COMPLETE STORY: Sebring's Defense Bombards Braden River

BRADEN RIVER - Sebring took out a season full of frustration on Braden River on Friday night, as a swarming defense forced five turnovers and quarterback Steven Fortner threw two touchdown passes to lead the Blue Streaks to a 23-0 victory over the Pirates.

The Class 3A-District 12 win improved Sebring to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in district play, and kept alive its playoff hopes.

"This was a big win for us," said Sebring coach Jared Hamlin. "Our defense played great and forced some turnovers and we were able to capitalize on them in the second half - that might be the first time all year we've done that.
"I'm proud of the kids because they hung in there against a good team on the road, and we still have a shot at the playoffs if we win against Avon Park next week."

The defense came up with its first big play after Braden River recovered a fumble on the Blue Streaks 6-yard line late in the first period.

On first down, Braden River tailback Ty Grider was hit hard and fumbled, and senior defensive back Ronaldo Walker fell on the ball for the Blue Streaks.

Neither team was able to muster any offense as a light rain fell and the teams headed to halftime scoreless.
That changed on Braden River's first possession of the second half.
The Pirates were forced to punt, and a host of defenders broke through to block the punt, and the Blue Streaks recovered the ball at the Braden River 11.

"We saw something on film in their punt blocking that we thought we could take advantage of and it worked out for us," Hamlin said.

Three plays netted seven yards, and Sam Robinson came on to boot a 25-yard field goal to give Sebring a 3-0 lead with 8:14 remaining in the third quarter.

Braden River, which was held to 124 yards of offense, moved the ball inside the Blue Streak 20 on its next possession, but quarterback Willie McNeal's pass was intercepted by Jack Howard at the 9-yard line.
Sebring marched 91 yards in seven plays with Fortner connecting with senior running back Brannen Dorman on a 47-yard touchdown pass.

"Man, I am so happy," Dorman said. "We worked really hard in practice this week and I told coach to let me get one, and he called the play.
"And I was able to take it to the house."

The point-after by Robinson gave the Blue Streaks a 10-0 lead with 37 seconds remaining in the period.
Braden River, which was led by tailback Jajuan Bell's 33 rushing yards, couldn't put any consistent drives together against the fast and physical Sebring defense.

The only chance Braden River had to get back in the game came midway through the final quarter.
Sebring was backed up at its own 3 and Robinson had to punt from the back of his end zone.
The snap was low, forcing the fleet-footed Robinson to scramble and elude a trio of Pirates, only to break loose for a back-breaking 89-yard touchdown.

"I didn't have time to punt, but I figured I would run because we only needed three yards for the first down," Robinson said. "Once I turned the corner, all I saw was green. And believe me, there wasn't anyone going to catch me from behind."

The extra point was wide left, but the Blue Streaks had a commanding 16-0 lead with under three minutes remaining.
Braden River went nowhere on its next possession, and Sebring moved the ball down the field into scoring position on the strength of T. J. Williams legs.

Williams, who leads the Heartland in rushing, gained 174 yards on 20 carries as the workhorse for the offense.
Fortner, who completed 3 of 8 passes for 64 yards, capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to senior Ricky Chavis, and Robinson added the extra point to complete the scoring.

The dominating win gives Sebring plenty of confidence heading into Friday night's game against arch-rival Avon Park.
"We stepped up and kept our focus tonight," Robinson said. "We know Avon Park has had a tough year, but we respect them, because they always play us tough."

Sebring High School Football Photo Gallery