Kowboys, Bulldogs Carry Big-Game Momentum Into Another Friday Night of Osceola County Football

By J. Daniel Pearson

Osceola County’s two oldest football rivals are carrying plenty of momentum into another challenging Friday night.

Now, both teams are preparing for another major test.

Osceola (2-1) will host longtime rival and state powerhouse Lakeland at 7 p.m. Friday at Markus Paul Stadium, while St. Cloud (2-1) welcomes Lake Minneola (1-2) for a 7 p.m. non-district matchup.

The Kowboys enter their district opener after defeating Lake Mary 17-9—the program’s first victory over the Rams. Osceola held Lake Mary to just five total yards during the first half while building a 17-0 advantage before holding off a second-half comeback.

Once again, Osceola’s defense led the way. Two first-half interceptions and second-half fumble recoveries by Jason Lewis and Dory Thimote helped the Kowboys force four turnovers. Osceola also recorded five sacks and limited Lake Mary quarterback Remy Jarman to 131 passing yards.

“Not sure it was the biggest regular-season win in my tenure as head coach, but certainly it was one of the best,” Osceola coach Eric Pinellas said. “We play a lot of top teams every year in the regular season, and our goal is to always use those to get ready for a playoff run. But it was a special win tonight. We were able to hold on in a hostile environment.”

Running back Javontay Barnett rushed for 79 yards, including a 66-yard run that set up a touchdown, while Jose Rivera scored on a fake field goal.

Across the county, St. Cloud needed two overtimes to complete its own memorable victory.

The Bulldogs and South Sumter traded momentum throughout the night before quarterback Jeremiah Lattier threw a touchdown pass during the second overtime to give St. Cloud the lead. Joel Ortiz then preserved the victory by batting down South Sumter’s fourth-down pass near the goal line.

Michael Cuyler led St. Cloud’s rushing attack with 79 yards and a touchdown, while Lattier passed for 188 yards and a score. Khalil Davis returned an interception for a touchdown, and the Bulldogs’ defense recorded five sacks, including two by Jude Cockcroft. Angelo Rivera, Steve Stephens and Mattaeo Cammarasana also recorded sacks.

St. Cloud will now try to build on its dramatic victory when Lake Minneola visits the Bulldogs on Friday.

Osceola, meanwhile, will jump out of the frying pan and into the fire against a Lakeland program with nine state championships, including titles in 2022 and 2023. The Dreadnaughts are tied with Miami Central for the most state championships won by a Florida public school.

The Dreadnaughts are no strangers to the Kowboys. The programs have shared districts and met numerous times in the playoffs, most recently in the 2022 Class 4 Suburban state semifinal. Lakeland scored a late touchdown to defeat Osceola 14-7 before beating Venice 21-14 for the state championship one week later.

Lakeland enters Friday’s game with a 1-1 record following a hard-fought 32-25 loss to Venice, the fourth-ranked team in Class 5A. Osceola will need to contain quarterback Kelin Hendrix and wide receiver Ahnarri Cooper, one of his favorite targets.

The winner will gain an early advantage in the Class 5A, District 6 race, highlighting a Friday night that will also feature several other Osceola County teams beginning district competition.

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Tohopekaliga and Celebration Meet in County Matchup

Tohopekaliga (2-1) will play the final game of a season-opening four-game road swing when it visits Celebration (0-3).

The Tigers are coming off a dominant defensive performance in a 21-6 victory over Sebastian River. Tohopekaliga held Sebastian River to fewer than 100 yards of total offense while recording five quarterback sacks.

Quarterback Gabe Velez threw two touchdown passes, while AJ Jackson helped lead the defensive effort with five sacks.

Celebration’s young team is still searching for its first victory after falling to Space Coast 48-0 last week. The Storm have been outscored 134-7 through their first three games.

Gateway Travels to Harmony for District Opener

Gateway (2-0) will attempt to remain undefeated when it travels to Harmony (1-2) for a Class 6A, District 5 matchup.

After competing as an independent for the past four seasons, Gateway coach Marlin Roberts said he is excited about returning to district play.

The Panthers rolled to a 35-6 victory over Colonial last week behind junior running back Nydrell Thigpen, who rushed for 192 yards and four touchdowns.

Harmony held Poinciana scoreless for three-and-a-half quarters last week before falling 19-0. The Longhorns’ young defense will face another demanding assignment as it attempts to contain Thigpen and Gateway’s rushing attack.

Poinciana Hosts Ridge Community

Poinciana (2-1) will open district play at home against Ridge Community (0-2).

The Eagles received offensive touchdowns from Jamare Eugene and Chance Frazier, along with a pick-six from Tristin Fletcher, during last week’s 19-0 victory over Harmony.

“Other than a six-minute stretch in the second quarter against Osceola, we have played good football all season long,” Poinciana coach Taron Mallard said. “Our goal is to just get better every week, and I think this group has a chance to be a really special football team.”

The Eagles will be looking for their third victory in four games as they begin their district schedule.

Nova Lakes Seeks Third Consecutive Victory

Nova Lakes (2-1) has continued its successful inaugural varsity season despite not having a senior class and entering the year with few players possessing varsity-level experience.

The Rattlers defeated Lake Buena Vista 25-14 last week behind two rushing touchdowns apiece from Angelo Daddona and Jaden Dionisi.

Nova Lakes will have an opportunity to earn its third consecutive victory when the Rattlers face Freedom (1-1) on Friday night.

Liberty Prepares for University

Liberty (0-2) rounds out the Osceola County schedule with a non-district game against University.

The Chargers were tied 6-6 with Discovery during the third quarter Friday when lightning forced the game into a delay. Because a local ordinance prohibited the stadium lights from remaining on after 10 p.m., the district contest could not be completed that night.

Liberty Athletic Director Don Simon said the game must be finished because it is a district matchup. The remainder is scheduled to be played Sept. 14 at a site to be determined.

The Chargers will first turn their attention to Friday’s matchup as they continue searching for their first victory of the season.

Positively Osceola will be on the field around Osceols, bringing score updates, LIVE action, more!