Senior scores in three ways in 46-6 win over Winter Haven
Jakyri Watson knew Osceola (2-1) was short-handed due to injuries to two starters. He set the tone immediately as he returned the opening kickoff 95 yards with a spectacular running effort in the Kowboys 46-6 road victory over Winter Haven (2-1) on Friday night.
The win gears Osceola up for its annual rivalry game against St. Cloud next week in the 100th anniversary of the first playing of the fifth-longest rivalry in Florda.
“[Watson] is just versatile. He can play wide receiver or defensive back,” Osceola head coach Eric Pinellas said of his star who has committed to play at the University of South Florida next year. The coach added that if they had not gotten transfer quarterback Amaree Rutland that Watson would have been under center. “He likes to call himself ‘Travis Hunter’. He is our do it all guy.”
Watson (5 carries for 30 yards) who usually plays wide receiver started at running back for the first time ever due to injuries to starters Alijah Jenkins and Jeff Sinophat, who are expected back next week.
“We had to come out fast,” Watson said of playing with two starters. “I wanted to use my speed, and they couldn’t catch me.
“I trust our guys. I wasn’t trying to be a hero. I just wanted to do my part.”
But he wasn’t close to being finished. Later in the first quarter, he returned an interception by Winter Haven quarterback Michael Kerney 45 yards for another score. And he still wasn’t done. Towards the end of the quarter, he ran in from eight yards out for his third touchdown of the game.
“[Kerney] tried to look me off and a baited him,” Watson said of the interception. “And the rest is history.”
Jaxson Hardnett (5 carries for 49 yards) had scores from 23 yards and 4 yards, while Javontay Barnett (6 carries for 48 yards) scored from 1 and 33 yards to give the Kowboys a 46-6 halftime lead.
“This was my first game starting. We had two injured running backs and I had to step up my game,” Barnett said. “When they got hurt, coach told me I had to step up and play a big game.”
The defense caused numerous turnovers including two blocked punts by Jason Lewis, who is also a key member of the Kowboys defense. Nathaniel Barnett also recovered a fumble.
“Our special teams is important to us as that sets the tone of the game,” Lewis said who will be eating some pizza this week as defensive coordinator Brad Lennox promised the defense pizza if they block a punt or field goal. “We wanted to get black to change the momentum of the game. Being humble is what is going to carry this team to the next level, instead of being mediocre.”
Pinellas credited coach Lennox and his staff for being the best defense in the state.
“The defense was lights out,” Pinellas said. “Defense wins championships. Isn’t that what they always say.”
The Kowboys did not complete a pass on this banner night. The lone Winter Haven touchdown was after a fumble in the end zone.
