Lincoln, Osceola clash in Kissimmee
Advertisement
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OSCEOLA - RB Stafon McCray, DB Hassan Childs
THE OUTLOOK:
The Kowboys don't try to trick you on offense, as they average 314.2 yards rushing and just 42.5 passing, but no one has been able to solve three-star RB Stafon McCray and company, yet.
Osceola has survived a couple of scares along the way to an undefeated record, knocking off Ridge Community 29-28 and Newsome 21-18.
McCray is the driving force, but Davante Small and Hassan Childs is the secret weapons. Small rushed for 129 yards, including a 69-yard game-clinching touchdown. Childs is a two-way player has break-away speed that can burn the secondary of the opposition. Osceola QB Daequan Harrison manages the game very well and does not make mistakes.
Lincoln opened the season with a win over a very good St. Paul's (La.) team - winning with defense.
The Trojans have been defensive all season long, led by Florida commit James Hearns - Lincoln has forced 18 turnovers and capitalized on them.
The Trojans have QB Cameron Joseph running the ship - and he does it efficiently. Joseph has thrown for over 1700 yards and 15 touchdowns. He likes to target Taj Williams (31 catches, 591 yards, 9 TD) and Myles Gaines (39 catches, 565 yards, 2 TD).
Running the ball for the Trojans is Ben Robinson (1,182, 18 TD). Robinson has been the work-horse when Lincoln needs the tough yards.
In its one loss to Godby - Lincoln self-destructed with costly turnovers in the red zone.
Do that against an opportunistic Kowboy defense (which has also forced 18 turnovers) and you'll find yourself playing catch-up all night long.
ANALYSIS Lincoln was expected to make a serious run, and Osceola has always been a force to reckon with. The Kowboys have quietly gone 13-0 with defense and discipline.
Eight times this year, Osceola has held its opponent to a touchdown or less - including a 16-2 win over Lakeland. So call the Kowboys anything but Cinderella - because they've earned it.
This game will come down to a turnover - late and a late score. Lincoln has proven they can do both - scoring with less than a minute to go last week to upend Oviedo.
PREDICTION: Lincoln
* * Discuss your thoughts of the games on our Football Central message forum.