An old rivalry renewed

With both Avon Park and Sebring missing out on the state playoffs, tonight's game offers a last chance for the seniors on each team to record a final win over their biggest rivals.

The Class 2B Red Devils come in at 3-6 and looking to snap a five-game losing streak.

"This is the biggest game of the season for us," said second-year Avon Park coach Andy Bonjokian. "We're hoping to put all the pieces together and we're going to do our best to try and contain an explosive Sebring team.

"We've had an up and down year and it would be great to knock off Sebring to end the season on a positive note."

The Class 3A Blue Streaks come in at 6-3 and would like nothing better than to beat their biggest rivals in front of their home fans.

"This is a big game for us and the kids are fired up about playing Avon Park," said Sebring coach Jared Hamlin. "We're as healthy as can be expected for the last game of the season and we've had a good week of practice.

"It's very important to win this game and finish off the season on a positive note and we know it's going to be a big battle against a tough Avon Park team."

Avon Park, which switched Teddy Allen from tailback to quarterback three games ago, has seen steady improvement by its offense as the elusive senior has grown more comfortable in his role as the Red Devil signal-caller.

"Avon Park is very physical and runs the ball well," Hamlin said. "Allen has the power and speed to make big plays running the ball and he has the accuracy with his arm to hurt us throwing the ball.

"They are much better than their record indicates and Allen's move to quarterback makes them tough to defend."

Sebring will counter with an explosive offense paced by the throwing of junior quarterback Matt Grubb, the receiving of junior wide receiver Devin Clarke and the solid running of a bevy of talented backs.

"Sebring has improved over the course of the season and we know we're going to have our hands full trying to slow their offense down," Bonjokian said. "They have the ability to run the ball effectively and Grubb has the arm to get the ball down the field to Clarke who is one of the most dangerous players we've seen all year.

"This is our seniors last game in a Red Devil uniform and their last chance to get a win against Sebring and it's a great opportunity for us to help them go out as winners."

Playing in front of its home fans for the last time, the Sebring players would like nothing better than continue their recent domination of Avon Park in one of the oldest rivalries in the Sunshine State dating back to the 1920s.

"Every game is important, but this game is extra special," said Hamlin. "We're going to play as hard as we can and we would like nothing better than to get a win and send our seniors out the right way.

"We're looking forward to playing and we know it's going to take an outstanding effort to beat a good Avon Park team."

The kickoff is set for 7:30 tonight at Firemen's Field.

Red Devils at Blue Streaks

Where: Firemen's Field

When: 7:30 tonight

Cost: $5