Devils Turn Up Heat

For Andy Bonjokian, a summer of anticipation is complete, and during the Avon Park football team's first day of fall practice on Monday, it was simply time to get down to business.

"I think the players and coaches are just ready for football season," Bonjokian said. "I know the kids have worked their butts off over the summer and it's time to put all that muscle to work. I'm really excited for the coaches as well, who now will be able to put all those plans and schemes that we've been talking about all summer into action."

Upperclassman schooled newcomers to the ways of varsity football, and players were pushed to the limit by the coaches who were eager to give players pep talks of varying volume.

"You really know who worked out during the summer and who didn't pretty quick in this heat," Bonjokian said. "I know it's a cliche, but this is where you separate the men from the boys."

Bonjokian was asked about his memories of his own practices with the Red Devils under then football coach Hoppy Rewis.

"Practice was a nightmare," Bonjokian laughed. "The game has evolved so much since when I played high school ball and I think practices have evolved with it. The players are more athletic than we were back then and they're more position-specific.

"Back then, we just beat each other up during practice and then took out our frustrations on the opponent on Friday.

"The game has changed a lot though. I was a 175-pound offensive lineman and on our team, we have boys that weigh 275 pounds on our line that are undersized compared to other teams. You can see the huge difference between then and now."

Bonjokian praised his upperclassman for stepping up in the form of leadership during practice.

Running back Virgil Cooper has been an instant leader on the field right from the opening whistle during warm-ups - a facet of his character that didn't go unnoticed by Bonjokian.

"Virgil has turned into a much-needed leader for this team," Bonjokian said. "When he was younger, I had fits with him, but now I understand that he just wants to be the best football player he can be and expects the same from his teammates.

"There are so many other kids that I could call out who have stepped it up for us this summer, and I can see on the first day of practice are going to play a key role in our success."

Cooper is looking for a breakout season under new coach Bonjokian and has worked all summer to get into shape.

"This is going to be our year," Cooper said. "We are stronger as a team on and off the field. I have always been a team player and I'll do whatever it takes to put wins in our pocket this season."

With the blistering heat topping the high 90s during practice, the young Red Devil team motored through a series of drills that test footwork, speed and agility that will lead up to today's first day of practice with full gear.

"That's the day most of the kids are looking forward to," Bonjokian said. "But they also dread it because the heat isn't going away. That gear is going to feel a lot heavier after just a few minutes in the heat, but this is when you build not only endurance, but character."

The Devils host Lake Wales for their kickoff classic on Aug. 29 and open their regular season on the road against Ridge Community School on Sept. 5.

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