SUMTER ACADEMY – The humid air looked like it was clinging to the ankles of the Sumter County Eagles as more than the heat beat them in their season home opener against Cornerstone Christian.

The Eagles could get jump started as they fell 49-8 to the Chargers – their lone score coming just 3:44 left in the third quarter as sophomore quarterback Hunter Spidle broke a long run around the left end from the wingback position, driving 62 yards into the Charger end zone.

A Spidle pass to sophomore tight end Patrick Castleman completed a two-point conversion.

In all, the Eagles compiled only 10 first downs, rushing 46 times for 188 yards and completing six of 11 passes for 35 yards – with three interceptions, one of which came with just 42 seconds left in the game.

Cornerstone’s Jamal Prentiss picked off the pass and ran it back 70 yards for the score.

From the Charger perspective, the game was all about Prentiss, who nailed all but one point after, and combined with Ty Youngblood to account for the Charger scoring.

It wasn’t Prentiss’ only long run of the night – his 88-yard kick-off return for a score started the second half of action.

Prentiss led his team in rushing on 9 carries for 82 yards. In all, the Chargers carried the ball 29 times for a 212 yards and completed two passes for 35 yards with no interceptions.

Sumter’s Chad Bryan was the team’s leading rusher, carry 23 times for 98 yards. He also led the Eagle defense with seven tackles and two assists.

The Eagles handled the ball better than the Chargers, fumbling three times and losing possession only once. The Chargers lost possession of the ball twice on three fumbles and were penalty ridden throughout the night with eight flags for 45 yards. Sumter drew three flags for a total of 20 yards on the night.