By: J. Daniel Pearson
Positively Osceola
If Osceola is to make a 20th consecutive appearance in the FHSAA State High School Football Playoffs, they are going to have run through a gauntlet of a schedule to get there.
The Kowboys, coming off a 7-5 season where they captured a district championship and made it to the regional semifinals, will face eight playoff teams this season, including 7A state champion Lake Mary and 6A state runner-up Lakeland. Its new district (5A, D6), includes Lakeland and state playoff qualifiers Auburndale and Sebring. Even Osceola’s Kickoff Classic will be tough, as it will face Daytona Beach-Mainland – 9-3 team that reached the regional finals a year ago.
“It’s sort of a double-edged sword. Because of the long-time success of the program, a lot of teams worried about wins and losses simply do not want to play us,” Coach Eric Pinellas said. “On the other hand, we want to play the best schedule, as it is the best way to get ready for the post-season.”
For the past two years, the Kowboys have had a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball – but graduation depleted the ranks considerably. It is now time for the next generation of Osceola stars to step up.
With the graduation of Amaree Rutland, Osceola will turn its quarterback duties over Jabari Coombs, a transfer from Timber Creek who saw action for the Wolves last season. He participated in spring drills for the Kowboys and continues to improve as he learns the system. “One thing I like is he has shown no hesitation to run the ball when necessary,” Pinellas said. “He doesn’t have the speed of some of our quarterbacks from the past but he runs enough to give us another dimension.”
The running back room suffered a blow when Jamarie Williams transferred – leaving just Javonty Barrett (658 yards total offense). Still, look for the Kowboys to find ample replacements. Ercell Taylor could factor in here as well as transfers Ibrahim Hussein (New Jersey) and Zylin Garrett, who saw varsity action as a freshman for Bishop Moore last season.
Although four starters depart on the offensive line via graduation, Pinellas likes what he has coming back. Senior Jayden Bellamy (6-2, 310), who missed time with injury last season, switches from guard to left tackle. A big-time college prospect, he is the unquestioned leader of the unit. Sophomore William Niell had a great spring at guard and is slated for a starting role; while junior Jonell Mercado and Jaiden Kelley (6-1, 320) are expected to secure starting roles. Kenny Pierre, a junior transfer from Liberty, has been a pleasant surprise and will battle for playing time on the line. A potential rising star on the offensive line is sophomore Kayne Sippio (6-3, 265). “He’s a young player with tremendous potential,” Pinellas said.
Long known for its outstanding defensive line, Osceola lost standouts Amier Clarke to graduation and saw Dominque Redding transfer out of the program. Still, the DL should be a strength once again for the Kowboys as junior Jordan McCrimon should become the next standout and has already started to draw the attention of Division-1 scouts. Former Gateway star Dory Thimote (21 TFL, 12 Sacks in 2025) transferred in – giving Osceola another big-time player at edge.
Colton Carter (126 tackles, 26 TFL) missed spring drills with an injury but is expected back to anchor the linebacking corps; while Ja’Kai Pratt moves from defensive back to linebacker.
Despite graduation losses, the Kowboys defensive backfield remains fast, tough and talented.
Reserves Amir Davis and Josue Rivera have patiently waited their turn to shine; while speedy two-sport (track and football) senior Alvarez Toussaint had an impressive spring. “Alzarez has always had a ton of potential but he came from a program where he was always going to start because he was the best athlete of the team and when he got here that was no longer the case,” Pinellas said. “But I think the light went on for him towards the end of last year and during the spring. He has worked his tail off learning what it takes to play at this level. I really expect him to pop this season.” Transfer Earnest Hartfield saw action as a freshman at Orlando Christian Prep last season and the 6-1, 170-lb. safety could challenge for a starting spot in the backfield.
Osceola’s kicking game received a huge boost with the transfer of senior Brayden Buehler from Harmony. A two-time all-county selection, Buehler has averaged more than 40 yards per punt and has 23 career field goals; while sending more than half of his kickoffs out of the end zone.
Coach: Eric Pinellas
2025 Record: 7-5 (District Champions)
8/14 Daytona Beach Mainland^ 7 p.m.
8/21 at St. Cloud 7 p.m.
8/28 Poinciana 7 p.m.
9/4 at Lake Mary 7 p.m.
9/11 Lakeland* 7 p.m.
9/18 at Lake Wales 7 p.m.
9/25 Lake Gibson* 7 p.m.
10/2 at Dr. Phillips 7 p.m.
10/9 Auburndale* 7 p.m.
10/16 Sebring* 7 p.m.
10/23 at Bartow* 7 p.m.
10/30 Bye Week
