District 8

Head Coach: Claybo Varnum (3 years)

The Cougars have several key players returning this fall as the team heads into its third season under head coach Claybo Varnum. Durant finished the 2022 season 8-3 and as the 2022 FHSSA Football District 4M-8 champions.

Under Varnum’s leadership, the Cougars have had back-to-back 8-3 seasons and last season, beat Newsome 34-33 in overtime, Durant’s first win against the Wolves since 2017, and second-straight win over Plant City.

After their quarterback graduated last Spring, the Cougars lean on a rising junior Mike Ryan to lead the offense. A sophomore transfer from Newsome, Ryan finished the 2022 season completing 54 percent of his passes for 1,655 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the Cougars to the Class 4M region quarterfinals.

Varnum said: “Mike is a naturally gifted player. He is extremely accurate and has excellent feet. He’s got some ability that he was born with, so it’s exciting to watch him in big moments. Mike is coming into his own as a leader. At our place, leadership is never given. For the other players to respect you, you’ve got to put in extra work. Mike has done a nice job of that this off-season. He is starting to understand his reads more clearly and has put on some much-needed weight. We are excited for his ongoing maturity on and off the field.”

Varnum says the summer practices are going well so far and says his team is ready for the season to begin. The Cougars have been working hard training some players to step into a role for the first time this season.

“We do our very best over the spring and summer to prepare those guys so that when they get in a game situation, the moment isn’t too big for them,” said Varnum. “We never view young players getting reps as a bad thing. Everyone has their role to contribute to.”

Fans should keep their eyes out for Durant linebackers Hale Sollmann and Brant Bovee, Defensive Backs Jayden Cornelius, and Jayden Forte.

In 2022, Sollmann had 13 tackles for loss, and Bovee finished the season with 11.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Cornelius and Forte bring experience to the backfield, combining with 6 interceptions.

Durant will face off against the Chamberlain Storm in their first game on August 25. The key to success is to “first fast and finish strong.”

“Our guys will have a great understanding of our game plan early in the week,” said Varnum. “We have an excellent coaching staff here who communicate well to our players. If we go out and execute our plan, I think we will have a successful evening.”