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Gorgen, Robinson Go Hard - Period

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By EDDIE DANIELS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Ask Andrew Gorgen and Collin Robinson a highlight of their football careers and they'll quickly drift into a time before their varsity years.

Each story, though bearing opposite results, are amazingly similar.

Gorgen had played all game on offense, defense and special teams for his middle school squad. On one play late in the game, he broke free for more than 60 yards. Nearing the end zone, he slowed and was caught from behind.

"Some kid hawked me down and took me down right near the end zone and we never scored the touchdown," said Gorgen, a junior, reliving the disappointment all over again.

His team only scored twice that season and that would have made three.

Robinson's gaze takes him to a Land O' Lakes junior varsity game, in which his team was down at halftime. On the first play of the third quarter, they gave him the ball.

"Coach gave me the ball on a run, straight up the middle for like a 70-something-yard touchdown run," the inside linebacker said.

Despite the variation in conclusions, each learned a lesson that will never fade or creep off into the recesses of their imagination.

Go hard - period.

"It opens it up for me," said Gorgen, a cornerback. "I have so much that I can still accomplish. I have two more years and there's a lot more stuff I plan on doing in those two years."

The two will work in tandem this season to continue the Land O' Lakes tradition of playoff appearances. The Gators collected their 12th overall district title - fifth in six seasons - and made their 16th playoff appearance - 11th consecutive.

"It's my senior year, so we do have a lot pressure on us to get into the playoffs," Robinson said. "And we're trying to work hard every day out there on the field to do the best we can. Try and keep the tradition up because our class doesn't want to be the one that ruins the streak of playoff appearances."

Given the team's overall demeanor, Land O' Lakes coach John Benedetto is confident his bunch will make every effort to continue the program's tradition of winning ways.

"Our kids are young and very, very enthusiastic," Benedetto said. "This group loves to play football and I think because of that, it's going to help us win football games."

There's one more thing the two have carried with them besides memories of years past. It's their penchant for the big hit. When they light up an opponent, it percolates the sideline and gets the players talking.

"It's the best feeling in the world when your teammates are cheering you on and you keep wanting to do it over and over again because it feels so good," Robinson said.

Added Gorgen: "It feels great. It's better than getting the job done. Not only did I do the job, but I made it look good, too. That's just a plus."

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