OSCEOLA-ST. CLOUD — A historic matchup 100 games in the making

  • Hundreds of alumni were part of the gathering.
    Hundreds of alumni were part of the gathering.
  • Former OHS coaches Doug Nichols (left) and Jim Scible, who led the Kowboys to their 1998 state title, participate in the pre-game ceremonies.
    Former OHS coaches Doug Nichols (left) and Jim Scible, who led the Kowboys to their 1998 state title, participate in the pre-game ceremonies.
  • Osceola Kowboys, through the years.
    Osceola Kowboys, through the years.
  • Former St. Cloud Bulldogs were on hand for Friday's ceremonies.
    Former St. Cloud Bulldogs were on hand for Friday's ceremonies.
  • Bulldogs older, younger — and much younger — were part of Friday's ceremony.
    Bulldogs older, younger — and much younger — were part of Friday's ceremony.
  • The Kowboys take the field.
    The Kowboys take the field.
  • The St. Cloud Bullogs take the field.
    The St. Cloud Bullogs take the field.
  • The two school’s marching bands formed one sound in playing the National Anthem before Friday's 100th Osceola-St. Cloud game.
    The two school’s marching bands formed one sound in playing the National Anthem before Friday's 100th Osceola-St. Cloud game.
  • At 7:30, it was time to line up, kick off and play on.
    At 7:30, it was time to line up, kick off and play on.
  • Former Osceola running back Willie Green (1996-99), who was 2nd in Florida all-time in rushing yards and 1st in touchdowns when he graduated, with Coach Jim Scible.
    Former Osceola running back Willie Green (1996-99), who was 2nd in Florida all-time in rushing yards and 1st in touchdowns when he graduated, with Coach Jim Scible.

    Communities came together Friday night in Kissimmee to celebrate one of the longest, storied traditions in Central Florida — the annual Osceola-St. Cloud high school football game, played for the 100th time last week.

    It’s the fifth-longest running series in the state of Florida — the oldest one is only four years older. Like they’ve done since 1925 — twice in 1927 and 1931, and except for 1942 due to World War II — the Bulldogs and Kowboys met on the field. But, this year they were joined by hundreds of former players, coaches, cheerleaders and other dignitaries to honor the past and revel in the present.

    The two school’s marching bands formed one sound in playing the National Anthem, but once the field cleared, the whistle blew and the ball was kicked off, Osceola took control and won, 49-3, for the 68th time in series history — on a historic night.

    Photos by Katie Whitt Williams (OHS c/o 2000)