For Osceola coach Eric Pinellas, it’s a simple proposition for his banged up Kowboys football team that will travel to South Lake (10-1) Friday night in a Class 6A regional semifinal playoff game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
“This time of year, everyone is hurt but you have to lay everything on the line,” the veteran coach said. “Come Saturday morning, the only thing that is really important is that every kid on that roster knows they put everything on the line and gave everything they had.”
Coming off and thrilling 2015 comeback quarterfinal win over Durant—Osceola scored two touchdowns in the final five minutes—the Kowboys lost two more starters, offensive lineman Jaeden Bellamy and linebacker Nathaniel Barnett, to injuries. They join a list of 12 starters or significant contributors that have either been out for the season, missed significant playing time or continue playing hurt.
South Lake, coming off an emotional 38-37 triple overtime win over for its eighth straight win, is “An exceptional ball club,” Pinellas said.
“Offensively they run multiple looks at you and are really balanced. Defensively, they have a bunch of playmakers with good linebackers, an exceptional stand-up defensive end and an opportunistic secondary.”
The leader of the offense is junior quarterback Tre Kelly, who has completed 60.4% of his passes this season for 2,141 yards, 22 touchdowns and just four picks. He has two terrific wide receivers in Isaiah Pina (25-284-9 TD) and Keydrick Powell (60-1088-9 TD). Malik Holman is a short (5-10) but powerful running back who averages more than nine yards a carry (157-1476). But when the Eagles get near the goal line, Kelly will call his own number, as he has a team-leading 13 rushing touchdowns. The Eagles average 40 points per game.
Defensively, South Lake has no glaring weaknesses. Defensive end Jesse Baker has 19 sacks, joining an Eagles defensive line that has put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Linebackers Chase Coello and Tyson Williams have 117 tackles, and a secondary led by Ahvioume Scott (5 interceptions) has picked off 18 passes.
Kicker Chris McKenna has hit 9 of 12 field goals and 43 of 44 extra points and averages more than 44 yards a punt, and the Eagles are solid in the return game.
Osceola will get a little help back as running back Jaxson Hardnett (52-337-5 TD), out the last four games with a severely sprained ankle, is set to return. He’ll help energize a running game that has produced 2,400 yards and 28 touchdowns this season.
Still, Pinellas believes the passing game will have to contribute through senior quarterback Amaree Rutland if the Kowboys are to win and advance to the regional final.
“My guess is that they will stack the box and we will have to throw some,” Pinellas said.
Although ranked higher and playing at home, South Lake Coach Brad Lord said his team’s taking nothing for granted.
“Osceola is well coached and a playoff juggernaut. They are very talented and physical,” he said. “We are very honored to play such an established program which always seems to be a perennial state final four and championship contender.”
Friday’s winner will face the winner of the Viera (7-4) at Armwood (11-0) game for the Region 2 championship on Nov. 28.
