Better than a three-time NFL MVP.
Peyton Manning will likely go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. As for the greatest quarterbacks in high school football history, Sumner's got him there.
"When you hear those numbers and you start comparing to people like that, it's pretty humbling for (Sumner), I'm sure," Lynx coach Brad Garrow said.
With 274 passing yards in last week's win over Pierre, Sumner passed Manning for 96th all-time on the high school list. Twice now, he's had more yards in a single season than Manning. As for touchdown passes, the most Manning ever threw in a season was 39. This season, Sumner already has 38.
"I don't care what kind of system you're in or something," Garrow said, "but if a kid throws for that many yards, the kid obviously has some potential."
"It fills you in on something, you know," Sumner said, trying to downplay the accomplishment. "It lets you know that you're pretty good."
Having a great high school career doesn't guarantee success at the next level. But surpassing Manning does put in perspective just how great Sumner's career has been.
"Oh, it's special. But right now I'm just thinking about getting to that Dome," Sumner said. "That ring would look so good on my finger, I tell you what." Certainly a lot better than his name in a record book.
Sumner has thrown for 7,328 yards in his career at Brandon Valley. With another 14 yards, he'll pass Ron Powlus, the former Notre Dame quarterback who was the 1992 USA Today National High School Offensive Player of the Year.
