Sports

LIBERTY CHARGERS

LIBERTY CHARGERS

Chargers to try independent schedule without Pennington

J. Daniel Pearson
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Spring drills came to an end last week for the Liberty Chargers, who posted a 10-7 win against Lake Region. But the team will have a new look on the sidelines in the fall after head coach Brandon Pennington announced he has accepted the defensive coordinator role at St. Cloud.
Derrick Leblanc, who earned Osceola News Gazette’s Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore, returns to anchor the Kowboys’ defensive line. Leblanc has already received scholarship offers from practically every Division 1 football power. (Photo by J. Daniel Pearson)

Derrick Leblanc, who earned Osceola News Gazette’s Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore, returns to anchor the Kowboys’ defensive line. Leblanc has already received scholarship offers from practically every Division 1 football power. (Photo by J. Daniel Pearson)

Without Nichols, Kowboys still poised for great season

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Barely a week into spring drills, Osceola’s Doug Nichols sent shockwaves through central Florida’s high school football community when he announced his sudden retirement as head coach.
Garrett King (5) was one of 22 full or part-time senior starters off St. Cloud’s 2020 team that went 7-3. The Bulldogs face a complete rebuild in 2021. NEWS-GAZETTE PHOTO/J DANIEL PEARSON

Garrett King (5) was one of 22 full or part-time senior starters off St. Cloud’s 2020 team that went 7-3. The Bulldogs face a complete rebuild in 2021. NEWS-GAZETTE PHOTO/J DANIEL PEARSON

St. Cloud Bulldogs in full rebuild mode

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
It wasn’t so much the unusually high number of seniors St. Cloud’s football team had last season, but almost all of them were starters or major contributors for Bryan Smart’s 7-3 team.
Edward Dyer moves from wide receiver to quarterback and will lead the Gateway Panthers on offense in 2021. PHOTO/J.DANIEL PEARSON

Edward Dyer moves from wide receiver to quarterback and will lead the Gateway Panthers on offense in 2021. PHOTO/J.DANIEL PEARSON

Rebuilding challenges continue for Gateway football

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Gateway football coach Marlin Roberts sighs as he observes his players going through various drills under the watchful eyes of his assistants. “We only have about 40 kids out right now. I’m hoping we pick up a few more before school starts next fall,” Roberts said.
Osceola Head Coach Scott Birchler (center) congratulates starting catcher Edwin Melendez (15) following the Kowboys’ 5-1 win over Lake Nona on Wednesday night.

Osceola Head Coach Scott Birchler (center) congratulates starting catcher Edwin Melendez (15) following the Kowboys’ 5-1 win over Lake Nona on Wednesday night.

Osceola rolls into regional final, downs Lake Nona, 5-1

J. Daniel Pearson - For the News-Gazette
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Manny Lopez and Shawn Lara combined on a three-hitter as the Osceola Kowboys climbed to within one win of a “Final Four” appearance with a 5-1 road win over Lake Nona in a FHSAA Class 7A, Region 2 semifinal on Wednesday night.
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