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A New Direction For Avon Park
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Published: August 29, 2008
AVON PARK - The Red Devils' stirring 10-7 victory over Hardee last year was a shining moment in an otherwise frustrating season for Avon Park. The Red Devils went winless in their final six games, prompting a switch at the top to change AP's fortunes.
First-year head coach Andy Bonjokian has the Red Devils in the right mindset heading into the 2008 season. The team has been working hard and showing a real bond in practice and promises to make once-proud Avon Park a better team than last season's 1-9 record showed.
QB
Bonjokian went into training camp with an open competition at quarterback to find the true leader of his team.
Senior Albert Moses' competitive fire and respect he's earned from the players combined with his improved knowledge of the game and overall understanding of the offense made him the perfect choice for the first-year coach.
"Albert has been a fierce competitor since his days in middle school," Bonjokian said. "He's developed nicely into a solid quarterback and we've worked with him on the finer points of reading defenses and some of his decisions in certain situations. There's no question that he's the man I want leading the huddle for us this season."
Senior Terrell Conner is on hand in a back-up role for Moses, while Chris Morales, a recent transfer from Lake Worth, has been impressive in warm-ups and is comfortable in a three- or five-step drop, while exhibiting an above average arm.
RB
Virgil Cooper can play just about any position on the field, but his low center of gravity and ability to find the seam in a defense is fitted perfect for tailback, and Bonjokian promises to get the senior some time in the backfield to make things happen.
"Virgil just wants to win, period," Bonjkian said. "He'd go to the lake for water if I asked and he believed it would help us win. "The other players really feed off his energy and he compliments what we do on offense because he can run and catch out of the backfield."
Teddy Allen rejoins Cooper in the backfield after seeing limited time last year due to leg injuries. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound tailback is a classic "north-and-south" runner and has the strength and speed to wreak havoc on opposing defenses when healthy.
Returning after missing his entire junior season is fullback Buddy Duke, who, combined with Colego Hipps, are a perfect one-two punch to break through for those tough yards down on the goal line.
"With running backs, they have to run hundreds of times in an offensive before they get really comfortable," Bonjokian said. "That's why practice is so important and we're getting each of our backs as many touches as we can before the regular season."
WR
Dependable hands and footwork are the trademarks of any good receiver, and Conner fits the bill for AP.
"Terrell hit the weight room this summer and has really dedicated himself to the team this season," Bonjokian said. "He plays with a chip on his shoulder which really fuels his intensity on game day. He's one of the most versatile players we have that can play just about any position."
Conner showed glimpses of his talent last season but his continued improvement and his ability to adjust his route to fit the situation makes him a fluid addition to the offense.
Moving up from junior varsity and switching from tight end to receiver is sophomore Alonzo Robinson, who, at 6-foot-3, makes him a perfect target for Moses.
"Alonzo is gaining confidence every day," Bonjokian said. "He's making good decisions on the field and is not afraid to fight for the ball. I think he's finally use to the move from tight end and I expect him to blossom over the next few years."
6-foot-5 tight end Cleveland Nobles will help protect the quarterback in pass coverage and is a solid blocker and has excellent footwork, which will make him a natural safety hook for Moses.
OL
Avon Park has been decimated by injuries on the O-line even before the first game.
Bonjokian has watched starting offensive linemen Kyle Jackson and Isuel Guzman go down for the season with injuries over the summer and starting lineman Jace Grimmett is out indefinitely with a nagging knee injury.
"That leaves the cupboard a little bare," Bonkokian said. "But I believe that when somebody goes down, that gives somebody else a chance to step up."
Replacing Guzman at center is Guy Bower, who's moved up from the junior varsity. Bower has the size and speed to make the transition to the next level a smooth one, but the experience factor always comes into play when starting an underclassman.
Left tackle Steven Johnson has proven to Bonjokian that he has the tools and talent to lead a battered crew.
"When Steven is on his game, he takes his play to whole other level," Bonjokian said. "He has the killer instinct that you love as a coach and has a long wing span that makes him tough to guard."
Marvin Williams, David Edmonson and Arnaud Lewis will shore up the front line, while Vincent Perry will see significant playing time.
DL
Returning from last season is Marvin Williams, a solid run-stopper who wrapped up Hardee tailback Jimmy Cimeus for no gain on three occasions to halt drives in the second half and help preserve Avon Park's lone victory in '07.
Eric Jamison, senior Buddy Duke and Charlie Brown will also be in a mix, as Bonjokian said he'll be looking to platoon the position by using a steady rotation, keeping his defense fresh in the late stages of the game.
He might not be a starter yet, but Brown has shown explosiveness, aggressiveness and a nose for the ball.
"Charlie has great speed and is putting a lot of pressure on the starters right now," Bonjokian said. "He plays with a great amount of passion and I love his heart. I wouldn't be surprised if plays himself right into a starting spot before the end of the year. He's making the other players step up their game."
LB
A quiet leader on the mats, wrestling state medalist James Bland is a whole different kind of animal on the gridiron.
"James is always in the right place at the right time and making plays, that I sit back and wonder how he did that," Bonjokian said. "He's got a real nose for the game and plays with no fear whatsoever. He treats 300-pound lineman like he would a 150-pound receiver - with no mercy."
Dwayne Council Jr. used his time in the weight room this summer to improve his strength. The senior outside linebacker has great sideline-to-sideline speed to chase down even the most elusive of ball carriers.
Middle linebacker Vincent Perry has made the move from defensive end and Bonjokian believes the senior will be a major key for Avon Park being able to stop the run.
"Vincent just plugs the hole for us," Bonjokian said. "He's got good size (6-foot, 230 pounds) and quickness, which allows him to play multiple positions on the field and make that initial hit on opposing running backs to limit positive yardage."
DB
The senior statesmen and strength of the Red Devils in 2008 are their defensive backs.
Rashad Young, Stephan Hinson, Terrell Conner and Cooper all make up a senior secondary that will test an opponent's air game.
"They're all experienced and have great instincts," Bonjokian said. "They read defenses exceptionally well and will give opposing offenses fits in pass coverage."
Young is the Red Devil's top cornerback, and he uses his speed and football IQ to blanket the opposing team's best receivers, while Hinson has the quickness to cover lots of ground as a strong safety.
Sophomore Tekovin Miller has shown great skills and instincts in practice and Bonjokian believes he's proved he deserves playing time along with the senior's. In practice, Miller's leaping ability has impressed even his peers and has a bright future at Avon Park.
"I've got a lot of confidence in our secondary this season," Bonjokian said. "They've proved to me that they'll be able to make the big plays when the game is on the line."
Chris Hoffman can be reached at 863-386-5827 or at choffman@highlandstoday.com
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