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Highlands Today

Red Devils Impress At All-Star Classic

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Avon Park quarterback Albert Moses takes off out of the pocket for a 10-yard gain during the South-Central All-Star Football Classic at Firemen's Field on Saturday night.

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: December 15, 2008

SEBRING - Good memories were not likely to be a part of the Avon Park player's vocabulary when they talked about Firemen's Field - the den of their archrival Sebring Blue Streaks - until Saturday.

The 2008 South-Central All-Star Football Classic became the Avon Park trio's personal highlight film even if the Central squad didn't come out on top.

The AP threesome, made up of quarterback Albert Moses, defensive back Stephahn Hinson and lineman Marvin Williams, sparkled brightly in the final game of the of the season and made a statement for all the players of small football programs.

"It was an honor to represent Avon Park and show that even though we come from a small school, we proved that we belonged here with the best football players," Hinson said.

"This was our time to shine."

Hinson had by far the best game of the Red Devils on the roster, as the senior blocked two field goals, an extra point attempt, forced a pair of fumbles and made two huge tackles for losses, but the Central squad couldn't overcome early mistakes in a 29-13 loss to the South in the 10th annual Classic.

"I told myself that this was my last high school game and I needed to go all out," Hinson said. "On the blocked field goals, I told my teammates that if they don't block me then I'm going to block the ball.

"I made them pay both times for not blocking me."

Avon Park head coach Andy Bonjokian, who was on the sidelines as an assistant coach, was proud of all the players, but especially of his Red Devils, who he said 'represented their school and community with pride'.

"I think Avon Park showed that they can play at a high level with the best the state has to offer," Bonjokian said. "Stephahn's performance was a snapshot of his whole attitude and approach to the game and I'm glad the fans got a chance to see how much he enjoys playing the game.

"I'm also glad we got Stephahn's game on film because this performance is going to get him into college."

Moses made some dazzling plays of his own, as he connected with Bartow's Christian Clay for a 25-yard pick-up on a second-and-long play on his second pass of the game in the first quarter.

The Avon Park signal caller would also do damage with his feet, as he had back-to-back runs of 10 and 12 yards to put the Central team in scoring position in the second half.

Williams, who was awarded a $500 scholarship by Alan Jay after the game, proved to be a run-stopper, as the AP lineman had numerous tackles on the South's Bryce Johnston of Port Charlotte for losses or no gain that ended drives and blocked an extra-point attempt in the second half.

First-year Lake Placid coach Jason Holden was selected as the head coach of the Central squad and enjoyed his time on the sideline.

The Green Dragon first-year coach was happy that the kids enjoyed themselves and got one last chance to play the game they loved.

"Some of these kids won't get the chance to play at the next level, so this is it for them as far as football," Holden said. "I think the kids really enjoyed practices and were really excited for game day and made sure to take everything in and not take it for granted."

The South took a 29-0 lead before the Central squad finally got going offensively.

Lake Wales' Javarious Riley took over at quarterback in the fourth quarterback after playing defensive back and quickly set up his own one-yard touchdown by connecting with Bartow's Clay for a 27-yard pass.

Hinson would recover the onside kick and Riley took the opening snap himself for a 29-yard gain and later hit Haines City's Jamal Rivers for a 26-yard touchdown.

The point-after banked off the left goal post and Central was down just 16 points with 10:41 left to play.

But that was the last offensive outburst left in Central as a late interception ended any hopes of a comeback.

Clay was named Central's offensive most valuable player after catching six passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, while the MVP on defense for Central went to Lake Wales defensive end Javaris Sutton, who was one of the leaders in tackles.

The Bartow receiver was all smiles with his trophy that he says has a special place in his room already.

"I really just wanted to come out and have fun," said Clay, who has several schools on his wish list that includes the University of South Florida. "I kept telling myself that this could be my last play and gave it everything I had."

Down just 13-0 at the half and fumbling on their first offensive possession of the second half, Central looked to regain some momentum and Hinson tried to provide such a spark.

Hinson came in untouched and got a hand up to partially block a 20-yard field goal attempt by Port Charlotte's Sam Costa to give the Central squad a boost.

But the gesture wasn't repaid by the Central offense, as Lemon Bay linebacker Dan Jacobs recovered his second fumble of the night.

Three plays later, Johnston ran in for a three-yard score, but the extra-point attempt was blocked by AP's Williams to hold them to a 19-0 lead.

The South squad scored early on a one-yard run by Charlotte's Troy McClary that was set up by a fumble recovered by Port Charlotte defensive lineman Jeremy Brown at the goal line.

Hinson blocked the extra point attempt to hold the South to a 6-0 lead.

Central had trouble getting into an offensive rhythm early and many drives stalled with little or no positive yards gained.

With the Central team pinned down at their own five-yard line late in the second, Sebring's Kevin Welborn leaped up to grab a pass from Okeechobee's Garrett Madrigal for a 19-yard gain, but the drive went no where and they were forced to punt.

The South's defense accounted for a pair of safeties late in the second half and Costa booted a 17-yard field goal to give them a 13-0 halftime lead.

Chris Hoffman can be reached at 863-386-5837 or choffman@highlandstoday.com

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