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Devil Defense Dashes Dragons

AVON PARK 13 • LAKE PLACID 7

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Avon Park's David Callahan (12) goes up for a catch as Lake Placid's Anthony Gonzalez (30) defends during the second period of Friday night's game at Roger Scarborough Memorial Field.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: May 25, 2008

Spring Football Photo Gallery

LAKE PLACID — First-year Avon Park football coach Andy Bonjokian got his regime off to a good start in Friday night's spring game against Lake Placid.

Avon Park's quick, physical defense forced five turnovers, including two fumble recoveries for touchdowns, as the Red Devils beat the Green Dragons 13-7 at Roger Scarborough Memorial Field.

"I saw a lot of positives on both sides of the ball," Bonjokian said. "We just stepped on our shoelaces a couple of times, but overall, I was real pleased with our effort. "It was a physical game and I didn't see a lot of kids taking any plays off.

"It was a good win for our team, and our defense did an outstanding job of containing a good Lake Placid offense."

For Green Dragon second-year coach Tim Grant, the difference between last year and this year is huge.

"We're much stronger than we were last year," said Grant. "We're excited about our play, and even though we didn't carry out some fakes as well as we should have, we executed pretty well.

"We missed some big plays that were open in the passing game, but the kids played hard, with good effort and they're buying into our program."

As might be expected, with both coaches utilizing a large number of players, there were a number of offsides and illegal motion penalties throughout the contest.

After a scoreless first quarter, Avon Park got on the scoreboard when sophomore defensive end Robert Cabrera scooped up a Lake Placid fumble and rumbled 13 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown.

The extra point by freshman Alexis Miranda was wide right, but the Red Devils led 6-0 with 6:13 remaining in the second period.

"We stressed forcing turnovers during spring practice and getting five tonight was good to see," Bonjokian said. "To score off two of those turnovers is great and I'm excited about our defense, because they played with effort and intensity and they're only going to get better."

Lake Placid answered by driving 65 yards for its only score of the night.

Sophomore tailback Zach Campbell capped the impressive march with a 1-yard burst off right guard for the score.

The point after by Steven Guelff gave the Green Dragons a 7-6 lead with 3:27 remaining until halftime.

"If we execute and take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themself," Grant said. "We have a lot of young guys that learned tonight what it's going to take to succeed.

"I'm pleased with our effort, because Avon Park is a fast, physical squad and we hung right with them."

Avon Park scored the winning points early in the third quarter as junior defensive end Steven Johnson scooped up Green Dragon quarterback Chevontray Wilson's fumble and raced down the sideline for a 37-yard touchdown.

The extra point by junior kicker Josue Garcia put the Red Devils on top 13-7.

Lake Placid forced an Avon Park turnover, one of four on the night, midway through the final quarter, but a 27-yard field goal attempt by Guelff came up short.

The Green Dragons had one last march that reached the Avon Park 15, but the Red Devil defense came up big one last time to stop fullback Navahri Holden short on a fourth-and-1 play with under a minute remaining.

Avon Park, which was led by tailback Teddy Allen's 41 rushing yards, ran out the clock to seal the win.

"I blame myself for some of our offensive struggles," Bonjokian said. "I think I tried to go outside what we're comfortable doing. But you have to credit Lake Placid's defense, because they were tough.

"This win should motivate us to work that much harder over the summer, because we have a lot to look forward to in the fall."

Lake Placid is also looking to the future with hope.

"We know our offense will work if we execute," said Grant. "I feel a lot more comfortable because the players know what I expect and we're going to work hard over the summer and we're looking forward to the fall."

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