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Tough tasks for Heartland teams

Ryan Lavner, Highlands Today

Sebring's Devin Clarke, who had nine catches for 227 yards in last week's 43-0 win over Celebration, will need to have another big game as the Blue Streaks travel to play Auburndale on Friday night.

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Highlands Today Staff Report

Published: October 30, 2009

SEBRING - Last week, when the Blue Streaks were mounting another impressive drive, Damion Thompson took a routine handoff behind left guard. He bounced it outside, shifting, juking, sprinting toward the sideline.

Then, the 165-pound tailback, trying to make a dazzling varsity debut, lowered his shoulder and bowled over two Celebration defenders.

The sideline went nuts. And the Blue Streaks suddenly found the spark they desperately needed.

"It was fun to watch," said Sebring coach Jared Hamlin, whose Blue Streaks (4-3) travel to play Auburndale at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

"When he runs, he runs full speed with everything he's got; he doesn't worry about protecting his body. He just runs, and that's the sign of a good running back."

And that physicality was something the Blue Streaks needed after back-to-back losses, which dropped them into the bottom of the Class 3A-District 9 standings.

With senior tailback Daniel Burnett on the sideline, still recovering from a high ankle sprain, Thompson got his first career start last Friday against Celebration. He rushed for 92 yards on 11 carries, scoring a touchdown on a 36-yard scamper in which he burst through the line of scrimmage, fought off several linebackers and stepped over a few cornerbacks on his way to the end zone.

"He runs hard and he's got an attitude that he believes nobody can tackle him," Hamlin said, "and he plays that way."

But it was during the second quarter, during another long drive, that Thompson ultimately earned the respect of his teammates. After breaking outside toward the sideline, Thompson drilled two would-be tacklers, leaving them at his ankles as he gained the first down. The run, only 11 yards, ignited the Blue Streaks sideline - "Ohhhhh!" they yelled.

"Being physical has to do with your demeanor," Hamlin said, "and he just has one of those physical demeanors."

Thompson was a key contributor to the Blue Streaks' offensive resurrection, as they snapped an eight-quarter scoreless streak and routed Celebration 43-0, their largest margin of victory this season.

Quarterback Matt Grubb threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns (four total), and Sebring gained 383 yards of total offense - and that was with what Hamlin called suspect offensive line play. "We missed some blocks and that was very disappointing," said Hamlin, a former lineman himself.

Fort Myers Dunbar at Lake Placid

LAKE PLACID - The Lake Placid football team hasn't played a meaningful district game this late in the season in many, many years.

The Green Dragons come into tonight's Class 2B-District 6 game against Fort Myers Dunbar at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in district play and riding a two-game winning streak.

"This is a big district game for us," said second-year Lake Placid coach Jason Holden. "Dunbar is very good and has excellent team speed.

"We've had a good week of practice and the guys are excited about playing in a game that means this much."

Dunbar brings a 4-3, 2-1 record into tonight's contest, and the Tigers have talent on both sides of the ball.

Dunbar uses a diversified offense and the Tigers quarterback has the ability to run or throw the football.

"Dunbar is probably the fastest team we've played and we're going to have follow our assignments and read our keys to slow down their offense," Holden said.

Dunbar plays a 4-3 on defense and the Tigers have a trio of linebackers that can cover the field, sideline to sideline.

"Our backs have to hit the hole fast because of Dunbar's team speed," the Green Dragons coach said. "We have to hang on to the ball and we can't afford penalties and mistakes because Dunbar has the ability to score quickly."

Kickoff is set for 7:30 tonight at Roger Scarborough Memorial Stadium.

"We understand the importance of this game and the kids are excited being in this position this late in the season," Holden said. "This is something we haven't seen in Lake Placid in years and we're looking forward to playing on Friday night."

Lake Highland Prep at Avon Park

AVON PARK - Last week's bye couldn't have come at a better time for the Avon Park football team.

The Red Devils got a chance to heal some bumps and bruises, and it gave senior Teddy Allen another week of practice at quarterback after switching from his tailback position.

Avon Park, which is 3-4 overall and 1-2 in Class 2B-District 6, faces a talented Lake Highland Prep (Orlando) squad that is 7-1 (2-1) and ranked No. 5 in the state.

"Lake Highland Prep is a very good team that is solid on both sides of the ball," said second-year Avon Park coach Andy Bonjokian. "They are well-balanced and don't make many mistakes.

"This is big-time district game for us and will give us a chance to see how we measure up against one of the top teams in the state."

Lake Highland Prep is in second place in the district, trailing only Tampa Catholic, which is ranked No. 2 in the state.

"We have to win this game if we want to have any chance of making the playoffs," said Bonjokian. "If we could knock off Lake Highland Prep, we'd still have a shot at finishing in the top two in the district to qualify for the playoffs.

"We've had a good week of practice and Teddy is getting more comfortable playing quarterback all the time."

Kickoff is set for 7:30 tonight at Joe Franza Stadium.

"This is homecoming week and this is our last home game of the season," said the Red Devils skipper. "We know we're facing a big challenge, but we're searching for an identity, and a win against a team as talented as Lake Highland Prep would really give us a boost."

The Highlands Today sports staff can be reached at 863-386-5837 or sports@highlandstoday.com

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