Sophomores shine in Durant’s district win at Sumner

By Rick Cantor
Staff Writer

RIVERVIEW – While many of Durant’s seniors have played a big role in the team’s success midway through the 2022 season, it was a pair of sophomores leading the way in their biggest victory of the season thus far.

Cougars sophomore quarterback Michael Ryan rushed for a touchdown in the first half, and led a 71-yard drive to answer a Sumner touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Cougars picked up a big Class 4M-District 8 win over the Stingrays 14-13 in a game moved from Friday to Monday due to Hurricane Ian.

The win marks the third consecutive for Durant (5-1, 1-0) over Sumner, accounting for half of the losses in the three-year history of the Sumner program.

Sumner (4-2, 0-1) came into the game shorthanded as starting quarterback Greg Smith sat out with a high ankle sprain. That didn’t stop the Stingrays on the opening drive as a heavy dose of junior running back Devin Spencer (19 carries, 147 yards) set up a touchdown toss from fill-in quarterback Layton Kennison to fellow sophomore Tyler Williams to give the Stingrays the early advantage.

The Cougars did not wait long to answer back as the elusive Ryan (18 carries, 101 yards) pulled the ball down and outraced the Stingray defense on a 52-yard run to tie the game.

“After they scored, I told the offense that we were fine, and to keep our heads up,” said Ryan. “They were in man coverage and blitzed. I rolled out and saw a wide-open lane.”

The score would remain tied as both defenses settled down and came up with big play after big play. Sumner harassed Ryan all night as senior stalwarts Al’Vondre Lewis and Keoni Denny, along with sophomore Cameron White picked up sacks.

Their counterparts on the Cougar front seven were equally as fierce, forcing four interceptions including two by sophomore Jayden Cornelius.

“On the first one it was man coverage. I was man on the receiver, I backed up so the quarterback thought he was going to be open. Then I scooted up and cut it off,” said Cornelius. “The second one, it was man coverage, but I was free. I saw the tight end streak across the field, and I just saw the ball and attacked it.”

In the fourth quarter, senior Kade Ray broke the tie and put the Stingrays ahead with an explosive 62-yard run, taking an end-around and cutting up the middle.

A missed extra point would be costly as Durant’s cool and confident sophomore connected with senior Jeremiah Gines to tie the score and booted the go-ahead extra point for good measure.

“Michael is an athletic kid,” Cougars head coach Claybo Varnum said. “He has some of the best hands on the team, and his feet are phenomenal. We knew tonight we would have to showcase that.”

Varnum also praised the resiliency of his team through the many challenges of the early season.

“We preach adaptability every day, every week,” he said. “We’ve had rain all of September. We’ve had practices moved around. Practices in the morning, games starting late. We’ve preached since last year to not let the outside elements affect the game. We know we have the right game plan if don’t let any noise get in.”

Both teams will have a quick turnaround and be back in action of Friday. Sumner will host south county rival Lennard, while Durant will travel all the way across the county to face Sickles in Citrus Park.

Week 6 Final Scores

Durant 14
Sumner 13

Seffner Christian 47
Cambridge Christian 29

Bloomingdale 33
Lennard 0

Newsome 29
Riverview 12

Spoto 6
East Bay 53

Strawberry Crest 0
Plant 17

Leto 0
Jesuit 71

Freedom 0
Tampa Bay Tech 75

Sickles 0
Palm Harbor 10

Chamberlain 0
Middleton 49

Berkeley Prep 10
Calvary Christian 42

Armwood 13
Wharton 20

Gaither 24
Hillsborough 21

East Lake 55
Steinbrenner 54

Alonso 12
Plant City 37