The Kowboys have won three straight against the Lions

By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor
Osceola has had Oviedo’s number over the past three seasons, winning each game including last year’s 5A-1 regional quarterfinal, 34-14.
Osceola can make it four in a row when the teams square off again Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Lions’ John Courier Field for another regional showdown.
The Kowboys, 5-5, are the 5A-4 district runners-up, while the 8-2 Lions won 5A-3 in a three-team playoff with Hagerty and Winter Springs Nov. 8.
Hagerty travels to 5A-4 champ Lakeland, 10-0, Friday. The winners meet in the semifinal round Nov. 26.
The Kowboys have been idle since Nov. 12, a loss at No. 2-ranked Class 2A Madison County.
Coach Doug Nichols said even though the Kowboys enter on a three-game losing streak, he believes that his team will play well at Oviedo Friday.
“I think so. We’ve had a good week of practices and the kids are ready to go,” Nichols said. “Oviedo’s a good team. I think they’re like us, they’re happy to be there.”
One thing is for sure: the Lions can’t be more of a challenge than the three most recent foes on Osceola’s schedule: Madison County, No. 4 Class 6A Winter Park and Lakeland. The Kowboys also faced playoff-bound No. 2 Class 6A Dr. Phillips and Daytona Beach Mainland during the regular season.
“That’s what we’ve talked about to the kids all year. Playing that kind of competition is only going to benefit our kids at this time of year, and also for next season,” Nichols said. “It’s a testament to our kids that they’ve been able to play through that type of schedule and be in good shape at this point of the season. We’ll go anywhere and play anyone and be happy to be there.”
Oviedo lost 17-10 to Lake Brantley, runner-up in 6A-3,  and 30-27 to Hagerty during the regular season.
Oviedo Coach Wes Allen said he sees little difference in this year’s version of the Kowboys as compared to the others that beat his team.
“I can tell you that Osceola has a great football tradition and they are known for a fast and physical football team. This year’s team seems to be the same,” Allen said. “They are very well coached, look very physical and are very fast, especially on the edges.”
Allen is concerned about containing Osceola’s array of running backs that includes senior Frank Thomas (131-835, 7 TDs), junior Reggie Hall (98-633, 6 TDs) and junior quarterback Kieron Williams (35-306, 3 TDs), all with home run speed.
The Lions lost quarterback Blake Bortles, now a freshman at UCF, to graduation and standout running back Steward Butler transferred back to Lakeland for his senior year.
But, the Lions have offensive punch in running back Qamar Lewis, who rushed for 172 yards and the tying and winning TDs in a 34-27 win over Lyman last week.
Quarterbacks Sean Long and John Boston each ran for a score last week.
The Kowboys are making their  fourth consecutive playoff appearance, and they have won at least one playoff game in each of those seasons.
Allen said the way to beat Osceola is to maintain ball control and avoid mistakes.
“Our defense will have to try and stop the rushing attack from Osceola and contain their speedsters,” he said. “Our kicking game will have to give us good field position and we cannot afford a mistake in that area as well.”