CLASS 8A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Seminole stays undefeated to win title over Osceola

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In mostly bland championship games thus far, Class 8A’s matchup looked to bring the heat. Osceola (9-3) had some first-half momentum, but Seminole (12-0) capped off an undefeated season with a state title, 38-10.

Seminole dedicates its season to Zi’Erric Wynn, a Fighting Seminoles running back who tragically passed away in a car accident just before the start of the season.

Game Recap

Seminole was first on the board with a field goal. CB Johnny Harris quickly followed up with a pick-six.

Pick 6 by CB Johnny Harris for the Seminole score pic.twitter.com/F0oHxuwQdU

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 19, 2020

Osceola kicked a field goal in an effort not to let Seminole get too far ahead. Then, USF quarterback signee Timmy McClain extended the Fighting Seminoles’ lead with a keeper to the house.

#USF signee Timmy McClain on the keeper for the Seminole score! pic.twitter.com/tDi2ttXH8b

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 19, 2020

But the Kowboys struck back on the next drive. This time, a Chad Mascoe pass to Izaiah Jean-Baptiste passed the goal line for a touchdown.

Osceola Kowboys strike back!! Izaiah Jean-Baptiste hauls it in for the score pic.twitter.com/GgXaRvoG72

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 19, 2020

McClain rounded the half out with a touchdown pass to Jerry Horn, Jr. Like McClain, Horn, Jr. will also attend USF next season. So, here’s a glimpse into what the future might look like, Bulls fans!

McClain to Horn for Seminole! USF Bull to USF Bull

Score right in your face! pic.twitter.com/LovSLmZjb5

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Osceola recovered a fumble, and things looked good for the Kowboys.

Osceola fumble recovery pic.twitter.com/5ib59JR02O

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 19, 2020

However, Seminole’s defense shut them down and responded with a Donta Whack TD.

Donta Whack channels his inner Dalvin Cook and breaks free for the Seminoles pic.twitter.com/bqPrw01PWC

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 19, 2020

A fifth and final Fighting Seminoles score finished the day, and the black and orange won the title. This is their second title in school history and first since 2008. By the looks of it, they were pretty proud.

Seminole is out of control excited about its second state championship in school history! Class 8A winners pic.twitter.com/QQSBhvSnrO

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 19, 2020

Quotes

Seminole Head Coach Eric Lodge

• “Physically, we match up with anybody. Anytime somebody has success, we make a mistake, we blow an assignment, but really it’s ‘Hey, lock in, do what you’re supposed to do. You’re going to be in a position to make plays, and you’re going to make them.”
• “[Osceola] is obviously a really good team. I mean, they beat Miami Palmetto to get here, which is probably the most talented team in the state. So, they deserve to be here. They’re coached up really well. Any time you can beat a team of that caliber, you’re really good.”

On Zi’Erric Wynn:

• “Losing Zi’erric Wynn for the first game of the season… there were so many ups and downs for us throughout the year. These kids persevered and overcame. I’m really proud of them, and I love them.”
• “3 was [Wynn’s] number that he was slotted to wear… These guys grow up together their whole lives. They’ve played football together since they were five years old. When we say family we really mean it… To lose him, we lost a family member. These guys, they bonded together and they were able to go out and do it for him.”

Players of the Game

Fighting Seminoles QB McClain went 9-of-15 for 169 yards and a touchdown. RB Whack rushed for 72 yards on six carries and two touchdowns: one through the air and one on the ground. Receiver Jimmy Horn caught six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. CB Harris had the pick-six, and RB Andrew McClain rounds out the scoring summary.

Kowboys QB Mascoe went 16-of-22 for 214 yards and a touchdown. Mascoe put together a nice day despite two interceptions. Receivers Izaiah Jean-Baptiste caught 5 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown, and Christian Combs caught three passes for  61 yards. Additionally, RB Ja’Randy Swint rushed for 62 yards on 14 carries.

College Roundup

For Seminole, QB McClain and WR Horn Jr. are USF signees. A group of other Fighting Seminoles seniors have offers and could sign in February.

For Osceola, OG Delfin (Xavier) Castillo is a Vanderbilt signee. A group of other Kowboys seniors have offers and could sign in February.