South Sumter High has long been known for its tough, physical brand of football and its ability to reload talent year after year. But when starting quarterback Landen Sherman suffered a devastating injury last Friday night, the Raiders faced a question mark at the most important position on the field.

That answer, has come in the form of junior Milo Patterson.

Thrust into action in the middle of a pivotal matchup against Wiregrass Ranch, Milo looked less like a backup and more like a seasoned starter. In just his first extended action of the season, he completed 10 of 11 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. He also showcased his athleticism with a rushing score, guiding South Sumter to a 35-20 win that pushed the Raiders to 3-1 on the year.

(Milo Patterson makes one of his 11 passes against Wiregrass Ranch. He would throw for two touchdowns and run for 1 in a 35-20 win last week.)

For Milo, it was a defining moment.

This is a young man who’s been waiting for his opportunity. Milo has been preparing behind the scenes, studying the playbook, and refining his game. When his number was called, he delivered with confidence. I have been watching this young man the past few years and he’s put a ton of work in to be a quarterback. He’s 6’1″ 190 lbs and has worked as a tight end and quarterback. We have seen some great tight ends transition to quarterback and vice versa. Most recent that comes to mind is Jonathan Harding who graduated from The Villages last year and plays for Memphis. He worked as a quarterback and tight end in our area for Wildwood and then The Villages last year.

Milo’s arrival also reflects his history as an athlete. Long before he suited up in Raider red, he built a reputation in Sumter County as a standout on the field. That competitive edge, developed during his younger days, is now being tested in the spotlight of Friday night lights.

(Milo Patterson will be the new starting quarterback for South Sumter after senior Landen Sherman went down with what is likely a season ending injury.)

South Sumter fans are no strangers to great quarterbacks, with the program’s tradition built on discipline, toughness, and smart play under center. Landen Sherman had carried that mantle this season, helping establish the Raiders as a contender for a district championship. Now, with Landen expected to miss the remainder of the year, Milo inherits both the responsibility and the expectations. But he’s made it known after his first game that South Sumter is in good shape.

So far this season, Milo has completed 17 of 22 passes overall for 293 yards and three touchdowns. All three of those touchdowns came in last Friday night’s game. His efficiency has stood out, and his decision-making under pressure has given the Raiders reason to believe their offense can stay on track.

Still, challenges lie ahead. The Raiders are entering the heart of their schedule, where every game carries playoff implications. The Raiders travel to Belleview on Friday night. That will be an interesting contest as Milo Patterson’s first full game under center of the year. The Raiders will be a favorite to win that game and with a full week of practice underneath them, South Sumter will want to come out strong.

(The best news of all is that Landen Sherman is now home resting. He was surrounded by so much love and prayers this past weekend.)

One thing about head coach Ty Lawrence’s teams is that they know how to work both offenses and defenses effectively and despite injuries, it’s next man up football. So far this year, 11 different Raiders have run the ball in the backfield. Timothy Gaynor has been the primary running back but so many others like Bubba Boone and Travion Patterson have gotten touches as the list goes on and on. That has helped the offense immensely as the physicality of the offensive line has been on full display this year.

I am very much looking forward to seeing Milo Patterson this season. While we do that, we also want to send our prayers to Landen Sherman on making a full recovery. He suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle. You never like to see that happen but its football and on any given Friday night, anything can and will happen. Keep the good thoughts Landen and much love to you and your family. Thank you to everyone who wished him thoughts and prayers and continue to do so. Love our community.