It’s a non-district game between two teams that compete in different classes, but Friday night’s matchup of Osceola (1-1) at Lake Mary (1-0) could have major playoff implications for both teams in November.
Strength of schedule plays a huge role in selecting at-large playoff teams, so this game could be vital for both teams if either fails to win their respective districts.
The Kowboys, who got back on track with a decisive 34-7 win over Poinciana, will take a definite step up in opposition this week against the defending Class 7A state champion Rams.
Lake Mary went 7-3 last year—including a 17-12 win over Osceola at Markus Paul Stadium—before catching fire in the playoffs and rolling to four straight post-season wins leading up to their 2827 upset of Vero Beach in the championship game.
The Rams opened the season with a 24-23 win over Oviedo as Lucas Parker booted a 50-yard field goal in the final minute for the win.
“Both teams lost a lot of talented players to graduation a year ago,” Kowboys Coach Eric Pinellas said. “But we know that Lake Mary is always going to be a tough, physical, and well-coached team. It’s going to be a big challenge for us.”
Harmony (1-1) and Poinciana (1-1) will be looking for their second wins when they meet Friday night at “The Ranch.” Both teams admit to being in somewhat of a rebuilding mode and both see this game as an important step forward.
Poinciana struggled to move the ball in a 34-7 loss to Osceola, while Harmony had four turnovers in a 27-7 loss to Victory Christian (Lakeland), despite Kane Dow’s pick-six.
Coach Tyler Anderson says the keys to this week’s game will be to avoid turnovers.
“Victory recovered two fumbles and recorded two pick-sixes against us. You’re not going to win many games when that happens,” Anderson said. “Poinciana has some really talented players, especially on offense. We need limit their explosive plays and create some turnovers of our own.”
After playing its first game in school history outside the borders of the state (a 42-7 loss to Marietta, Ga.), St. Cloud (1-1) returns home to face South Sumter (2-0)—a Class 3A playoff team from a year ago.
“They play an attacking defense and a ball control offense,” Bulldogs Coach Mike Short said. “It will be an absolute challenge for us, but I know our kids will work hard this week and be ready to compete.”
Short said the Marietta game was a tough one for St. Cloud.
“The stadium-like atmosphere was as incredible as expected and Coach (Cameron) Duke has a really talented team.” Short said. He did site the defensive play of JT Wrona (12 tackles) and Colton Sklarek (nine tackles) and Jaden Taylor (six tackles, two pass breakups); while a touchdown pass from Jeremiah Lattier to Matthew Blenman accounted for the St. Cloud score.
Nova Lakes coach Anthony Rivers said his team’s 25-0 win over Liberty “Felt a little like Christmas.”
“The truth is that with a new program, no seniors and so many kids who have never played football before, you sort of feel like an underdog in every game and last week was no exception” he said. “We got off to a fast start, took advantage of some mistakes and were able to win the game. It was a great morale booster.”
The Rattlers (1-1) will travel to Lake Buena Vista (0-2), who has been outscored 127-6 in its two games, this week.
Gateway (1-0) will look to remain undefeated when it travels to Colonial (1-1). Marlin Roberts’ team gutted out a 1312 win over Lake Minneola last week. Roberts hopes his young team, behind its defense and the running of Tyrell Thigpen, can come up with another strong performance.
“(Colonial) may not quite be as talented as Lake Minneola but they will have some factors in their favor. They are coming off a win, they are playing at home and we have a young team that will be facing adversity on the road for the first time.”
In other action involving county teams, Celebration (0-2) will travel to Space Coast (2-1); while Liberty (0-2) plays at Discovery (0-2).
