The 2017 high school football season started off with a bang, as the Tampa Bay area's No. 7 Lake Gibson Braves fell 23-14 to Central Florida’s No. 6 Osceola Kowboys at Virgil Ramage Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
The Kowboys (1-0) only threw six passes in the entire game, but were extremely effective. After a high-snap recovery on a punt attempt by Lake Gibson, Braxton Jones (3-6, 53 yards, TD) threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Da’Nas Pinellas on the Kowboys first offensive play.
Osceola’s running attack was balanced and the wealth was spread throughout the unit. The Kowboys had seven diffent rushers carry the ball, led by standout Malcolm Davidson. Davidson, the Spectrum Sports Player of the Game, had 109 yards rushing on 10 carries.
All three Osceola touchdown drives started in Lake Gibson territory and covered 30, 45 and 47 yards.
The Braves (0-1) were led on the field by Auburndale transfer QB Travis Williams, who is replacing former star QB Kevaris Thomas, who transferred to Lakeland. Williams finished 11-16, for 106 yards and a touchdown. Williams was sacked six times, led by senior Elliot Bodre and junior Mario Kendricks, who finished with two sacks each.
Star running back Travell Jones was contained for 43 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
Up next for No. 6 Osceola, the Kowboys host St. Cloud Friday, September 1st. The Lake Gibson Braves will hit the road to face Kathleen the same night.
Click the video link for more postgame analysis.