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Eagles expect cooler heads to prevail against Panthers

By VINCENT THOMAS
Published November 4, 2005

From the sideline you could hear one of the Springstead players bark an order.

"Just shut up!"

It was unclear who said it, but very clear why it was said.

The Eagles had been flagged for three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on one drive during last week's win at Ridgewood. The penalties were the Rams' best offense that series. Senior Kenny Beeker picked up two of them - one for a late hit and another for what an official perceived as too much back talk.

Later in the game, Jeff Haynes was open in the middle of the end zone. John Hogeland didn't see him though, and threw a fade to Victor Schick that sailed by his fingertips. Haynes jumped and stomped in frustration.

The penalties and outward displays of dismay were uncharacteristic for Springstead, a normally poised and disciplined squad.

"I usually talk to officials before and during games to make sure we're in line and the officials usually say, "No, you guys are good. You have everything under control,' " Vonada said.

Last week's penalties and brief tantrums, though not costing the Eagles the game, aren't expected to become the norm.

"We don't want that image."

And Vonada wasn't too upset with Beeker's penalties. One was a late hit that Vonada explained can occur when emotions are high.

"Football is an aggressive sport," he said. "We don't like penalties, but sometimes that's going to happen."

Beeker said after the first penalty, his teammates told him to stay focused.

"What I said was more geared toward my teammates, not the officials," Beeker said. "I should have just shut up."

During halftime, Vonada pulled Beeker aside for some counsel. He did the same with Haynes after the game. Haynes didn't catch a pass against a Ridgewood defense he said was keying in on him.

"Coach told me to not let my frustration get the best of me and to keep the team first," Haynes said.

Neither Vonada, Beeker nor Haynes expects a similar scenario in tonight's regular-season finale against Lecanto. Beeker said the defense has had fiery moments after good hits during practice this week.

"Coach has been reminding us that that's good," Beeker said. "But he said he better not see any stupid penalties during the game."

Vincent Thomas can be reached at vthomas@sptimes.com or 352 424-0177.

[Last modified November 4, 2005, 01:41:19]