South Sumter (Bushnell) Raiders (Class 5A-District 6)
2013 Record: 12-1
Head Coach: Inman Sherman
Key Players: Devin Papenheim (DL, Sr.), Brice Hatcher (LB, Sr.), Anderson Faulk (RB, Sr.), Wesley Moir (K, Sr.), James Daniel (OL, Sr.), Colton Skipper (OL, Sr.), Caleb Simmons (OL, Sr.), Junior Ceballos (LB, Sr.), Tafario McKrachon (RB, Sr.), Montel Presley (DL, Jr.), Cody Henderson (TE, Sr.), Deon Williams (ATH, So.), J.T. Taylor (RB, Jr.), Anthony Yurich (OL, Sr.), Carson Wells (LB, So.), Matthew Simmons (DB, Jr.), Reace Kinley (DB, Sr.), Myles Frazier (DB, Sr.)
Outlook: South Sumter is starting to build a winning tradition. Two undefeated regular seasons in a row really sets a high standard. Offseason conditioning is already competitive. With high expectations and the recent success, the Raiders anticipated 100 would try out even though they will only keep 60.
After last season, the Raiders are looking forward to the fall. There are plenty of returnees in 2014. In fact, the Raiders return 45 lettermen, seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters. Faulk ran for 1,350 yards and 21 TDs, Taylor had 15 scores, Simmons had 25 consecutive starts at center, and Daniel was an all-state selection. So the offense should be good. Plus, Moir was 6-for-6 on field goals and had 73 extra-point kicks.
Defensively, Hatcher had 122 total tackles, Simmons had 98 stops and Ceballos had 96. Presley and Papenheim had 20 and 16 TFL, respectively.
“Losing the last game of an otherwise great season leaves a bitter taste that simmers over the winter,” noted Sherman, whose team lost to eventual state semifinalist St. Pete Lakewood. “Our best players coming back embrace workouts and lead without hesitation.”
2014 Football Schedule
Thursday, August 21 – vs. Dunnellon, 7:30 p.m. (Preseason)
Friday, August 29 – vs. Wildwood, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 5 – at Crystal River, TBA
Friday, September 12 – vs. East Ridge (Clermont), 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 19 – at Zephyrhills, 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, September 26 – vs. Central (Brooksville), 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, October 3 – vs. Pasco (Dade City), 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, October 10 – at Hernando (Brooksville), 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, October 17 – vs. Nature Coast (Brooksville), 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, October 24 – at Weeki Wachee, 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, November 7 – at Leesburg, 7:30 p.m.
*District game
South Sumter High School website
“The Prep Zone” will count down to kick-off with a daily preview of high school football teams in the North Central Florida area. Here are the future release dates:
CLASS 6A-DISTRICT 3
July 22 – Columbia (Lake City)
CLASS 6A-DISTRICT 5
July 23 – Citrus (Inverness)
July 24 – Gainesville
July 25 – Lake Weir (Ocala)
July 26 – Vanguard (Ocala)
July 27 – Forest (Ocala)
CLASS 6A-DISTRICT 6
July 28 – Springstead (Spring Hill)
CLASS 7A-DISTRICT 3
July 29 – Buchholz (Gainesville)
CLASS 8A-DISTRICT 1
July 30 – West Port (Ocala)