By: J. Daniel Pearson
For Positively Osceola
For six seasons, Osceola’s vaunted running game was powered by “Supermen” wearing an “S” on their backs — the Swint brothers, Ja’Randy and Taevion, who combined for 7,600 rushing yards and 96 touchdowns from 2019 to 2024. This fall, while opponents may welcome the end of the Swint era, they’ll face another looming ‘S’ as senior Jeffrey Sinophat steps into the spotlight, ready to carry the Kowboys’ ground attack in 2025.
Although he played hurt most of the season and ended up in the second chair behind Swint, Sinophat still managed to put up big numbers, rushing for almost 1000 yards and nine touchdowns. Head coach Eric Pinellas was almost giddy when talking about Sinophat’s potential.
“He had a great season last year and I don’t think anyone knew he was playing with a torn labrum,” Pinellas said. “He had surgery two days after the championship game and worked his tail off in rehab. He was given a clean bill of health and is 100% ready to go this year. The prospects of having him totally healthy is exciting.”
Osceola option attack has always relied on more than one back and Sinophat should have plenty of help. Junior Jamarie Williams averaged more than 14 yards a carry in a reserve role and Jaxson Hardnett – who also had a big season – transfers over from Tohopekaliga. Alijah Jenkins and Alvarez Toussaint (Liberty transfer) could also figure in the backfield to give Osceola plenty of speed, athleticism and depth.
And while Cam Ward, a two year starter at quarterback, has decided to transfer, Pinellas will have options here as Amaree Rutland transfers in from Wekiva and the athletic Jakyri Watson could make the move from defensive back.
Overall, Pinellas has saw 21 starters or significant contributors either graduate or transfer off of last year’s state runner-up team, but believes enough talent remains to make another run at district and regional titles.
That optimism also stems from a rebuilt offensive line that includes massive Marcus Ferrer (6-4, 330) who returns after missing most of last year with injury; while 6-6, 340-lb. Reginald Frost Jr. transfers in from Leesburg. Jaeden Bellamy takes over at center; while Masen Price, Jaeden Copeland and Jaeden Kelly will fill out the rebuilt offensive line.
Although Osceola loses a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Brad Lennox says that unit appears ahead of schedule after a solid spring season and summer workouts.
Amier Clarke, who led the team in sacks last year (12) is back for his senior season; while Jason Lewis, Jeremiah Wiggins-Baker and several other talented players that worked into last year’s rotation are ready to step up.
Linebacker Nathaniel Barrett, who played all over the field last year, will join Colton Carter and Tony Doss in replacing graduated linebackers Robert Lee Jr. (Florida Atlantic) and Elijah Melendez (Auburn).
While Osceola lost a top defensive back when Lorenz Walker decided to move on to Lakeland, the Kowboys do return Ja’Mario Bradford and Watson with Lofton twins Jabari and Janari expected to see action.
With so many new players and the Kowboys facing eight 2024 playoff teams, Pinellas knows there will be both growing pains and challenges ahead. “We always play a tough schedule to get ready for the playoffs, so 2025 will be no different.”
Osceola Kowboys
Head Coach: Eric Pinellas
Class 6A, District 5
2024 Record: 12-3
**8/15 at Mainland 7 p.m. (Kickoff Classic)
8/22 at Treasure Coast 7 p.m.
8/29 Lake Mary 7 p.m.
9/5 at Winter Haven 7 p.m.
9/12 St. Cloud 7 p.m.
9/19 at Jones 7 p.m.
9/26 at Melbourne* 7 p.m.
10/10 Viera* 7 p.m.
10/17 Apopka 7 p.m.
10/24 Lake Wales 7 p.m.
10/31 @ St. Petersburg Lakewood 7 p.m.
*District Game
