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Highlands Today

Devils Look To Run Down 'Dogs

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: October 3, 2008

AVON PARK - Another week, another stellar rushing attack.
Avon Park head football coach Andy Bonjokian and his coaching staff have the unenviable task of coming up with a plan to contain Frostproof tonight in the Red Devils' quest for their first win of the season.

"That's been a huge hole in our defense, as far as our run-stopping ability," Bonjokian said after Wednesday's practice. "We've been tested every week against some of the best rushing offenses in the state, and this week is no different."
Avon Park hosts Class 2A Frostproof tonight in the first regular-season home game for the Red Devils, on a night where the 1987 and 1988 championship football teams will be honored at half time.

The Bulldogs boast a bevy of talented runners, born from the same vein that produced former NFL running back/receiver Alvin Harper, Travis Henry and current University of Georgia running back Carlton Thomas.

Senior tailback Marcus Chaney entertains football fans every time he touches the ball, and he ran roughshod over Sebring last week to the tune of 154 yards and three touchdowns, helping defeat the Streaks 42-14 during the Bulldogs' homecoming.

Chaney - who had only 10 carries in the game - broke free for an 82-yard touchdown run as Frostproof took a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Not to be outdone. Chaney's teammate Nickell Robey added 135 yards and a touchdown, as the Bulldogs racked up 321 yards on the ground.

"Chaney is another special athlete that you have to try and wrap up early or he's gone if he breaks free into the open field," Bonjokian said. "The problem is that if you can't just plan to stop just one guy on Frostproof.

"They're a team that can beat you in so many different ways."

The Red Devil rushing defense has been almost non-existent for the past few seasons, and this year they've yet to buck the trend, giving up a staggering 236 yards per game on the ground.

Last week, Hardee had two rushers that went over the century mark, with quarterback Ezayi Youyoute leading the way with 192 yards and Jake Meyer chipping in with 101 yards.
Avon Park has given up 709 total rushing yards this season in three games while tallying just a total of 278 yards on the ground (92 yards per game), which has forced the Red Devils to give up the ball and allow the opposing teams to hog the offensive plays and control the clock.

Against Hardee, the Red Devils had just 11 second-half plays, including just one in the fourth quarter.

For the Red Devil offense, it all begins with tailback Teddy Allen.

When healthy, the AP back can bully his way for the tough yards, eating up not only yards but also keeping the opposing offense off the field.

Allen had a breakout game against a tough Okeechobee defense in Week 2, when the senior tailback ran for 120 yards and a touchdown, but the Red Devils couldn't build on Allen's success, as he managed just 14 yards on just six carries against the Wildcats.

On the opening drive against Hardee, Bonjokian and his staff caught the Wildcats napping with an unexpected aerial assault that led to a 10-yard touchdown pass from Albert Moses to Derrick McKenzie for the Red Devils lone score of the game.

The return of Moses under center will have a stabilizing effect for the Red Devil offense, and another week should be enough time for the rust to have been dusted off the senior signal caller.

"Albert has had a great week of practice," Bonjokian said. "The guys have really responded to him guiding the offense.

"We're going to mix things up and try and catch Frostproof off-guard but also play hard nosed football. Our defense has to step up and make plays and put our offense in a position to win."

Red Devils vs. Bulldogs

at Joe Franza Stadium

TONIGHT at 7:30

COST $5

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