Hornets, Kowboys have productive running games

By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Osceola has a few good running backs this season, but Friday’s opponent, Bishop Moore, has one it likes as well.

The Hornets’ Tyler Floyd ran for 125 yards and three touchdowns in the Hornets 34-10 win over First Academy last week.

The Kowboys defense, which yielded just one touchdown during Osceola’s 16-6 win against Ocoee, should  have its hands full against Bishop Moore, 1-0, but the Hornets will have problems containing an effective OHS ground game, as well.

Running back Stafon McCray rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Ocoee and Osceola’s powerful offensive line seems capable of opening gaps against just about any defense.

“We played well at times, but we screwed ourselves up with penalties and turnovers again,” Osceola Coach Doug Nichols said.

The Kowboys, 1-0, turned it over twice in the first half and saw one promising drive snuffed out because of two penalties on one play totaling 25 yards. One of the penalties was a 15-yard dead ball foul.

But, Osceola’s Peter Bailey blocked an Ocoee punt into the end zone late in the first half that was recovered by punter Quenton Webb to give OHS a 2-0 halftime lead.

Bailey said the punt block came on a play called, “Apache.”

“We put it in for this game. Everybody goes up the middle. You just pick a gap and go for it,” Bailey said.

Things improved offensively for Osceola after Devantae Small’s 45-yard kickoff return to the 50 ignited OHS to start the second half.

Eight plays later, McCray bolted up the middle for 10 yards and the touchdown. Cristano Nogureras added the PAT to make it 9-0 with 9:10 left in the third quarter.

McCray capped a 79-yard scoring drive with a 16-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, making it 16-0.

Although Osceola’s scoring plays – quick bursts up the middle – looked similar, McCray said they weren’t.

“I look to see how the defensive line is slanting, and I cut the other way,” McCray said.

OHS offensive lineman Adam Stickel, a formidable 6-4, 320-pound senior, said his job is the same no matter who the opponent is or what running play is called.

“You just have to go out there and blow it up,” he said.

Ocoee struck with 4:46 to play when Gerald Cosby, who rushed for 80 yards, scored on a10-yard run up the middle. The try for two points failed.

The Kowboys defense held Ocoee to 135 total yards. OHS had 245 yards, all on the ground.

Linebacker Akim Francis led OHS with six tackles. Darvin Daniels recovered a fumble and R.J. Butler had a sack.

Penalties hurt both teams. Ocoee was penalized nine times for 90 yards. Two of those penalties gave OHS first downs on its touchdown drives. OHS also was flagged nine times for 90 yards.

Bishop Moore, 1-0, brings a balanced attack to Kowboys field Friday at 7:30 p.m. Quarterback Danny May threw for 125 yards and a touchdown against First Academy, and Floyd, who missed last season with an injury, is a big-time threat, said OHS defensive coordinator Scott Spencer.

“He’s a very good running back. Quick, fast and runs hard, no signs of being injured,” Spencer said.

Friday’s game does not count in the district race. Next week, Osceola ventures to Palm Bay before returning for homecoming Sept. 23.