Special to the News-Sun
CLEWISTON - Avon Park was forced to start its' freshman quarterback as Ryan Dick was unable to play due to a hamstring injury suffered last week.
That, combined with a freshman center and a young offensive line, was too much for the Red Devisl to overcome in Friday's 35-0 loss against the Clewiston Tigers.
Avon Park's record dropped to 2-5 for the year, but more importantly they are now 0-2 in the district.
Both teams were held scoreless in the opening quarter as it was a battle of field position.
This was a battle that Avon Park would lose, though their stalwart defensive effort held the line time and again.
In the second quarter the Devils would stop Clewiston from scoring on four consecutive plays from the one yard line.
Though it was a great defensive effort, Avon Park would take over on their own one and a bad snap would result in a safety for the Tigers.
A shanked punt, fumble and an interception later, Avon Park suddenly found itself behind 21-0 at the half.
"When you have a freshman quarterback and a freshman center," said Avon Park head coach Lee Brown, "you expect to have some problems. The defense missed some tackles that should have been losses, but overall they did a good job."
Clewiston added 14 more points in the third quarter to take a 35-0 lead.
Stephone Godfrey carried the ball 15 time times for 38 yards.
Tyler Johnson finished the night officially with seven yards on three carries, but had a couple of runs of 10 yards or more called back on penalties, which again resulted in pushing the Avon Park offense back deep in their own territory.
With their second loss of the season in the district and three district games yet to play, Brown stated that they have not given up hope for the season.
With that though he did not rule out starting some of younger players to get them valuable, on-field experience for next year.
In a way, using the final four games as a testing ground to move the program for future years.
Avon Park will be at home next week against long-time county rival Lake Placid.
With the Green Dragons, it is also a District 6-4A matchup of two teams looking for that first district win.
Sunday, October 07, 2012 - www.newssun.com/SUN-10-07-12-APFB