Osceola Kowboys Edge Viera 13–10 to Capture District Crown

The Osceola Kowboys earned another District 5, Class 6A championship Friday night, defeating the Viera Hawks 13–10 in a hard-fought matchup at Markus Paul Stadium – Henry Ramsey Field in Kissimmee. With the win, Osceola (5–2, 2–0) extended its long-running district title streak, securing a playoff berth for the 19th consecutive season and its 13th district crown in the last 14 years.

Kowboys Head Coach Eric Pinellas shared his pride in the team’s effort and the community’s support after the win:

“It was a team effort, honestly. Like Coach Lennox always says, football is the ultimate team game. You can have a guy hit 80 home runs in baseball or score 40 a night in basketball, but in football it takes everyone. We gave a team effort on both sides of the ball — 100 percent. They’re not all gonna be beautiful, some have to be ugly — but hey, we’re district champs, and we’re in the playoffs. And we appreciate the crowd tonight. It was a great atmosphere! We thank everyone who came out to support us on Homecoming Night.”

The Kowboys overcame an early 10–7 deficit thanks to a quick scoring drive just before halftime, capped by Amaree Rutland’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Alijah Jenkins. From there, Osceola’s defense took control, forcing two fourth-down stops and a pair of late interceptions by Jamari Lofton, including one that sealed the victory in the final minutes.

Viera (4–3, 0–1) threatened several times in the second half but couldn’t break through Osceola’s tough defensive front.

Late in the game, #6 Senior Running Back Jeffrey Sinophat was forced to leave the field after taking a hard hit to the head. He was evaluated on the sideline for a possible concussion and did not return to play.

The Kowboys’ game-winning formula came together in the final seconds of the first half. A crucial defensive stop, followed by a perfectly executed scoring drive in the last 34 seconds of the second quarter, gave Osceola the lead — and ultimately, the win.

Combined with the decision to defer after winning the coin toss, which helped them control momentum throughout the second half, it was a masterclass in timing, composure, and championship poise.

It wasn’t flashy, other than the Kowboys’ Homecoming celebration, but it was another championship night in Kissimmee.

Next week, the Osceola Kowboys will be back home at Markus Paul Stadium – Henry Ramsey Field to face the Apopka Blue Darters (1–5) in non-district play.

The following week, the Kowboys will once again defend home turf as they host the Lake Wales Highlanders, followed by a matchup with the Lakewood Spartans to close out the regular season before heading into postseason play.