King, Springs to Lead St. Cloud Bulldogs' Offense in '24 Football Season

By: J. Daniel Pearson
for Positively Osceola

A year after his team averaged more than 31 points and won a county-best eight games, St. Cloud head coach Mike Short returns a senior-laden squad who looks to continue its winning ways.

“With the exception of our defensive line, we return experience at practically every position,” Short who begins his third season as head coach said. “This group of seniors has a special place in my heart and I know they have big goals and expectations for this year.”

The offense will be led by Logan King, a four-year starter at quarterback who threw for 2100 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. He took over as starter for the final five games of his freshman year and has posted a 15-6 record the past two seasons. “He’s everything you would want in a quarterback and has gotten better and better every season. He throws a great deep ball,” Short said of King.

King’s top target will be fellow senior Alex Springs, who earned all-county honors in both basketball and football last season. He led the Dogs in receptions (57), receiving yards (974) and receiving touchdowns (14) last year.

Arguably one of the best athletes in the county, Springs will most likely draw a lot of double coverage this year and Short feels some other receivers will have to step up to take some pressure off of Springs. That help could come from Jacob Hernandez (14 receptions, 147 yards) and Stacy Taylor Jr. – a pair of two-way players. Short also believes Josiah Cotto — another all-county basketball standout – could help out as he tries his hand at football.

Although Jonathan Morales graduated, St. Cloud returns an explosive runner in TJ Griffin (548 yards rushing, 269 receiving, 10 touchdowns). Junior Cameron Dalton had a great spring and summer and will factor in the backfield.

On the offensive line, Division-1 prospect Connor Howes announced he was transferring to Osceola for his senior season; but St. Cloud still returns a veteran line that includes four-year starter Daniel Torres at center, guard Shawn Eplin and senior Brian Morales.

Defensively, the Bulldogs have good depth and talent in the secondary and at linebacker. Hernandez and Bryce Williams combined for five interceptions and Taylor is also a returning starter. Cotto and freshman Jayden Taylor could also be a factor in the secondary.

Team captain Landon Millman (48 tackles) will wear the traditional #2 jersey as the Bulldogs’ defensive leader. Tyler Green (52 tackles, 2 INT) and Aiden Johnson (70 tackles) gives St. Cloud a solid trio at linebacker.

One area of concern heading into the season is the defensive line, where two-way player Eann Mesa (G/DT) is the most experienced player returning. Short says it will be important for St. Cloud to find some depth early on the defensive line and says freshman Steve Stephens is a promising addition.

With the new classification, St. Cloud will compete in Class 7A, District 10, where the district will be decided when they will play at Lake Nona (9/27) host Tohopekaliga (10/10) and travel to Harmony (10.25). Home schedule highlights include the 101st playing of the Osceola/St. Cloud game on Sept. 13 and its home opener with Freedom on Aug. 23.

“It’s a good, competitive schedule,” Short said. “Harmony is really our biggest rival and we are developing a pretty good back-and-forth with Tohopekaliga. We are now in the same district with both of those teams, so those rivalry games will mean even more.”

2024 Schedule

Head Coach: Michael Short

Class 7A, District 10

2023 Record: 8-3