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Crusaders topple Devils

Highlands Today file photo

Avon Park quarterback Teddy Allen, who is also the team's leading rusher, led a spirited rally that fell short against Tampa Catholic, the No. 3-ranked Class 2B team in the state. The Red Devils lost 38-20, as they now prepare to take on county rival Sebring next Friday in the regular-season finale.

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Highlands Today Staff Report

Published: November 7, 2009

Updated:

TAMPA - Tampa Catholic proved it deserved its No. 3 state ranking as tailback Henry McCloud rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Christian Green completed 6 of 7 passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Crusaders past Avon Park by a score of 38-20 in a Class 2B-District 5 game on Friday night.

The win improved Tampa Catholic to 9-0 overall and 4-0 in district play, while the loss dropped the Red Devils to 3-6, 1-3.

"It was like we were in a fog in the first quarter," said Avon Park second-year coach Andy Bonjokian. "It was 21-0 before we could blink, but then we got a little life and scored to make it a game at the half.

"Tampa Catholic is a real solid team and we did a good job of hanging with them and making it a competitive game."

Tampa Catholic came out on fire and put up 14 quick points behind the strong running of McCloud to put the Red Devils in a big hole.

The Crusaders continued to apply the pressure and Green tossed a touchdown pass to give them a commanding 21-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

Avon Park refused to fold and senior quarterback Teddy Allen, who rushed 24 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns, led the Red Devils down the field and bulled his way into the end zone from a yard out to trim the deficit to 21-6 at the half.

"Teddy ran the ball well," said Bonjokian. "We moved the ball at times, but we couldn't get any significant plays on a consistent basis.

"We had some mistakes that hurt us, but I'm proud of the guys because they played hard and didn't quit."

Tampa Catholic scored in the third period and the Crusaders tacked on a touchdown and a field goal in the final quarter to increase their lead.

Avon Park battled back as Allen scored on a 2-yard scamper and then hooked up with wide receiver Alonzo Robertson on a 13-yard touchdown pass for the Red Devils' final points.

Tampa Catholic ran out the clock to seal the victory in the district finale for both teams.

"Tampa Catholic is a very good football team that executes well and doesn't make any mistakes," Bonjokian said.

Avon Park closes out the season with a road game against archrival Sebring on Friday night.

"That's always a big game and one that the kids get up for big time," the Red Devils skipper said. "Sebring is a good team and we're going to have to play our best game of the season to hang with them."

The Highlands Today sports staff can be reached at 863-386-5837 or sports@highlandstoday.com

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