Emily Chen (Below in zebra swimsuit), 10, and her younger sister, Ava (above in blue), 6, help the Deerfield Beach Dolphins to the girls team championship with 675 points and 1,160.50 points overall in the South Florida Recreational Swim League Winter Championships. Submitted photos

By Gary Curreri

Two local Deerfield Beach Dolphins Swim Team members showed a little sisterly love and turned in solid performances in the South Florida Recreational Swim League Winter Championship swim meet at Palm Beach Gardens on Dec. 10.

Emily Chen, 10, and her younger sister, Ava, 6, helped the Dolphins to the girls team championship with 675 points and 1,160.50 points overall. The boys team scored 485.50 points.

Emily Chen, who swam a time of 33.57 seconds, on her backstroke leg in the 50-yard medley relay for 9- and 10-year-old girls, broke a four-year-old record of 34.29 seconds when she broke the record in the individual 50-yard backstroke competition for 9- and 10-year-old girls with a time of 33.48 seconds.

This 5th grader at Park Trails Elementary School in Parkland also won first places in the 50-yard freestyle, 50-yard breaststroke, individual medley and freestyle relay contests. In 2011, she was undefeated in all swim competitions she entered, and, in both 2009 and 2010, Chen was voted the Most Valuable Swimmer of the Year for her age group by Dolphins’ coaches.

Not to be outdone, Chen’s 6-year-old sister, Ava, a 1st grader at Park Trails, took first places in 25-yard breaststroke, 25-yard butterfly and fourth place in 25-yard freestyle for 5- to 6-year-old girls in the same competition.

The two sisters practiced swimming four times a week at the Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center under the direction of Coach Rafael deSilva.

Deerfield Beach’s Rachael Ryan captured three events as she won the Girls 11-12 100-yard IM, 50 butterfly and 50-yard freestyle events, while Michelle Bachert, Ata Aktarma, Bruna Pavan and Max Maurente each won two events. Other individual winners for the Dolphins included Sean Ragonese, Drew Novak, Adian Vinograd, Hayley Johnson, Caitlin VanDyke, Emma Leonard, James Anderson III, Larissa Anthony, Teaghan Skulszki, Gabriella Castillo, Bonnie Kohner  and Otavio Metzker.

Johnson selected

Blanche Ely wide receiver Avery Johnson has been selected to the fifth annual Under Armour All-America Game set for Jan. 5, 2012  at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Johnson was one of four South Florida football players picked to play in the event. Johnson had six touchdowns this season, helping the Tigers advance to the Class 7A playoffs.

Melvin Randall entered this week with a 403-131 career coaching record. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

And the wins keep coming.

Blanche Ely boys’ basketball coach Melvin Randall moved into an exclusive club when he won his 400th career game on Nov. 29 with an 84-41 victory over Monarch.

Randall, in his 11th year at Ely, credited the influence of four former Broward coaching greats for his success – the late Butch Ingram, Greg Samuels, John Keister and Wade Edmond.

Randall began his coaching career as an assistant to Edmond at Ely and then moved on to Deerfield Beach where he was a head coach starting in 1992 through 2000 and won state titles in 1997 and 1999 with the Bucks and in 2007 with the Tigers.

“To be in it for this long and still have that energy,” said Randall, who is 403-131 in his 19-year coaching career, including 203-78 at Ely. “I don’t know if it is strange or abnormal, but I know that there have been many like (Dillard girls coach) Marcia Pinder [who] has been in it for many, many years.”

“I am still having fun doing what I am doing,” Randall added. “I am blessed and I feel that I am giving back what I have gotten out of it when I was in high school and in college.”

The Tigers went on a 20-6 run in the second quarter to open a 35-19 halftime lead and coasted to its fourth victory of the season, 69-51 over visiting Boyd Anderson on Saturday night.

Clide Geffrard finished with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Derek Walker added 19 points and eight rebounds. Josephus Bell added 10. Krishaun Myers had five points and five assists.

Randall, a 1981 South Plantation High graduate who went on to Mercer University in Macon, GA before returning to South Florida, said he still enjoys the Xs and Os and said his assistant coaches continue to bring the energy to the gym.

“They keep me going as well with new ideas,” said the 48-year-old Randall, who lives in Ft. Lauderdale. “Whether it is offensively or defensively, I am always open to new ideas. If you were to walk in the gym, you wouldn’t know who [is] the head coach and that is how I have been for years.”

He said he is also pleased with the success he has had throughout his career, in which he has averaged more than 20 wins a year.

“I am very proud of that,” Randall said. “It is not so much the Ws and the Ls, but to have a record of my seniors going off to school. That is the most important thing to me and then seeing them come back or to see them do well as young men.”

Simply Soccer Camp

The city of Pompano will host a Simply Soccer holiday break camp from Dec. 19-22 for boys and girls, ages 5-14, and of all skill levels, who will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting.

There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cost is $75); extended hours camp is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $100, and a Tiny Tot program is offered for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to noon for $50. Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. You do not have to be a city resident to attend. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Department at 954-786-4119.

Duffy Dillon gives his Broward County Sports Hall of Fame induction speech. Photos by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Two local Pompano men never thought they would be named in the same sentence of the likes of Dan Marino, Coach Don Shula, H. Wayne Huizenga, Dara Torres, Chris Evert and others, but there they were.

Duffy Dillon, who currently lives in Pompano Beach, and Barry Krauss, who starred at Pompano Beach High School, were recently named to the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. The duo were among six 2011 inductees at the
annual gala at Broward County Convention Center. The Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Sports Development office presented the event.

They were joined by Wendy Bruce Martin (gymnastics), Joe Castiglione (athletic administration), Gene Monahan (sports medicine) and Louis Oliver (football), who are now part of the Hall of Fame, which broke the century mark of inductees with this year’s event.

“I was in shock,” said Dillon, 46, who heads up the Ft. Lauderdale Aquatics Swim program. “It was a little bit of a concern of mine with me being young in my coaching career. These types of awards are typically for end-of-career achievements, especially with swim coaches Michael (Lohberg) and Jack (Nelson) in the Hall of Fame …They assured me it was from an athletic perspective and not the coaching. I was fortunate to have the God-given talent, and for me, this is a lifelong passion.”

Dillon, a 1983 Ft. Lauderdale High School graduate, was a two-time NCAA champion and All-American at the University of Florida. He has been the director and head coach of the Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic Swim Club since 2004.

“It’s unbelievable,” Dillon said. “When you consider all of the great athletes and coaches to come out of Broward County. It’s pretty awe inspiring and you feel pretty special.”

Krauss, 54, a 1975 Pompano Beach High School graduate, played football for the University of Alabama, where the All-American spent 13 years playing in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins.

Krauss looked around at the table and thanked his family for being there, including his brother Eric, whom he said “was the better linebacker of the family.”

“This has to be one of the most wonderful days of our lives,” said Krauss, who choked back tears throughout his speech. He is currently a broadcaster and motivational speaker based in Carmel, Indiana.

“We have come a long way and our family is together for the first time in years. This is awesome,” added Krauss, who was introduced by his father, Rob. “This is about dreams. Most times, we give up on our dreams … When I was growing up, it was always my dream to play for the Miami Dolphins. When I finally suited up for them and I was standing on the sideline, I cried.”

Barry Krauss speaks during his induction.

Ranse Jones’ parents, Bob Jones and Sherry Marthinuss, on hand for this year’s event. Photos by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Ranse Jones’ motto was simple – “Live simple, play hard.” Jones, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) beach volleyball player who died last year, at age 34, was in the thoughts of those involved in the second annual tournament bearing his name on Nov. 11-13 in Deerfield Beach.

Deerfield Beach’s Flavia Peraira, teamed with Boca Raton’s Amanda Angermeier, took third in the women’s open division. Players drew their teammates randomly at a kickoff party the night before the competition. The duo both teach at Boca Raton High School and had teamed up before in winning a AA women’s tournament the year before.

“We were so excited because we played together before,” said Peraira, 28, Biology teacher at Boca Raton High School and former Georgia Southern University volleyball standout. “I think this is important because it combines the sport and brings everyone together for this (great) cause. It is a sad thing and, because we are turning it into something positive, it is amazing. It is very personal for a lot of people here in Deerfield Beach who know him.”

Peraira said she loves playing beach volleyball because of the weather, the competition and being healthy through the exercise.

“If I don’t play, I think something is missing,” added Peraira, who also coaches the sport. “I like the teaching part of it. Being outside and looking at the ocean. There is nothing better.”

Jones, who was from Deerfield Beach and was a firefighter, suffered a brain aneurysm during the semifinal of the Panama City AVP Young Guns tournament in April 2010. In the six months that followed, Jones was on and off life support, placed in a medically-induced coma, suffered swelling of his brain and battled an array of complicated infections.

Jones had played in 21 AVP tournaments since 2000. Once ranked as high as No. 66, Jones also spent time on the Extreme Volleyball Professionals tour, as well as competing in the Men’s Open Division of the 2009 U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball.

Deerfield Beach’s Flavia Peraira, right, and Boca Raton’s Amanda Angermeier finishes third in the women’s open division of the second annual Ranse Classic.

Marcelo Ramos, who, along with Andre Melo and John Esposito, put on the local event this year, said there were about 150 players who took part in the beach volleyball tournament and an additional 30 who played in the men’s footvolley competition.

Ramos, 41, of Deerfield Beach, said the event was for a good cause. A benefit event in Jones’ honor was staged near the city’s pier last November and Jones passed away the day after the tournament ended on Nov. 8.

Ramos said the final figures from registration monies aren’t in yet; however, he expects the number raised to approach $15,000.

“This is very important,” said Ramos, who noted some of the proceeds are targeted for Kids in Distress. “It is good because the volleyball and the footvolley come together because they are part of the beach family. It is a very good group of athletes was stick up for each other.

“It’s going to grow into a big annual event,” said Melo, a longtime friend of Jones. “It is a good time. Everyone is coming out to support Ranse. Not only is it a competitive tournament with money, but it is also a reminder of what a great guy and competitor he was. It’s (about getting) together to celebrate his life.”

There was $6,500 in prize money, including $1,000 for first prize in the men’s division, co-ed 4s and footvolley, and $700 for first in the girls division. There were other prizes for the other divisions.

Blanche Ely coach Rodney Gray said he may move on from coaching the Tigers at the end of the season. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Blanche Ely football coach Rodney Gray said he is likely leaving the school at the end of the season.

He recently handed in his letter of resignation at the school where he has gone 20-6 during the past two seasons and winning two district titles. In 2009, when he took over on an interim basis, Gray was named the Broward NIKE Coach of the Year after going 11-2 and reaching the regional finals, before falling to St. Thomas Aquinas 28-16.

“After working with other administrations around the county, I am losing the bug to coach,” said Gray, whose team dropped a 14-6 decision to host Boyd Anderson in a District 14-7A contest on Tuesday night. He has coached 18 years in the county. “My biggest quest is to find an administration that is going to support the athletic program and not try to run it like you are Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.

“I am saying that if the situation stays the way it is, I am not looking to return there,” Gray continued. “I do not want to leave Ely. If something changed there, I would be glad to go back there. I am looking for something that is conducive to winning from the athletic administration, school administration to community involvement as well.”

Deerfield Beach stays in hunt

Deerfield Beach kicker Oscar Rosales connected Tuesday night on a 26-yard field goal in the second overtime to give Deerfield Beach a 10-7 victory over Coral Springs in a game that was postponed twice on Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 because of weather.

The game was originally scheduled for Deerfield Beach; however, it was moved to Coral Springs because of scheduling conflicts.

Deerfield Beach (3-4, 3-1) took a 7-0 lead with five seconds remaining in the first half on a 13-yard scoring pass from Kevin Bush to Tyrell McCall.

Coral Springs (6-2, 2-2) forced overtime with 9:46 remaining in the fourth quarter when Brandon Rodgers hauled in a 41-yard scoring pass from Evan Lassiter that tied the contest at 7-7. Both teams had field goals blocked in the first overtime.

Highlands wins two HGH scoring affairs

Highlands Christian Academy may be out of the playoffs. However, it is still making a statement on the field after blanking Berean Christian, 71-0, and Zion Lutheran, 35-0.

“We have evened up our record at 4-4 now, with our two final games being against Summit Christian and Somerset,” said Highlands coach Jordan Adair. “We’re disappointed to be out of the playoffs, but we’re working extremely hard to finish strong and close with a 6-4 record.”

Against Berean Christian, seven different players scored TDs, and nine different players carried the ball for a total of 284 yards rushing. Leading the way was Arelious Burns with 10 carries for 110 yards, 3 TDs. Quarterback Jay Mentecky was 4-4 for 79 yards and one TD. The 71 points was ninth all-time for points scored in Broward County and was a school record.

The game against Zion Lutheran was called at halftime due to lightning. Senior wideout Gabe Hantsbarger caught a scoring toss, despite breaking his hand earlier in the week and wearing a cast up to his elbow. Junior linebacker Rylee Hage had seven solo tackles, six assists, one tackle for loss, one forced Fumble and a pass breakup.

Ranse Classic II slated

The second annual $6,500 Ranse Classic Beach Volleyball/Footvolley Fundraiser Tournament will be held in Deerfield Beach on N. Ocean Boulevard from Nov. 11-13. Registration closes on Nov. 9 and spots are limited.

The Ranse Classic is an annual charity tournament to celebrate the life of local volleyball player and firefighter Ranse Jones, who passed away on Nov. 8, 2010. He suffered a brain aneurysm during the semifinal of the Panama City AVP Young Guns tournament in April 2010 and passed away six months later, the day after last year’s charity tournament concluded.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail RanseClassicCommittee@gmail.com. You can also call Andre Melo, 954-649-4667; John Esposito, 954-415-4678 or Marcelo Ramos, 954-608-7908.

Deerfield Beach’s James Muir rolls a strike during the recent Area Fall Classic Special Olympics bowling competition at Sawgrass Lanes in Tamarac. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach’s James Muir surveys his shot and lets the bowling ball loose. As it rolls down the alley, he coaxes the shot with his body until the ball strikes the pins and nine fall.

He gives a thumbs-up sign and walks back to retrieve the ball from the return and lets the ball fly again. He knocks down the final pin and gets his spare as his parents, William “Sandy” and Susan, sitting behind him, exchange high fives with their son.

Muir, 21, was one of 900 athletes competing in the Area Fall Classic Special Olympics bowling competition recently at Sawgrass Lanes in Tamarac.

“It’s great,” said Sandy Muir, a longtime high school basketball coach and guidance counselor, whose son has been in the Broward County Special Olympics for more than 10 years. “It is real beneficial for him. This is really our social life.”

James Muir has also been involved in basketball, swimming and golf. However, he likes basketball and bowling the most.

“I look at the pins,” said Muir, who is also a member of the Tamarac Bulldogs, special needs program. “I think about the approach with the ball in the middle and hit the pins straight.”

“This is a lot of fun,” he added. “It is good to bowl. It is important to get a good score and, to do that, you have to be professional. You have to concentrate.”

Muir’s father said his son enjoys the different social activities that the Bulldogs offer.

“He has always been pretty social,” the elder Muir said. “I think all of the activities are good for him. They have dances … arts and crafts, and this has really helped him because he has a whole network of friends.”

Sandy Muir said it is also a great opportunity for the parents to meet people who have the same interest that they do.

“It’s different because he is competitive and he wants to win, but it is not life and death,” said Sandy.

“While he is doing it, he’s competitive; but when’s he’s done, he’s done. He forgets all about it.”

James agreed: “I have made a lot of friends. I like the dances too. I dance with my girlfriend. I am going to keep doing this for 10 years.”

Arelious Burns had 20 carries for 100 yards to lead the Knights in a 14-7 victory over visiting Coral Shores on Friday night. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Highlands Christian Academy’s Gabe Hantsbarger hauled in a 27-yard scoring pass from Jay Mentecky with 18 seconds left to give the host Knights a 14-7 victory over Coral Shores on Friday night. Hantsbarger, who finished the night with three catches for 65 yards on the night, had his winning TD setup via a fourth down personal foul committed by Coral Shores.

“The downpour and wind made it very difficult to throw the ball,” said Highlands Christian Academy coach Jordan Adair. “Our O-Line and running game carried us for most of the game with Arelious Burns carrying the majority of the load.”

Burns had 20 carries for 100 yards to lead the Knights, who finished the game with 186 yards on 37 carries by its runners. Tyson Graham came in at running back on the Knights’ last drive and had two crucial runs, leading host Highlands (2-3) to its winning score.

“This was a big win for us,” said Adair, whose team won for the second consecutive week. “We keep some momentum heading into our game this week against Jupiter Christian.”

The Knights will tackle Jupiter Christian (5-1) on Friday at John I. Leonard.

Photo by Gary Curreri

Lions still winless

Zion Lutheran’s P.J. Boll-ing caught a 10-yard scoring pass from Austin Peaslee to avert the shutout in a 55-6 loss to Jupiter Christian. Zion fell to 0-3 for the year.

Bucks, Tigers to square off

Deerfield Beach (1-4), coming off their first victory of the season, will travel cross town to face Blanche Ely (4-1) on Friday night.

Pompano Beach will host winless Coral Glades on Thursday night.

Local Golf Association results

The team of Kathy Hart-mann, Betty Cullinan, Pat Zuckerman, Anna Vaccaro shot a 69 to win the Palm Aire Ladies Golf Association’s weekly scramble tournament on Oct. 4.

In the Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association, Bill Auxier shot a 67 to win the Class A Division in the Individual Low Net in Classes tourney on Oct. 5. Harry Jung shot a 68 to win the Class B Division, while John Kapoukakis shot a 68 (Class C) and Paul Dauzickas shot a 67 (Class D) to win their respective Divisions.

Janet Stuart, Lu Rispoli, Elaine Schoengood teamed for a 62 to win the One Best Ball of Threesome tournament on Oct. 4 in the Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association.

The Knights lift the sword after their victory over Coral Springs Christian. Submitted photo

By Gary Curreri

Arelious Burns carried 18 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns to lift Highlands Christian to a 48-7 victory over visiting Coral Springs Christian School in the annual Battle for the Sword. This annual match-up dates back to 2002 when the Crusaders defeated the Knights, 43-27, in their inaugural game.

During the past nine years, the Crusaders had won six consecutive games, before the Knights reversed their fortune and won the sword the past four years in a row. The Knights suffered a difficult stretch from 2004-2006, losing all three games by one point: 29-28 (2004); 21-20 (2005) and 7-6 (2006).The Knights’ first win came in 2007 – ironically, with a one-point win 45-44.

“Winning four straight games against our rivals has been great,” said Highlands Christian Academy coach Jordan Adair. “I’m especially happy for our seniors, who were able to go through their entire high school careers without losing ‘The Sword.’

“We expect this win to propel us to a very successful second half of the season. We’ve struggled at the start, but we’ve played some tough competition with a lot of newcomers this year, and we knew it would take time for us to gel and build team chemistry. The difficult start has helped us to build character, and it will pay dividends down the line.”

A 24-yard punt return by Courtney Fowler set the Knights up in great field position its first TD, while Jay Mentecky tossed a 31-yard TD pass to Tyson Graham as time expired in first half to stake Highlands Christian to a 34-7 lead. Graham also added a 50-yard punt return, while Wilfred Hunter and Matt Elder each had interceptions.

Adair said the team has a huge contest coming up in two weeks against Jupiter Christian School.

“That game will decide our playoff fate,” said Adair, whose team is 1-2 in the District 7-2A race and 1-3 overall. “If we can build on last week’s win versus CSCA, we’ll have some momentum heading into that game.”

Bucks win first

Brandon Powell ran for 209 yards and two touchdowns as Deerfield Beach spoiled host Douglas’ homecoming, 21-0. Douglas only managed to gain two first-downs in the game and turned the ball over seven times with three fumbles and four interceptions in the District 11-8A win. The Bucks (1-4) earned their first win for new head coach Allen Jackson as they held the Eagles to just 46 yards of total offense for the contest. The defense forced three fumbles and four interceptions.

Tigers rally again

Blanche Ely rallied from a 14-9 halftime deficit as they scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Monarch, 37-14, in Deerfield Beach. It marked the second time in as many weeks where the Tigers (4-1, 2-0) came from behind to win.

Ely quarterback Alex Edwards threw for 87 yards and rushed for a touchdown, while Tyquan Fields passed for 80 yards and two scores. Devante Peete hauled in a 46-yard score and Darren Allen caught a touchdown pass and ran for another. The Tigers’ Robert Scott also rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown in the District 14-7A win.

Ft. Lauderdale’s George Deeb, 70, runs the South Florida Senior Softball Club in Pompano Beach. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

For three days a week, members of the South Florida Senior Softball Club hit the diamond in Pompano Beach. There are no set teams and it is inexpensive. However, the competition can be fierce.

Ft. Lauderdale’s George Deeb, 70, runs the club, which is an offshoot of the club that started in Deerfield Beach in 1962. Deeb started the Pompano Beach-based club three years ago when Deerfield began renovating Pioneer Park.

“We started here three years ago when we were left with one field and over 100 men,” Deeb said. “The older men stayed up there, and the younger men came down here. We created an Over-50 club and that became South Florida Senior Softball two years ago,” he said.

It costs $35 a year. The members get shirts and hats, plus they will go out once every other month during the season when the snowbirds are down, and they will also host a Christmas Party. Games are played Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at 9 a.m.

“I make up all of the teams and assign the players to the teams based on who is there that day,” Deeb said. “It is the best thing we have ever done. It is also good for the guys who just turned 50, so they don’t have to play with guys who are in their 20s.”

Deeb said there are retirees, as well as firemen, police officers and EMS workers who can play multiple days based on their schedules. Players come from as far away as Aventura and as far north as Delray Beach.

Normally, the games are played at 4-Fields complex, but have been at Kester Park in Pompano Beach after spending some time at Blanche Ely High School. They should move back to 4-Fields in a few weeks.

“I retired when I was 65, and I am 70 now,” said Deeb, who had a hip replacement last year. “Many of the members in our club play on national championship travel teams. The guys are terrific, and we have made a lot of friendships over the years.” The players range in age from 49 to 76, and the average age is in the mid-60s. Deeb said the mission statement is to provide seniors, like themselves, who are retired, or on the verge of retirement, an opportunity to come and play ball at their leisure with no pressure.

Ely continues to roll

Darren Allen completed seven of nine passes for two touchdowns and returned a punt 55 yards for a score as host Blanche Ely throttled Coconut Creek, 56-8, to run its record to 3-1.

Robert Scott hauled in a 40-yard score from Allen and added a 3-yard run for another Tigers’ score. Also scoring for Blanche Ely were Edensky Loremues, Jordan Fields, Adrian Burton and Avery Johnson. Alex Edwards threw for two scores, while John Belfort added seven extra point kicks.

Deerfield Beach’s Brandon Bejarano finishes 83rd in the 29th annual Spanish River Invitational Cross Country meet at South County Regional Park in West Boca Raton last Saturday. Bejarano ran a personal best 18:06.86 over the 3.1 mile course. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach High boys cross country coach Jerry Guthrie believes this could be the best team he has had in years.

“They are better than they have ever been to start the year, that’s for sure,” said Guthrie after his team finished 30th in the star-studded 29th annual Spanish River Invitational Cross Country meet at South County Regional Park in West Boca Raton last Saturday. “Our top guy (Brandon Bejarano) finished 83rd in this race, but he had a PR.”

Bejarano, a sophomore, whose previous best time was 18:20, ran 18:06.86 over the 3.1 mile course and has given Guthrie reason for optimism. The last time the Bucks boys’ cross country team reached states was in 2003.

“I think we have a good chance to go to state,” said Guthrie, who has coached the Bucks team since 2000. “I have already had coaches come up to me this year and tell me they think we have a good chance this year, given the way we started. I am looking for two to be in the 16s and three to be in the 17s and we will go to state. I am excited.”

In addition to Bejarano, the other boys’ finishers included Cleezy Andre, a junior (93rd overall, 18:14.58), sophomore Aaron Johnson (188th overall, 19:58.27),  junior Brian Johnson (201st overall, 20:28.99), junior Jourdin Andre (219th overall, 20:53.98), sophomore Perry Tony (226th overall, 21:00.85) and junior Ryan Lacava (241st overall, 21:33.69).

The Bucks finished with 758 points and it is something that was not lost on Guthrie and the team. They had higher expectations.

“It takes them down a peg and shows them they have a lot of work to do,” Guthrie said. “Even though we did well in our first race and we are going to do well in the county, they see, in order to go to state, they have to work harder. They are already talking about it. It is very good for them.

“I expected them all to do a PR and they all did except for one, and he doesn’t know what happened,” Guthrie added. “He’ll be back. He came in second in the first race we had and then he was second to last today, but you have bad days. He had sore legs and said he had nothing left.”

With no seniors in his top seven, Guthrie has high hopes for the squad.

“All of my kids are sophomores and juniors,” Guthrie said. “It bodes well for the next couple of years, and I think we will be there at the end of the season.”

Ely downs Taravella

Blanche Ely quarterback Darren Allen rallied his team from a 17-0 halftime deficit to defeat Taravella, 20-17, in a high school football game on Friday night. Allen completed 15 of 25 passes for 152 yards, threw two touchdowns and rushing for another. A 15-yard touchdown catch by Ely’s Jordan Fields with just under two minutes remaining was the deciding score.