Sebring Takes On Undefeated DeSoto

SEBRING - A monumental task.
That's what the Sebring High School football team faces in tonight's Class 3A-District 12 matchup against undefeated DeSoto County.

The series, which began in 1927 and is one of the oldest rivalries in the state, has belonged to the Bulldogs, who lead 27-24-1.
DeSoto has won the last three times, including last year's 49-14 victory.

"This is the biggest game of the season because it's the game we're playing this week," Sebring coach Jared Hamlin said.
The Blue Streaks are 3-3 overall and 0-1 in district play and are coming off their bye week.

"The bye week came at a good time for us because we had a bunch of guys banged up," Hamlin said. "It gave us a chance to get healthy and get some things straightened out.
"But we have our hands full, because DeSoto is an excellent team with good athletes and speed on both sides of the ball."

DeSoto, which is 5-0, 1-0, runs a Wing-T offense led by the ball-handling and quick feet of quarterback Shay Shine.

"Shine is an excellent quarterback who can beat you with his arms, legs and his brains," Hamlin said. "He is a savvy player and we have to contain him if we want to slow down the DeSoto offense."

The Bulldogs also have a bevy of talented running backs led by Darion Shine, Vic Hollingsworth and Jerrell Ezell.
"DeSoto's offense is tough to defend because they have so many options," Hamlin said. "Their backs run hard and we are going to have to tackle well.
"DeSoto runs the Wing-T really well, which uses a lot of misdirection plays, and we have to read our keys, execute our assignments and swarm to the ball."

DeSoto runs a 4-4 on defense and the Bulldogs have the speed to cover the field.
"DeSoto's front eight is tough to control," Hamlin said. "They are hard to run against because they have two big guys in the middle who are hard to move and they have the speed at linebacker to cover from sideline to sideline."

Sebring will look to control the ball with senior tailback T.J. Williams, who leads the Heartland with 625 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
The Blue Streaks also have the ability to throw the ball with senior quarterback Steven Fortner.

Fortner's favorite target is senior wide receiver Sam Robinson, who has five catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
Robinson, who has game-breaking speed, has also carried the ball three times for 108 yards and one touchdown.

"We are going to have our hands full," Hamlin said. "We have to execute and make big plays on offense, defense and special teams if we want come away with a win.
"We control our own destiny, we just have to win."

Sebring vs. DeSoto
WHEN: 7:30 tonight
WHERE: DeSoto High School
COST: $5

Sebring High School Football Photo Gallery