Groveland, Fla. — The Villages High School football team is off to its best start in four years thanks to a 37-26 road win over South Lake on Friday night in Groveland.

The Buffalo scored 34 first-half points en route to improving to 3-0 this fall, matching the best start to a season since VHS went undefeated through its 2021 campaign.

The Villages scored on its first four offensive possessions – and returned a kickoff for a touchdown – in the first half, before later adding a field goal in the fourth quarter to put the contest out of reach.

"We overcame some adversity tonight," said VHS head coach Richard Pettus. "I'm really proud of the grit that we showed – and that we needed – against one heck of a football team. Getting on them early and doing it in all three phases really allowed us to a win football game here tonight."

Jadence Kennedy was prolific as a passer, completing 19-of-29 attempts for 294 yards and four scores. The four touchdown passes ties Kennedy's own single-game program record set last September in a 55-0 win over Citrus.

"I really just tried to keep everybody up and motivated tonight," Kennedy said. "That's what was really important to me tonight. I'm the quarterback, I'm the leader and and I know if I get down ... we'll all get down. So it was all about just keeping a good attitude and keeping us going in the right direction."

Ja'Marian Clark hauled in 11 receptions for 156 yards and three touchdowns, while Kevonte Corbin caught a touchdown on 52 yards receiving and added a 92-yard kickoff return for a score.

Cole Logan led the way on the ground with a career-high 93 yards on 19 carries.

As a defense, the Buffalo collected five sacks to improve their season total to 19 through three games. Jeremiah Wimes paced the defensive effort with 13 tackles for VHS.

Keenan Boozer added a 36-yard field goal with 2:27 to play to seal the victory, making his third kick in as many games this season.

Up next, the Buffalo (3-0) will hit the road to take on Citrus (0-3) at 7 p.m. Friday night in Inverness.

"A win like this, it really lets us know that we can play with anybody," Kennedy said. "If we keep our head in the game and stay focused, we have a chance against anyone we play."


Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment via email at cody.hills@tvcs.org.