Sumter High’s Durant-Thompson fills up the stat sheet on way to Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week

Sumter High’s Tymaries Durant-Thompson may only be a sophomore, but on Friday, he played like an upperclassman.
The linebacker was a one-man wrecking crew, forcing turnovers and racking up tackles for loss as the Gamecocks ran away with a 42-19 win against then No. 10 Ridge View. His efforts also made him the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.
“That was amazing,” Durant-Thompson said. “Everybody at Sumter High really came together.”
Durant-Thompson made his impact felt early. After the Gamecocks scored on their first offensive play, the linebacker made his first highlight play. Durant-Thompson ran down the field on the ensuing kickoff, knocked the ball loose and recovered his own forced fumble. That set up a quick touchdown pass to put Sumter High ahead 14-0.
“The offense had just scored, so we already had momentum. I just went out there and tried to get the ball,” Durant-Thompson said. “I told Terrence Burgess that and went out there and got it done.”
“After that kickoff and I got the fumble, everybody was hyping me up. The offense went out there and did their thing. The defense got back on, and we did our thing, too. After that, I knew we were going to have a big game.”
Sumter High head coach Mark Barnes was impressed by the young linebacker’s ability to step up on a big stage against a ranked opponent.
“He did a good job in the passing game and in run defense, he caused turnovers. He caused two forced fumbles and recovered one, which was a huge play on the kickoff. It changed the whole momentum of the game,” Barnes said. "And his toughness. He got banged up a little bit and played through it. I admired that.
“He’s a smart, intelligent football player that’s willing to throw his body around. He’s done a great job filling a hole for us and playing well.”
That was just the start for Durant-Thompson. He finished with eight tackles, a sack, three tackles for a loss and poked one more fumble loose later in the game. He’s just glad to help the Gamecocks earn a win.
“I’m grateful,” Durant-Thompson said of his performance. “I’m grateful that my coaches trust me and put me in that position.”
The linebacker is part of a sophomore class that is already making a big impact on the varsity level. Jamirh Bey scored three touchdowns in the opener against Lakewood on offense. Defensive back Bryce Allen broke up a pair of passes and got in on three tackles against Ridge View. Durant-Thompson thinks that group is ready to show the football world they're here to stay.
“Me, Bryce Allen, Jacori (Jackson), all of us, we can ball,” Durant-Thompson said. “We all did it our JV year, and now we’re on varsity doing the same thing.”
While Barnes didn’t think Durant-Thompson needed a confidence boost, he said an early performance like this can make a major impact on a young player.
“If you have early success in the season, then you have more confidence, but I don’t think he’s lacked for confidence,” Barnes said. “I don’t say that in a bad way. I just think he’s realized he’s put in the work and he’s worked hard to get where he is. He’s just a fine young man that represents our program well on the field, off the field and in the classroom.”
Sumter High has some tough matchups coming up with a trip to Goose Creek on Friday before games with Crestwood, 5A No. 1 Summerville and 2A No. 4 Oceanside Collegiate. Durant-Thompson plans to keep his strong play going with the support of his coaches and teammates.
“Film and trust the process,” Durant-Thompson said of the key to continued success. “Trust what my coaches are teaching me.”