We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Sumter County football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Panthers this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 1-9
- Points Scored: 175
- Points Allowed: 316
Key Losses
The 2023 Sumter County football team will lose 17 seniors, and that group includes some talented pieces that new head coach Will Rogers would love to have returning as he takes over the Sumter County program this season. Gone and on his way to Georgia Military College is top receiver Brandon Pope, a late bloomer who played his only season of football last year, and Roger said he made it count.
Quarterback Cam Evans was a four-year starter, and he will continue his career at Albany State University. Rogers lists three linemen who were key players for the Panthers and will be missed. They are Bryan Williams, who contributed on both sides as an OL/DL; Lonnie Battle, an OL who is headed to Georgia State on a full academic scholarship; and defensive end Mel McCluster, who Rogers called the “heartbeat of the defense” and said played with a “high motor.”
Who’s Back
Returning to help get the Panthers back to their winning ways will be senior Anthony Tyson, a CB/QB who Rogers says will compete for the starting QB job and will start as one of the team’s corners.
“Anthony is one of the most explosive players on our team,” Rogers said.
Another two-way player Sumter fans and coaches have had their eye on for a while now is sophomore Aaron Kearce. The OLB/RB started as a freshman last season, and he brings a high energy level to the team.
“He has Power 5 ability – no doubt,” Rogers said. “He is going to be a great one here at Sumter.”
Another 10th grader who will be counted on to help out on both sides up front is Josh Coleman.
“Josh has a lot of upside to his game,” said Rogers.
Senior T/G Brian Foster is a returning starter on both sides of the ball, while Broshawn Snead is a returning starter and All-Region selection from last year.
What to Expect
Rogers was an assistant under former coach Clifford Fedd, and when Fedd left to take the head coaching position at Griffin, Rogers decided to stay.
“I wanted to stay and finish what we had started,” Rogers said. “We have some really talented kids coming up through our system here, and I wanted to see them continue to grow in our system and help get this thing turned around.”
The turnaround Rogers is talking about involves reversing the fortunes of a Panthers team that has won one game in each of the past three seasons, a period in which Sumter County holds a 3-25 record. Rogers isn’t concerned about where the Panthers have been – only where they are headed.
“We have really high expectations, and that’s why I decided to stay,” he said. “We have had some very young guys playing over the last couple of seasons, and now it’s time to start the process of winning.”
Prediction
Baby steps. But Rogers made the right choice to stay. 4-6 in 2023.
Game to Watch
The Crisp County game on September 8.
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