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Sebring junior Devin Clarke, who missed last week's game, could have a big game tonight against Celebration at Firemen's Field. The Blue Streaks will look to get back on track after suiting up only 19 players in last week's 13-0 loss to Winter Haven.

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By RYAN LAVNER

Highlands Today

Published: October 23, 2009

SEBRING - The worst, they hope, is behind them.

After two whirlwind weeks, the Sebring Blue Streaks should be at full strength for tonight's district game against Celebration at Firemen's Field.

"It's been a rough two weeks," Sebring coach Jared Hamlin said, "but I'm proud of the way the kids responded. We're looking forward to getting back on track."

Sebring (3-3) suited up only 19 players in last week's 13-0 loss to Winter Haven, a defeat that put the Blue Streaks in a precarious position in the district standings with only four regular-season games remaining.

"I don't know if it was a rallying cry or anything," Hamlin said of hanging tight with Winter Haven, despite playing with a depleted roster.

"But I know those 19 players hung together and fought for each other for four quarters, and that was great to see."

The Blue Streaks have been outscored 41-3 in their past two games, both pivotal losses. They are currently in the midst of an eight-quarter scoreless streak, having been held out of the end zone since the fourth quarter of their 42-7 win over Lake Nona on Sept. 25.

Since that victory, Sebring has lost to seventh-ranked Lake Wales, a game that will long be remembered for the third-quarter skirmish that undeniably changed the complexion of the Blue Streaks' season. As a result, 19 players were suspended for the Winter Haven game, leaving many Blue Streaks to play both offense and defense - and special teams.

"I hate to lose, we all hate to lose," Hamlin said, "but it was one of those games where I know those 19 kids gave everything they had on the field last Friday, and that's all we could ask for."

And here comes Celebration (1-6), which has scored two points or fewer in four games this season.

Earlier this season, the Storm lost to Lake Placid 31-0. By way of contrast, Sebring defeated the Green Dragons 36-6 in the season opener.

So, is this a welcome opponent, given these turbulent times?

"I'm more focused on getting everybody back and I want them to go out there and show how we're capable of playing," Hamlin said.

Working with limited options, junior quarterback Matt Grubb completed 3 of 6 passes for only 33 yards and an interception in last week's loss. The running game didn't provide much relief, either. Trini Sutton rushed for a team-high 47 yards.

Tailback Daniel Burnett (suspension) and receiver Devin Clarke (injury), who provide much of the firepower for this Blue Streaks offense, did not play last week. Both are expected to return tonight.

"There's been a lot of little things," Hamlin said when asked about the offense's recent lack of production. "Taking sacks, getting sacked, not focusing on snap counts, making bad decisions in the red zone."

Ryan Lavner can be reached at 863-386-5841 or rlavner@highlandstoday.com

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