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Highlands Today

Devils Down Blue Streaks

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 6, 2008

SEBRING - Overcoming blustery conditions, the Avon Park boys golf team managed to shoot a respectable score to defeat Sebring in high school action on Thursday afternoon at Sun "N Lake Country Club.

The Red Devils shot a four-person team score of 147 for nine holes, while the Blue Streaks came in with a 151.

"It was a fun match and a good win for us," said veteran Avon Park coach Bobby Barben. "We weren't at full strength because one of our guys was sick, but the other kids stepped up in some windy conditions and came through for us.

"The kids always get up to play Sebring and this win should give us a shot of confidence."
Avon Park was led by senior Austin Smith who carded a 2-over-par 38 over the demanding front nine of the Deer Run course.

"Austin played a lot of golf over the summer and it's paying off," Barben said. "He is a strong player who hits the ball a long way and he's doing a much better job of course management."

Sophomore Greg Gentry fired a 3 over 39, junior Clay Davis shot a 40 and junior Evan Danzey rounded out the Red Devils scoring with a 40.

"Greg and Clay did a good job of coming back from a tough start," Barben said. "Evan had a good summer and is swinging the club well right now."

Sebring was led by sophomore Tyler Sanders, who shot a 39.

"That was a really good round in some tough conditions," said first-year Blue Streak coach Vince Liles. "Tyler worked hard on his game over the summer on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour and it's really paying off for him."

Junior Blake Liles and sophomore Sean Garner each shot 40 and junior Aaron Walkup rounded out the Blue Streak scoring with a 42.

"It was a good match, but a lot of the kids had trouble on one hole and it cost us," said Coach Liles. "A close loss like this shows the boys that every stroke counts.

"It doesn't matter if you have a bad hole, you have to forget about it and concentrate on the rest of the round."

Avon Park, which improved to 2-0 on the season, is back on the links on Monday when the Red Devils host All Saints Academy at River Greens Golf Course.

Sebring, which dropped to 1-1 on the season, travels to Lakeland on Tuesday for a match against George Jenkins.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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