To the uninitiated, it would seem quite obvious which team came into Tuesday night atop the standings in Class 1A, District 6. ...more

January 20, 2008

PALMETTO — If the Avon Park girls soccer team wanted a blueprint of where they want to evolve in the coming years, they need only take a good look at the machine that is the Palmetto Tigers. The top-seeded Tigers pounced on the Red Devils from the onset, scoring seven minutes into the game and not letting up until they'd walked away with an 8-0 mercy-rule victory over the No. 4 seed Avon Park in the semifinals of the Class 4A-District 10 tournament at Harllee Stadium on Tuesday. Palmetto were methodical in its attack and used precision passing to systematically dismantle the Red Devil defense, showing the obvious differences in skill level. ...more

January 17, 2008

As a second-year school, Wiregrass Ranch has had what it takes to build a successful program in strong, young players such as Regan Knapik. ...more

January 16, 2008

Ray Rice ran over Ball State and through the 2,000-yard barrier in the International Bowl, giving Rutgers the second postseason win in its 138-year history. ...more

January 6, 2008

As an offensive lineman, Tennessee's Josh McNeil understands his role all too well: pave the way for touchdowns, and do it with little fanfare. ...more

December 30, 2007

AVON PARK –– For the first four games of the season, the Avon Park girls soccer team's offensive output was downright offensive. A doughnut hole for goals and wins was all that was shown for the effort, as the Red Devil offense lacked the right amount of drive and focus needed to find the net. Enter senior Missy Lander, a defensive specialist who's as physical a defender as anyone in the Heartland. Just before the Nov. 13 game against Hardee, AP head coach Greg Thacker made the move to send Lander to the offensive unit, and the results were immediate. ...more

December 25, 2007

AVON PARK — The Sebring and Avon Park girls soccer teams left everything on the field, and after 80 minutes, the decision was up in the air, as the Red Devils drew even with the Streaks, 2-2 in a Class 4A-District 10 clash at Joe Franza Stadium on Thursday. "I thought we played a very clean and aggressive game tonight," AP head coach Greg Thacker said. "I was very impressed with our passing and getting the ball in position to score." This game, the first meeting between the two teams since the Nov. 8 match that was marred by an on-field scuffle and suspensions levied against the two involved, was as even as they come. Both teams rallied to the ball, although Sebring seemed to have more left in the tank at the end of the game than their Red Devil counterparts. "We're just going after the ball trying to make things happen," SHS head coach Steve Ashley said. "I give credit to Avon Park. They came out aggressive and we're lucky to come out with a tie." ...more

December 22, 2007

WAUCHULA — The Avon Park girls soccer team tallied its second win of the season against the Hardee Wildcats in a Class 4A-District 10 match-up at Wildcat Stadium on Thursday, winning 3-0. Missy Lander, who has been a vocal leader on the field for Avon Park, was one of three that scored for the Red Devils, who have earned both victories this season against the 'Cats. "We are passing the ball so much better now," said AP head coach Greg Thacker. "I finally have a squad that will stick with the program, and are working hard." Thacker moved Lander to the forward position and has been pleased with the decision. ...more

December 8, 2007

Jesuit coach Greg Maurin is not the type to offer excuses. But after finishing third in Saturday's Class 2A state cross country meet after holding the No. 1 spot much of the season, he knows the recent flu that is running through his squad was a factor. ...more

November 18, 2007

Jesuit will renew its growing rivalry with Naples at Saturday's Class 2A FHSAA State Cross Country Championships at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City. ...more

November 16, 2007