We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Sumter County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Panthers this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 10-2
- Points Scored: 388
- Points Allowed: 150
Key Roster Losses
Sumter County will miss some of the playmakers who contributed to 2024’s 10-win season.
Strong safety Keaston Taylor ended his senior season with 35 tackles and four interceptions.
Athlete Corderian Leverett, a Class 2A All-State honorable mention last season, leaves Sumter County with 1,139 career receiving yards, 14 TDs, six interceptions, and five blocked field goals. After considering multiple college offers, Leverett signed with Reinhardt University, where he’ll likely play wide receiver.
Defensive back Da’Montae Reeves’ intimidating presence in the Panthers’ defensive backfield will be missed. He had five interceptions and 30 tackles last season.
Key Players Returning
The Panthers welcome back three-year starter Aaron “AJ” Kearse for his senior season. The versatile, two-way player will line up at running back and linebacker in 2025. Last season he had 78 tackles and an interception on defense, and he rushed for 700 yards and 11 TDs.
Another offensive threat returning to Sumter County this season is 6-foot-5 wide receiver Omari Woodard.
Offensive tackle Bryce Volley returns up front.
Returning to the defense this year are defensive tackles Joshua Coleman and Ja’Micquel Solomon and middle linebacker Kendall Thomas.
Head football coach Will Rogers welcomes several new faces to the team this year too.
“Aiden Robinson and Glendon Hill are rising freshman athletes who will join us this year, along with sophomores OT Aiden Arnett and Alex Brown, a DB and QB,” Rogers said.
What to Expect From the Sumter County Panthers in 2025
Last season’s 10-2 finish was a major step forward for a program that won just three games over the three-season stretch of 2020 through 2022.
Rogers said the expectations remain as high as ever heading into the 2025 season.
“It’s time for this team to take the next step,” Rogers said. “With only seven seniors graduated from last year’s team, our expectation is to compete for a state championship.”
2025 Season Prediction
Sumter County will go 10-3 overall and make another deep run in the state playoffs.
Game to Watch
Aug. 15 versus Crisp County
