Devils Look For Success

AVON PARK - There is no place to go but up for the Avon Park Red Devils.

Void of a touchdown this season, AP skipper Earnest Perkins isn't about to circle the wagons and mail it in against the defending Class 3A-District 12 champion Hardee Wildcats, who pay a visit to the confines of Joe Franza Stadium tonight.

"We have had some good practices," Perkins said. "I'm optimistic about tonight's game and we have a few surprises for the Wildcats."

This match-up opens district play for both teams.

Having two weeks off due to a bye, the Red Devils have used that time to heal some of the ailing players including linebacker Willie English, whose tenacity has been missed on the defensive side of the ball.

The bye also gave Perkins and his staff plenty of time to take a hard look at the football team and what changes need to be made to put Avon Park in a position to win.

"I had to remember that we have a lot of kids that are getting their first taste of varsity ball," Perkins said. "I've been on teams that have started 0-4 and were competing for a district title by season's end.

"The one thing you don't see out of this team is the lack of confidence. They are not holding their heads low about the prospect of facing Hardee, but looking forward to it."

The Wildcats are 3-0 on the season, pummeling Riverdale 34-6, using a powerful rushing attack, led by option quarterback Jordan Grimsley, who rushed for 172 yards on nine carries last week.

Hardee tallied 363 yards on the ground, while the Wildcat defense held Riverdale to just 117 total yards.

Stopping the run hasn't been Avon Park's best attribute and Hardee will give all the Red Devils can handle, with four potential game-breakers.

"They really know how to pound the ball," Perkins said. "They are a great football team and use the same philosophy as they did in the past. They are very disciplined and don't shoot themselves in the foot by making mistakes.

"We know we have an uphill battle tonight."

Offensively, the Red Devils will look to establish the run against the Wildcats, who have plenty of beef on defense to squash most teams. Avon Park's Virgil Cooper should get plenty of touches to keep the explosive Hardee offensive off the field.

Winning the football game should always be the mind set of any team, but getting that first taste of the end zone will be key to pointing Avon Park in the right direction. Keeping the mental mistakes to a premium will go along way in the Red Devil offense gaining confidence.

No matter the outcome, Perkins has faith in his team on and off the field. Establishing a solid foundation that has started in the class room and hopefully will translate to wins in the future.

"You never know when that break out game will come," Perkins said. "But when it does, look out for Avon Park.

"I always look for the good in kids. Win, lose or draw, this team is disciplined and academically sound. That is more important than wins or losses. I think we all seem to forget that from time to time."

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