A win for Ethan
Seminole rolls over Lyman 55-0, honors former player
There are moments when life overshadows the scoreboard. That was the case before and during Seminole’s 55-0 win over Lyman on Sept. 5.
Defensive back Omari Griffin, wearing the orange No. 9 jersey once worn by Ethan Pritchard, walked to midfield for the opening coin toss. Beneath his feet, the words #EPSTRONG stretched across the turf.
The tribute was for Pritchard, a former Seminole standout and current Florida State freshman linebacker who was involved in a tragic incident following FSU’s win over then-No. 8 Alabama a week earlier. His name, number and spirit stayed on the minds of Seminole’s players, coaches and community all week — especially head coach Karl Calhoun Jr.
“It was a tough week for us — it was mentally draining,” Calhoun said. “We had a plan to come out and establish our will for him, and I’m happy we accomplished that tonight.”
The community rallied around Pritchard as well. Many fans wore “Bokey Strong 9” T-shirts sold to raise money for his family. A GoFundMe organized by Calhoun has already surpassed $100,000.
On the field, Pritchard’s former defensive teammates set the tone, holding Lyman to just a few first downs, applying constant pressure, blocking a pair of punts and adding 8 tackles for loss.
“Those guys on defense were running, hitting and playing great football,” Calhoun said. “They just played strong and fast — and tonight it was with a little more purpose.”
Athletic director Woody Cox said Pritchard’s impact goes far beyond the game.
“Ethan Pritchard is an amazing young man who represents everything Seminole High School hopes for in our student-athletes,” Cox said. “Beyond his athletic talents, what makes Ethan truly special is his outstanding character, leadership and integrity.”
That spirit was felt throughout the night — and Seminole’s performance reflected it. The offense balanced a powerful ground game with timely passing, finishing with 258 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Senior Davarian Jefferson led with 100 yards on the ground, while receiver Anthony Gay III added 60 yards and scored twice as part of Seminole’s 100 yards through the air.
Seminole struck early after a pair of miscues before Gay caught an 18-yard pass for the first touchdown. Less than three minutes later, the senior found the end zone again, and a 2-point conversion put the Seminoles up 22-0 heading into the second quarter.
The defense added to the margin when Joseph Watson returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown, giving Seminole a 42-0 halftime lead.
“We wanted to mix it up this week,” Calhoun said. “We were able to get the run game going early, and that opened things up. It was about being consistent, and we did that tonight.”
Seminole walked off the field with a lopsided victory — but more importantly, with Pritchard’s number, name and legacy at the heart of the night.
