Durant had an impressive showing in week one against King, winning 49–7. They hope to carry the momentum into district play. Durant has made the playoffs in every season since Clayton Varnum took over the program in February 2021. The six–year head man wants his team to maintain the standard set forth by the previous teams.
Varnum has a good mix of young and veteran players. The team returns two starters on offense and six on defense. He likes their discipline, work ethic and coachability. He said that his players like to be coached hard, so he and his coaching staff don’t have to worry about hurting feelings. Everybody is on the same page and willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Junior running back Maurice Kenne is expected to have a good year and receive the bulk of the carries. Junior receiver King Rivera will be a weapon in the passing game. Senior captain defensive back and Western Carolina commit Kairee Barnum, junior defensive end Mason Newton and senior outside linebacker Dexter Snyder will lead the defense.
Senior Sam Themar will return for his second season with the Cougars as QB–1. Varnum said that he brings athleticism and running power to the position and has a lively arm. He said that Themar is a smart kid, commands the huddle and controls his assignments well at the line of scrimmage. The coaching staff trusts him to get them in the correct sets.
Durant’s goals remain the same –– win the district and compete in the playoffs. They are in a new district that poses different challenges. They will have to compete with new foes such as Lennard and Plant City, while facing familiar opponents like Newsome and Riverview. With Sumner and Plant as non-district opponents as well, it makes for a very difficult schedule overall. The Cougars face three straight district opponents to end the season. Varnum and his team won’t back down no matter how difficult the competition is, and they will compete for yet another district title.
“I just want our guys to enjoy what we’re doing,” said Varnum. “We want them to work hard and enjoy the moment, and hope that the hard work will pay off for them and we’ll have another good year.”
8/21 vs King
8/28 @ Strawberry Crest
9/4 @ Kathleen
9/10 @ Sumner
9/18 vs Plant
9/25 vs Riverview
10/2 vs Spoto
10/9 @ Lennard
10/16 vs Newsome
10/23 @ Plant City
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