FHSAA Class 6A Regional Semifinal
South Lake 19, Osceola 13
Location: Eagle Stadium, Groveland
South Lake High School Eagle Football made school history Friday night, earning the program’s first-ever regional semifinal win with a thrilling 19–13 victory over last year’s state runner-up, the Osceola Kowboys. A packed Eagle Stadium erupted as the final seconds ticked off, celebrating a milestone moment under head coach Brad Lord, who has guided the team to an unforgettable season.
Quarterback Tre Kelly delivered the game’s decisive moment, firing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Pina with 4:26 left to play. From there, the South Lake defense refused to give an inch, shutting down Osceola’s final attempts to tie or reclaim the lead.
The victory propels the Eagles (11–1) into their first regional final in school history, where they will travel to face undefeated Armwood (12–0)—a dominant 49–0 winner over Viera.
“A great win against a great team,” said head coach Brad Lord of Osceola (7–5). “We knew what we were up against, and we knew it would come down to the wire. So proud of both our offense and defense tonight.”
Kelly was exceptional throughout the night, especially on the final scoring drive. He led the Eagles 87 yards on 20 plays, accounting for three touchdowns in the game and repeatedly extending plays with his scrambling ability.
Osceola threatened late, driving inside the Eagle 30-yard line. But on a crucial 4th-and-4 from the South Lake 25, running back Jeff Sinophat was met and stopped a yard short by defensive standout Tyson Williams, sealing the victory.
Although tied 13–13 at halftime, Osceola controlled much of the second half and drove deep into Eagles territory on all four possessions. South Lake’s defense stood tall each time. The Kowboys appeared to take the lead at one point, but a 34-yard touchdown run by Allijah Jenkins was erased by a holding penalty. Another promising drive ended with a momentum-shifting interception in the end zone by sophomore Ahvioume Scott.
The teams exchanged touchdowns in the first half, each missing an extra point to send the game into the break locked at 13–13. After a scoreless third quarter, the Eagles delivered the only touchdown of the fourth.
“Every week high school football is different,” Lord added. “Last week our special teams won the game for us. This week our kicking game almost cost us a victory. Our offense and defense picked up the special teams’ miscues. Our student-athletes at South Lake High School are resilient!”
