The South Sumter Raiders had a lot to build on coming into the 2024 season. A 28-17 win against Springstead was just what the doctor ordered heading into the summer months.
South Sumter High is coming off a Regional Final appearance that saw them nearly take down Cocoa last year. South Sumter picked right up where they left off last year, dominating on defense and proving why they have been one of the best offensive teams in Central Florida the past few seasons.
It was not easy for South Sumter though; they were down 10-0 after the 1st quarter. Adjustments made defensively and offensively resulted in two touchdowns, and The Raiders took the lead 14-10 headed into halftime.
(The South Sumter coaching staff makes adjustments at halftime. South Sumter came out of the half and looked much more streamlined in the 2nd half.)
Out of Halftime, Springstead would go on a drive to score a touchdown and make it 17-14, but that was the final time Springstead would find points. South Sumter went on a nice drive late in the 3rd to take a 21-17 lead. Then South Sumter would add an additional touchdown early in the 4th to make it 28-17 and hang on for the victory.
Mali Boone is coming into his senior year and picked right up where he left off last season. Boone looks bigger, faster, and even stronger than last year. By the time August is here, he will certainly be one of the best linebackers in Central Florida. Boone is committed to UCF where he will play in 2025.
(South Sumter Head Coach Ty Lawrence enters 2024 after getting the Raiders to back to back Regional Finals in 2022 and 2023.)
Senior Tyrese Keiler will be one to watch this season. He had a monster year in 2023. We look forward to seeing how Keiler is used. We saw him utilized as a running back and quarterback at times last year. This kid is a versatile player, and South Sumter will be happy to have him back for his senior year.
South Sumter returns with one of the top coaching staffs in all of Lake & Sumter County. Head Coach Ty Lawrence has done an incredible job with South Sumter the past few years. Other guys like Billy Goble, Earl Everett, Garhett Miller, and others have taken South Sumter to new heights.
Since Inman Sherman retired, South Sumter has been in great hands. The pride and passion of the program are everything Central Florida football is about. Friday nights are a privilege to watch. Games at South Sumter are like a step back in time. It’s smash-mouth football, and watching the defense of South Sumter, hearing the cracks of pads and helmets, is what Friday nights are all about! We can’t wait till August!