Bright House Sports Network’s preseason countdown of the Top 20 football teams in Central Florida continues today with No. 7.
No. 7 Osceola Kowboys
Head Coach: Doug Nichols
2013 Record: 11-3 (lost to Niceville 31-30 in 7A state semifinals)
Key Returners: RB LaDarrien Wilson, LB Riley Nicholson, LB Shayvai Gordon, OL Parker Braun, S Treyvon Simmons, DL T.J. Kelly
Key Losses: QB Daequan Harrison, LB Mikiece Adams, RB Dwight Fagan, TE Santiago Hoffman,
Kickoff Classic: vs. Oviedo, 7:30 (Aug. 22)
Team Outlook: Osceola allowed a field goal with seven seconds remaining in a gut-wrenching state semifinal loss to Niceville. Harrison was 24-4 as a starter and his leadership will be difficult to replace. Wilson eclipsed 1,000 yards as a sophomore fullback, but is one of only three returning offensive starters. The Kowboys project to have one of the area’s best defenses and their strength is at linebacker with two sure tacklers, Nicholson and Gordon. They combined for 161 tackles last season. Osceola will be tested early in the season with a kickoff classic against Oviedo and early games at Lake Mary (Sep. 5) and versus Fort Pierce Central (Sep. 12).