John Essex finally has a full schedule after agreeing to take on newly-formed Sumter-Central for its week five game.

The non-region contest was opened up in the Hornets’ schedule with the closure of Coffeeville High School. After flirting with the idea of playing Vinemont High School, Essex found an opponent closer to home when head coach Jerome Antone and Sumter-Central coach Andre Pickering reached an agreement.

“It’s a big game,” Antone said of playing the 4A school in its inaugural season. “It’s going to be a big game for our program. I know they’re a big school, but I feel good about it.”

Sumter-Central is the product of the merger between Sumter County and Livingston High Schools. This season, the program will play the Class 4A schedule previously set for Livingston.

“We’re excited about it,” Antone said. “That’s going to be a great challenge. We’re trying to step up our competition in our out-of-region schedule.”

The Hornets’ other out-of-region games for the 2010 season include Class 1A St. Luke’s in week one and Class 2A R.C. Hatch in week 10. The Hornets are scheduled to face Sumter-Central Friday, Sept. 23.