Sumner

At a glance

Coach: Alonzo Ashwood, third season

Class: 3, District 7 (Metro)

Last season: 9-3

Key players: OL/DL Ziyare Addison, So.; LB/RB Keoni Denny, Sr.; LB Al’Vondre Lewis, Jr.; WR Kade Ray, Sr.; LB Mekhi Slater, Sr.; QB Greg Smith, Jr.; CB/RB Devin Spencer, Jr.; LB Zach Walker, Sr.; S/RB Kylen Webb, Sr.; WR/FS Tyler Williams, So.

Schedule

Aug. 19 vs. East Bay, 7:30 (preseason)

Aug. 26 at Bloomingdale, 7:30

Sept. 2 vs. Chamberlain, 7:30

Sept. 9 at Jefferson, 7:30

Sept. 16 vs. Gaither, 7:30

Sept. 23 at Wharton, 7:30

Sept. 30 vs. Durant, 7:30

Oct. 7 vs. Lennard, 7:30

Oct. 14 at Wharton, 7:30

Oct. 21 Bye

Oct. 28 at Newsome, 7:30

Nov. 4 vs. Middleton, 7:30

Outlook

The third-year school has gone through a meteoric rise in football. Two years ago, Sumner went 7-1 playing a hybrid varsity and junior varsity schedule. Last season, the Stingrays won a district title their first year entering district play. They followed that up by winning their first playoff game. The rapid ascension has turned up the enthusiasm, so much that Sumner now has about 140 players in the program, including 71 on varsity. The school also has experienced tremendous growth. Because of that, the Stingrays have jumped up to Class 4, the highest in the newly formed Metro Division. Sumner also has talent. Greg Smith III is an athletic quarterback who already has a few Div. I offers, including one from USF. Kylen Webb, an electrifying athlete, committed to Clemson this summer. And running back Keoni Webb decided on UNC Charlotte. The passing game got a boost with the addition of receiver Eelijah Singleton, who transferred from Lennard. Ziyare Addison, who has an offer from FSU, anchors the offensive line. Defensively, the strength is at linebacker, where Denny, Al’Vondre Lewis, Mekhi Slater and Zach Walker all return.