Competitive series stands at 8-8
Harmony (5-3) looks to break a two-game St. Cloud (2-6) series winning streak when the Longhorns travel to Gannarelli Field Friday for the 17th edition of the Soldier City Classic. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
In what has become the most competitive — and intense — rivalry in Osceola County, the Bulldogs (2-6) have also won four of the last six games, but the Longhorns (5-3) are likely the favorite this year to leave with The Brass Bugle.
The schools have met every year since 2005, Harmony’s second year open, and it’s that familiarity that St. Cloud Coach Bryan Smart says makes this the most intense rivalry for both schools.
“We have played Osceola since pretty much the beginning of time,” Smart joked about that near 100-year-old rivalry. “But to be honest, when one team continues to dominate a series like Osceola has, it may still have tradition but it just hasn’t been that much of a rivalry.
“St. Cloud and Harmony is different. Their players and our players have competing with and against each other all the way back to youth sports. Historically, the series has been pretty even and I know there is a lot of pride on both sides when these two teams get together. It’s the one game on the schedule every year that everyone points to and gets excited about regardless of the records.”
Harmony Coach Don Simon said it was also a different type of rivalry.
“Coach Smart is good friend and we talk regularly so it’s not like a normal rival game. On our side, we try to keep things as normal as possible and tell our players this is just another game we need to win to get to where we want to be. Still, they know how important the game is to the fans and alumni on both sides.”
Not only is the series tied 8-8, there have been some nail-biters. Six of the 16 games have been determined by a touchdown or less. No team has won more than four in a row in the series; while even the total points scored in the rivalry has been close with Harmony leading, 370-337.
Last year, Patrick Forsyth ran for 190 yards and two touchdowns – including a game-clinching 60-yard run in the fourth quarter – to lead St. Cloud to a 21-17 win. But St. Cloud returns none of the offensive starters from last year’s 7-3 team and has had trouble scoring points this season.
Harmony, on the other hand, returns almost all of its starters from both sides of the ball – including Cooper Richards, who blocked a punt for a touchdown in last year’s game, and sensational junior running back Tyler Emans – who had 150 yards rushing in last year’s game, including a 71-yard touchdown run. Emans had another huge game last week, rushing for 191 yards and five touchdowns in a 52-12 win over East River. He now has 1,323 yards rushing and 27 total touchdowns in just eight games.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for us on both sides of the ball,” Smart said. “Tyler is a fantastic running back who is a load to bring down. We need to find a way to at least slow him down and on the other side of the ball, we are going to need to score some points to have a chance.”
Through eight games this season the Bulldogs have scored 46 total points. Although its defense has played better, it often has found itself being worn down due to the amount of time it spends on the field.
A look at other games around the county this week:
Celebration at Osceola: The Storm (5-3) most likely have their hands full with state-power Osceola (6- 2), but the big story here is that regardless of the outcome Celebration will avoid a losing season for just the second time in the school’s 18-year history. Celebration clinched at least a .500 record with last week’s impressive 49-7 win over Windermere. Junior running back Oniel Senatus had another huge game, running for 208 yards and 4 TDs on 15 carries, pushing his season totals to 1,346 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. With one touchdown receiving and another via kick return, his 20 touchdowns are among the most in the state. Osceola will look to change its sour mood after dropping a 35-21 road decision to West Orange last Friday, the Kowboys’ first district loss in more than a decade and one where big chunk plays cost Osceola any chance of winning as West Orange scored on pass plays of 43, 41, and 87 yards and also had a 90-yard kickoff return for a fourth score.
Lake Nona at Tohopekliga (Thursday): Located just a few miles apart, these two schools have seen their programs go in opposite directions. A combo of a young team, injuries and COVID-19 protocols, the Tigers fell to 2-7 with a 49-19 loss to Freedom. Lake Nona (5-3) has won five of their last six, including a 35-0 win over Oak Ridge last week. Although known for their passing attack, the Lions also feature a talented running back this year in junior Daniel Cevallo.
Lake Wales at Gateway: The Panthers (2-6, 0-3) will have their hands full this week when they welcome district leader Lake Wales (6-2, 2-0) to town for a 7 p.m. kick. Marlin Roberts’ team picked up their second win of the season last week, thrashing Lake Region, 48-19. Elijah Simmons had three interceptions, including two pick-6s while quarterback Ed Dyer Jr. threw for one touchdown and ran for another.
Mulberry at Liberty: Despite dealing with Covid tracing and weather issues earlier this year, Liberty (4-4) is putting together a good season and will have a chance to clinch a non-losing season when they host Mulberry (4-4) on Friday. The Chargers picked up their fourth win of the year last week with an impressive 40-13 win over Discovery. Although starting quarterback Jeremiah Pierre-Louis was out with a broken hand, Liberty got a big performance from backup senior David Bacote, who ran for three touchdowns and threw for another. WR/ TE Greg Vital and running back Kervalis Scott each had scores; while DB Nelly Tillis had an 85-yard interception return for touchdown. Mulberry and Liberty have played two common opponents (Haines City and Davenport), with both teams splitting those two games.
Ambassadors Academy at Poinciana: Poinciana (0-8) will be looking for its first win when it hosts Winter Haven Christian school that is 1-7 Friday. The Eagles rough season continued last week with a 33-8 loss to Parrish Community (4-4). Jahmari Corbett accounted for the Eagles lone touchdown in the game with a scoring pass to DeShawn Wimberly.
