By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Osceola didn’t commit a turnover during its first three regional football playoff games, but, unfortunately, it more than made up for that by turning it over six times during a 24-17 Class 7A state semifinal loss to Tallahassee Lincoln Friday at Kowboys field.

The loss was the first for the Kowboys, 13-1, and denied them a fourth trip to the state championship game. Lincoln, 12-1, plays Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, an upset winner over No.1-nationally ranked Bradenton Manatee, for the state title next week at the Citrus Bowl.

The OHS defense was exceptional, repeatedly turning the Trojans away despite the turnovers. Through the first three periods, Lincoln recovered two fumbles, returned two interceptions and blocked a punt inside the Kowboys 40, and didn’t score a point off those turnovers. Three times Lincoln took over inside the OHS 20 and still got nothing.

“That was a testament to our defense. They played great,” Kowboys Coach Doug Nichols said.

While the Trojans didn’t take advantage of their first four turnovers and the blocked punt, they cashed in on their last two takeaways and that spelled the difference.

With the scored tied at 14 and 7:35 to play, the Trojans fell on a loose ball at the OHS 26 and moved to the Kowboys 11 before a holding penalty interrupted the drive. Brian Crews, who twice missed field goals in the third quarter, connected from 35 yards to put Lincoln on top for the first time, 17-14, with 5:13 to play.

After the teams exchanged punts, Lincoln defensive back Kendall Randolf picked off a deflected pass and returned it 25 yards for the clinching touchdown, 24-14, with just 2:33 to play.

OHS quarterback Daequan Harrison then led a desperation drive that carried to the Trojans’ 7 before Nichols called for Cristano Nogueras to kick a 25-yard field goal on second down with 15 seconds to play, making it a one score game, 24-17.

But, the onside kick failed, and Lincoln ran out the clock and began their postgame celebration. Lincoln won a state championship two years ago.

The Kowboys outgained the Trojans, 267-239, and senior running back Stafon McCray closed out his high school career with a 21-carry, 137-yard performance that included a 33-yard TD dash on the first play of the third quarter, putting the Kowboys ahead, 14-7. Hassan Childs’ 60-yard kickoff return set up the touchdown.

But Lincoln, as it did the first time OHS scored, countered immediately when Ben Robinson dashed 56 yards for a score on Lincoln’s first play of the second half to tie it at 14 with just 36 seconds gone.

Tay Small’s 5-yard run in the second quarter put OHS on top, 7-0, capping an 80-yard drive, but Lincoln came right back on a 65-yard, six-play drive capped by Robinson’s (25-115, 2 TDs) 1-yard run.

OHS kept the Trojans’ touted passing game in check, constantly pressuring quarterback Cameron Joseph (9-24-81) into hurried, off-target passes.

“I’ve never been so proud of a bunch,” OHS defensive coordinator Scott Spencer said. “They played a lot of football with their backs to the wall, and they didn’t flinch. They’re fighters. I’m so proud of the people I coached with this year, and so proud of these kids. I’ve never been so proud in my life.”

Nichols said the Kowboys simply did not do what they had to do to win: “It’s no secret. Run the ball, play defense, don’t make mistakes.”

OHS did two of those three. But, in addition to the six turnovers and the blocked punt, the Kowboys were flagged 11 times for 80 yards.

“It’s (the penalties) the same old problem we’ve been battling all year,” Nichols said. “That’s on me. These kids have nothing to be ashamed of. This is the first time this season they’ve had to feel that pain (of a loss), but we’ll get back to work in a couple of weeks and get out there in May (for spring practice) and we should be pretty good again.”