Devin Flores has always prided himself on making big hits on defense for the Roughies.

Along with his customary calling card from either a defensive back or linebacker role, Flores likely will be a big hit on the offensive side as well.

In his team's recent win over Palmerton, Flores got the starting nod at running back to replace Ra'Von Burton, who earlier underwent emergency appendectomy surgery Tuesday morning. There is currently no timetable for Burton's return.

Making his first varsity start at tailback, Flores responded in a big way as he ran for a game-high 122 yards and scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in the Roughies 38-7 victory. Flores admittedly had a new appreciation for the game.

"I'm used to playing defense and I usually get in a few plays on offense," said Flores, who entered the game seventh on the team in tackles with 39 and has 233 yards rushing. "I've gained a whole new perspective on the game after Friday. I wasn't used to being that active, but I tried to make the most of it."

Head coach Tom Falzone believed Flores did more than an adequate job.

"He played a solid game for us and ran really hard," said Falzone about his senior. "When we found out about Ra'Von, we told the kids to keep it under wraps. But Palmerton was ready for us. Devin (Flores) stepped up and filled the role for us. We know Ra'Von will want to get back as soon as possible, but we don't want to rush him.

"Instead, we know Devin can do the job for us."

Flores didn't begin playing organized football until he entered junior high school. He finally followed the persistent advice to try the sport from his father Alejandro, who was a standout running back at Freedom High School. He also was supported by his mother, Sarah, brother, Joseph, and sister, Euelise.

"My dad kept telling me to go out and then I did," noted Flores. "When I did, I discovered that I liked it. It really didn't take me that long to get used to everything."

Flores plans to either pursue a career in physical therapy or law enforcement and has narrowed his choices to either Robert Morris University or Misericordia University. Along with football, Flores will finish his athletic career with the track team in the spring, and he is also a member of the school's Varsity C and chorus unit.

He has leaned toward a career in physical therapy mainly due to the inspiration of team trainer John Capozzolo.

"He (Capozzolo) is always there to help us out and he is great person to talk to," said Flores. "It seems like a good career to pursue where I would be helping people and be involved with athletics.

"I also wouldn't mind getting into law enforcement, where I can help and protect people as well as teaching them to do the right thing."

For the next couple of weeks, Flores apparently will be doing the right thing for his team and making some more hits.