Local Sports
Red Devils ride into district play
Allen Moody | Highlands Today
Published: September 21, 2012
AVON PARK - The Avon Park Red Devils enter tonight's district opener at Joe Franza Stadium against LaBelle on a bit of a positive note, having given Mulberry a tough tussle last week in a 9-6 loss.Published: September 21, 2012
The Red Devils' defense did a solid job all game, holding the Panthers to just one touchdown and one field goal.
The Cowboys bring a 2-1 record into the game, as LaBelle began the season with a 31-13 loss to Cardinal Mooney, but has since posted back-to-back wins over Evangelical Christian (13-7) and Lemon Bay (14-13).
LaBelle is definitely more balanced than run-oriented Mulberry, as the Cowboys have averaged 13 passing attempts per game, with quarterback Derek Bass 15 of 35 for 166 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
When LaBelle runs the ball, Ellis Johnson has been the main man, as he has 52 carries for 240 yards on the season and Danny Robinson has added 19 carries for 137 yards.
Avon Park (0-3 overall) is strong against the run and wasn't pushed around by a good-sized Mulberry offensive line and should be able to hold their own against the Cowboys.
The Red Devils' defense forced four turnovers against the Panthers, recovering three fumbles and receiving a Zack Farr interception, and will again be asked to give the offense good field position.
Avon Park has a strong defensive line and the linebackers and secondary are capable of making a bit hit.
With the Red Devils being such a young team, coach Lee Brown wants to see effort and weekly improvement, knowing that good things will eventually happen.
"We're going to continue to be patient with them and work with them," he said of his younger players.
Offensively, the Red Devils will definitely be throwing the ball, due in part to take advantage of quarterback Ryan Dick's ability, as well as the fact that the team has had problems trying to get the ground game going.
"We have to get better up front," Brown said. "Our running game has to improve, but then we have two freshmen tailbacks."
Tonight's game is the first of five straight Class 4A-District 6 games for the Red Devils. After a bye next week, Avon Park plays four more district games before another bye week and the season-ending clash with Sebring.
Brown said the team has done a good job of playing hard regardless of what the scoreboard says.
"The guys still play for 48 minutes, so that's our trademark," he said. "We have to keep going with it."
LaBelle at Avon Park
Where: Joe Franza Stadium
When: Tonight at 7:30
Cost: $5