Local Sports

Sebring on road for final district tilt

Photos

Allen Moody | Highlands Today
Published: November 2, 2012

The Sebring Blue Streaks will get their final shot at a Class 6A-District 10 victory when they travel to Lakeland to face the Kathleen Red Devils tonight.

The Red Devils (5-3 overall) are undefeated at home this season, but are coming off a tough 15-13 loss to Lake Region, which knocked them from playoff contention. Lake Region blocked a Kathleen field goal in the final seconds to secure the victory and the district title.

The game followed a similar script last year, as the Blue Streaks were able to come away with a 24-14 victory and break into the district winning column.

"They look good," Sebring coach LaVaar Scott said of Kathleen. "Just like last year, they can throw the ball and they can throw the deep ball. They're very explosive."

The key to stopping the Red Devils starts with slowing down two-way threat A'Treyu Farrior. The Red Devils quarterback has received several college offers, including one from Division I South Alabama.

Wideout Ja'Von Harrison has already committed to Virginia Tech and the Red Devils have a solid running back tandem in Rovonta Johnson and Anthony Ware.

"We have to play our assignments and fly around," Scott said. "We just need execute on both sides and stop making the mental mistakes. We have to play four quarters and we haven't done that yet. I'm hoping it will this week."

Scott said the team is focused on tonight's game and won't get caught peeking ahead a bit, as another group of Red Devils—Avon Park—are on tap next.

"They're all thinking about Kathleen," he said. "They're not thinking about Avon Park. They know the week-to-week grind. They'll be ready for that one, but they know we have to take care of this one first."

The Blue Streaks struggled a bit offensively last week and will look to get untracked against a Red Devils' defense that can be difficult to run against.

AJ Gayle scored Sebring's lone touchdown last week and the Blue Streaks will have to get some productivity from the passing game to keep Kathleen from playing nine players in the box.

It was the big passing play last year that helped the Blue Streaks get past the Red Devils, as Ladante Harris had receptions of 54 and 77 yards in the game.

Scott said the team has done a good job of getting ready to play each week and not dwelling on some disappointing results.

"This senior group is not real big, but they've done a very good job of keeping the kids focused," he said. "They're a very resilient group, that's what I love about them. That makes it easy to come here every week."

Sebring at Kathleen

Where: Johnny Johnson Stadium

When: Tonight at 7

Cost: $6

amoody@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5841