Bushnell, Fla. – The Villages High School football team celebrated a district championship with a convincing rivalry victory Friday night in Bushnell.

The Buffalo bounced South Sumter in a de facto Class 3A-District 6 title game, using a strong second half to cruise to a 33-10 win at Inman Sherman Field. With the win, The Villages clinched the top spot in the district and an automatic bid into the FHSAA state playoffs next month.

VHS (9-0) led 6-3 at the half, thanks to a pair of long field goals from Keenen Boozer. The senior drilled a 46-yard attempt in the first quarter and then split the uprights from 51 yards out in the second period.

The Buffalo ground game dominated the second half, as Tranard Roberts rushed for four touchdowns over the final two periods en route to finishing with 187 yards on 13 carries. Antwon Johnson also added 80 yards rushing on 14 attempts.

Ja'Marian Clark also tallied nine receptions for 103 yards for VHS.

The Villages proved itself to be the more physical defensive squad, allowing just 160 yards of offense – an average of 3.1 yards per play – while racking up 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. Zion Reed tallied a season-high 18 tackles to lead the way, while Maguire Mellinger had 16 and Dominic Lopez finished with 15.

The district championship is the third in program history for VHS and the first since 2011, with the Buffalo also now reserving the right to host a Class 3A regional quarterfinal matchup on Nov. 13 in Middleton.

VHS will attempt to record its fourth undefeated regular season in nine years next Friday night (Oct. 30), as the Buffalo host Hudson (0-9) at H.G. Morse Stadium. Prior to kickoff, the team will honor its 23 seniors in a Senior Night ceremony.


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