St. Cloud’s Michael Cuyler ran for a game-high 79 yards and a touchdown in St. Cloud’s 41-34 double-overtime win over South Sumter. (Photo/Taylor McFee)
One week after posting one of their biggest regular-season wins in recent memory—a 17-9 dismantling of defending 6A state champion Lake Mary— the Osceola Kowboys (2-1) will face another monster opponent Friday night when they welcome Lakeland (1-1) to Markus Paul Stadium at 7 p.m.
One of the state’s great programs, Lakeland is tied with Miami Central for the most state championships won by a public school (9). They lost in the state championship game last season and are 61-9 since 2021.
Adding to the importance of the game is that it is the District 5A-6 opener for both clubs, with the winner most likely becoming the favorite to win the district championship.
Although being reclassified in the same district for the first time in a number of years, the teams are no stranger to each other on the field. In 2022, Lakeland rallied to beat Osceola, 14-7, in a state semifinal game. They’ve met numerous in the regular season and playoffs in the last two decades.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge for us,” Osceola coach Eric Pinellas says. “When you play Lakeland, you know three things—they are going to be athletically gifted, well-coached and extremely physical.”
As Osceola continues to sort out its offensive line, it will be imperative that its defense keeps Lakeland in check. Defensive coordinator Brad Lennox’s side of the ball has been sensational this year—holding all three opponents to around 100 yards in total offense while recording 16 quarterback sacks, six turnovers, 32 tackles-for-loss and 14 pass defenses; while allowing just over 11 points per game.
Syracuse commit Jason Lewis has anchored that defense. The senior was unstoppable against the Rams last week, recording two quarterback sacks, four hurries, a key fourth-quarter fumble recovery and four tackles-for-loss.
Osceola’s defense will have to contend with the dynamic connection of quarterback Kelin Cooper to wide receiver Ahnari Cooper.
“Our defense has held us together as our offense has started to come around,” Pinellas said. “We got Will Niell back on the O-Line last week and they played better last week. I don’t see this as being a high-scoring game, but we will need to be able to finish some drives.”
After four years of independent status, Gateway (2-0) opens District 6A-5 play with a game at Harmony (1-2). Behind Nydrell Thigpen’s 192 rushing yards and four touchdowns, the Panthers got by Colonial last week (35-6); while the Longhorns allowed three late fourth quarter touchdowns in a 19-0 loss to Poinciana, who looks to improve to 3-1 when they open 6A-9 play against Ridge (0-2).
Poinciana Coach Taron Mallard says his Eagles team has a chance to be “special” this season.
“Other than a six-minute stretch against Osceola in the second quarter, we’ve played really good football this season and I know we have the potential to keep improving,” Mallard said.
The remainder of the county will compete in non-district games.
Fresh off a 41-34 double overtime win over 2025 playoff team South Sumter, St. Cloud (2-1) will host Lake Minneola (12). Although the Hawks lost to the Bulldogs (55-6) last year, Lake Minneola is a much-improved team this year behind the play of quarterback Gianni Barzotti (50% passing, 5 TDs, 1 INT), wide receiver Erik Moore (9-300-4 TD) and running back Jamar Collins (128.6 yards per game).
Still, St. Cloud has the firepower on both offense and defense to prevail.
Against South Sumter the Bulldogs running game came alive with almost 200 yards and three touchdowns. Its defense, led by end Jude Crockcoft (2 sacks, 2 hurries, 3 TFL) came up with five sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss in the game.
Tohopekaliga (2-1) will play the last of four straight road games to open the season when the Tigers travel to Celebration ( 0- 3).
Thursday, Nova Lakes (21), off its second win in a row will host Freedom (1-1); while Liberty (0-2) will play at home against University (1-1).
Last week, Tohopekaliga got two touchdown passes from Gabe Valez and five sacks from AJ Jackson in a 21-6 win over Sebastian River. Celebration’s young team lost to Space Coast, 48-0.
Nova Lakes posted a 2514 win over Lake Buena Vista as running backs Angelo Daddona and Jaden Dionisi scored two touchdowns each.
In a bizarre finish—or at least a pause—a third-quarter lightning delay put a stop between Liberty and Discovery last week. Discovery, the home team located in Polk County, does not have an on-campus field and an ordinance at the city-owned facility where they play prohibits lights after 10 p.m.—forcing suspension of the game. As it was a District 3A-7 game, the contest will be completed at a site yet to be determined on Sept. 14.
