The Rotary Club South All-Star Classic had its 37th annual game on Dec. 8, 2025. Each year the senior football players of Lee County are given one more chance to show up and show out before they move on to college or their football careers end. This year’s outing saw an exhilarating, high-tension game that ultimately ended with the Gold team defeating the Blue team 21-12.
On that victorious Gold team were three members of our very own Cypress Lake Panthers: Zayne Kimpland, Daniel Johnson, and Kaeden Musich, who all suited up for the Gold team and gave their all to represent Cypress Lake. Kimpland and Johnson both played on the defensive line, while Musich was the team’s punter.
All three of our representatives at the All-Star Game were proud to be selected. Johnson remarked, “I’m thankful I was able to play and win one last game with my brothers as well as alongside some new talented players.” Johnson said his best memory from the night was “when Zayne and I got a sack together and hit one last celebration as teammates.”
Musich shared the sentiment as well, saying, “I’m blessed to have this opportunity to represent the school alongside my brothers.” Musich’s favorite moment of the night was undoubtedly his punt that left the Blue Team on the one-yard line in the final quarter, squandering their hopes of a comeback.
Kimpland also shared what the game meant to him, saying, “I’m so happy I was given this opportunity. It was one of the best experiences in the last four years and a great way to finish my high school football career.”
The night of the All-Star Game was one of many emotions for our players, the highs of a win and great performances from all three of them contrasting the lows of knowing this is the last time in their lives that they will get to suit up side-by-side. There is, however, no better way to end it than while representing your school at one of the most attended football games in Lee County.
.
Caption: Kimpland, Johnson, and Musich pose with their all star jerseys along with Micheal Lau, an current player at Estero Highschool who got his start at Cypress and has since stayed close friends with many players.
