In what appears to be a case of the rich getting richer, Oniel Senatus – the Celebration Storm’s record- setting running back – appears to be headed towards a transfer to Osceola High School.
Celebration’s all-time leading rusher with 2,675 yards in just two full seasons, Senatus posted a monster year in 2021. He set school records for rushing yards (1816), total yards (2417), rushing touchdowns (23), total touchdowns (27), and points (162). He rushed for more than 200 yards four times, including a career-high 314 yards and seven touchdowns on just 10 carries in a game against Lake Region. He also tallied 271 yards against Gateway and had a 255-yard rushing effort against Poinciana.
Senatus rarely left the field for the Storm, playing on special teams and starting at defensive back where he tallied 51 total tackles with a quarterback sack and six pass breakups. Those numbers earned Senatus the Osceola News Gazette’s Two-Way Player of the Year.
Behind Senatus, the Storm recorded its best record in school history – winning seven games including a bowl game. It was just Celebration’s second winning season in the school’s 19-year history.
In a Covid-shortened junior season, Senatus averaged almost five yards a carry in seven games – positing a 200-yard game against Cypress Creek (21-206).
“Losing a player like caliber of Oniel is obviously a tremendous blow for our program,” first-year Celebration coach Jeremy Palmer said. “He came to us this summer and said he wanted to transfer because of a family decision. He’s a tremendous young man and we wish him well.”
Osceola coach Eric Pinellas said he could only confirm that Senatus approached him with his signed transfer paperwork.
“Oniel came to us and said he wanted to transfer. I told him he could not work out with us or do anything until he is fully enrolled and it is my understanding he is gathering the other paper work he needs to make that happen.”
The Kowboys backfield lost seniors Ja’Randy Swint (780 rushing yards – nine TDs) and C.J. Walls (11.6 yards per carry) and had speedster slot receiver Isaiah Jean-Baptiste (68 rushing, 319 receiving yards) transfer; but they return sophomore Taevion Swint, who led the Kowboys in rushing touchdowns (12) with 612 yards as a freshman.
“Obviously he is a talented football player,” Pinellas said. “He could be used at running back, in the slot and even at safety. If he does enroll, he’ll be like any other player on the team. He will compete for playing time and touches.”
Long a state power, Osceola is coming off a 9-3 mark where they advanced to the regional semifinals before dropping a 16-7 decision to West Orange.
Practice for football and other fall sports begins Monday, Aug. 2.
