Streaks' pass protection still improving

When Blue Streaks quarterback Matt Grubb was briefly knocked out of the game last week after a crushing hit by a pass rusher, it brought back some vivid memories.

None of them pleasant.

"The offensive line is getting better and we've worked hard on that this week, like we do every week," said Sebring coach Jared Hamlin, whose Blue Streaks (5-3) play their Class 3A-District 9 finale tonight against Tenoroc.

"They're just inconsistent, and a lot of it is mental. They've been up and down, like our whole offense, from the receivers to the running backs to the quarterback - up and down, very inconsistent."

A year ago, Grubb, in his first year under center, was bruised, battered and beaten in the pocket. The result: The Blue Streaks finished 3-7.

They lost four offensive linemen to graduation, ushering in a new group, including converted left tackle Tevin Toney, that has given Grubb more time to throw - for the most part.

"It was pretty doggone good protection" last week against Auburndale, said Hamlin, whose team escaped with an ugly 12-8 victory, in which Grubb was 6 of 21 for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

The problem, Hamlin said, starts with the linemen, who attempted to outmuscle, or overpower, their defensive counterparts, instead of shuffling their feet. They blew just one assignment last week - when a defense lineman swept around the end, untouched - and it cost Grubb, who took a hard hit from behind and missed the next series, replaced by Devin Clarke.

Grubb returned, showed no ill effects and led the game-winning drive, throwing a 47-yard TD pass to Clarke with 5:23 left that lifted the Blue Streaks to the district win, their third of the season.

"It was a win," Hamlin said. "As ugly as it was, we pulled it out. We got through it."

Sebring now faces a Tenoroc team, in its second year of existence, that last week upended Lake Nona, 20-17. Still, the Titans have recorded just two wins this season - against hapless Celebration and the one-win Lions.

Before that win, Tenoroc had been outscored 205-19 by its past five opponents.

"You don't take anybody lightly," Hamlin said. "They've got some good athletes, and we want to go out there and score as many points as we can and not give up any points and play good in all three phases. There's nothing light about this."

Sophomore Damion Thompson is expected to again carry the load for the Blue Streaks. He rushed for 95 yards last week while splitting carries with Daniel Burnett, whose high ankle sprain is still limiting him in practice.

"Damion kept pounding it and that was good to see, taking his first hits didn't waver him at all," Hamlin said. "He's going to be all right."

Blue Streaks at Titans

When: 7:30 p.m. tonight

Where: Lakeland

Cost: $5