streak coach said. "We have to read our keys and follow our assignments to slow down their offense."

The Pirates use 4-4 and 5-3 alignments on defense, and Sebring will look to get the ball in the hands of its playmakers, running back T.J. Williams and wide receiver Sam Robinson.

Williams leads the Heartland in rushing with 656 yards, and the powerful tailback has scored five touchdowns.

Robinson, a dual threat, is the Heartland's leading receiver with six catches for 207 yards and two touchdowns, and the senior speedster has carried the ball six time for 126 yards and one score.
"We want to get the ball into the hands of our best players and put them in a position to make plays," Hamlin said. "We want to get the ball on the outside and create some space for our guys."

Sebring, which lost to District 12 leader DeSoto 34-6 last week, has put the loss behind them and is focused on Braden River.

"We came out tight last week and fell into a hole against a very good DeSoto team," Hamlin said. "We can't afford to do that against Braden River.
"Our guys have been more relaxed and focused in practice this week and I think we're going to play well."

Sebring vs. Braden River
WHEN: Tonight at 7:30
WHERE: Braden River High School
COST: $5

Sebring High School Football Photo Gallery

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