Ray Icaza

I will watch the CCC vs Chaminade game this evening and see what that looks like. If good, then my decision is to stay put. If poor, I may make Thursday evening through Saturday. I may try and catch the early Thursday game, too, but since I would be leaving that morning, not sure if I will make it in time. 

Darter, I did get the opportunity to watch the Madison County vs Hawthorne championship game on the NFHS network and the quality of the video, audio, sports reporters, etc.. was fantastic.  It is a different venue but my guess it will be high quality.  

Because I’m a nutcase I just purchased tickets to all 7 games.  For the last 15 plus years my group of high school football buddies have had at least one of us attend the state finals.  Individuals lived in Ft Myers,Tampa, Leesburg, Lakeland , Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Lake Mary and Apopka.  At the peak my group had 10 people.  Orlando were the glory years.  For a few years the FHSAA provided our group with passes to every game(those were the days).  

I like Osceola too. But it will be close. WB has only given up 14 points on the year as their season high. The offense is led by younger guys. All their impact players are underclassmen. WB might be better next year and that’s saying something. I just feel Osceola is gonna be the most physical team they played by far and they will grind out a win. 

I’ve been on the Kowboys Train since the Jones game.

awesome win. Hillsborough County loves the Kowboys!!

Ray, I believe Osceola wins this game. But they need to play it first. West Boca, like Lake Mary, is making its very first appearance in the finals. But they are technically undefeated and there's a reason for it. Their only loss on the field was to Western, a team that Columbus barely beat. 

Agree……Should b all solid games. Good to see some new blood in the finals. 

We have had our share of missed calls throughout the year, but so have other teams therefore I haven't had reason to be critical of the officiating this year.  Don't know the exact numbers, but yardage wise for penalties it was probably around 150 to 50.  More importantly, they called back 2 touchdowns and numerous other successful plays against our offense in critical moments to force a punt.  Meanwhile, when we did manage a 3rd down stop against them, we would get a PI (half a dozen this game) or a roughing the passer or something else helping them keep the ball and the drive alive.  They threw the ball the entire game (48 attempts), which was their strategy since they knew the run would not work, good for about 380 yards.  But you pick your poison and despite 5 TD passes he had 4 INT's along with 4 or 5 sacks.  Everyone knows holding can be called almost on any play, yet they never called it once against them the entire game with that many passing attempts with our side clearly seeing it being done.  I can sight other individual examples, but it is probably pointless and I am not suggesting the refs cheated, only that the calls seemed to be pretty one sided.  The result of this is the coaches had to keep the kids head in the game as when they continually feel the calls are against them it is demoralizing, but they did manage to fight thru it.  GO KOWBOYS!!

Credit to Bobcats for not quitting and continuing to battle.  More credit to the group of refs that helped them in that effort.  Enough said as the important thing was to survive and advance again on the road.  Another Monday.  GO KOWBOYS!!

No, it should not be given they are in Miami unless a powerful front comes through.
I think Osceola has the best chance of lifting a title of the three Orlando area teams, but I actually think all thee have realistic chances of winning. 

Hope your relocation goes well and its been a pleasure making your acquaintance.  Every team that has had to battle physically during the last 2 weeks to get here is probably a bit banged up.  We are no different but will enter the final pretty much intact.  At least it won't be as cold as it was last night.

Ray, I believe a number of people discounted Osceola this year because of the disappointing year you had in 2023. Those not close to the program don't understand how bad the injury bug hit you last year. This year has been a more normal one for Osceola injury wise and your team is demonstrating what it can and could have done. 
Good luck new week. Due to my departure plans, I won't make the state finals this year. However, I will endeavor to watch most of the games via streaming.
BTW, I took the liberty of sharing your contact information with Mark. I hope you don't mind. 

Pretty chewed up as others have pointed out.  Don't think it affected either team as they are used to it and we were able to run the ball effectively despite it.   Enjoyed meeting you during the OHS vs Jones game and maybe we will run into each other in Miami.  Funny thing is our 2 losses that possibly could have gone the other way are to the 7A finalist Lake Mary and 4A finalist Jones.  That sealed our fate as being a true contender for the 6A crown, but somehow we are managing to prove those naysayers wrong.  These last two victories to propel us there were against teams ranked higher than us as well as being on the road.  One last obstacle to overcome. 

It’s good to see jambun back defending the honor of officiating.

Credit to Bobcats for not quitting and continuing to battle.  More credit to the group of refs that helped them in that effort.  Enough said as the important thing was to survive and advance again on the road.  Another Monday.  GO KOWBOYS!!

Credit to Bobcats for not quitting and continuing to battle.  More credit to the group of refs that helped them in that effort.  Enough said as the important thing was to survive and advance again on the road.  Another Monday.  GO KOWBOYS!!

Anxious to get home to see how well they throw the ball as BUCHHOLZ ran it a total of 4/5 times but only twice out of a wildcat that was a designed run.   They passed virtually on every down and got lots of help with at least a half dozen PI’s to keep drive’s alive.

To make matters worse, there are three Metro Orlando area teams in the finals. How do I keep my objectivity?

Congrats Kowboys!  Good luck next week against West Boca.

Great win Ray. Congratulations! Maybe I’ll meet ya at the stadium next week! 

Credit to Bobcats for not quitting and continuing to battle.  More credit to the group of refs that helped them in that effort.  Enough said as the important thing was to survive and advance again on the road.  Another Monday.  GO KOWBOYS!!

We have a bit of history playing both these programs during the playoffs about a decade ago.  In both 2013 and 2014 we had to get thru Lakeland to reach the semi-finals both those years vs Niceville.  In Niceville we dropped a heartbreaker 31-30 after tying the game at 31 but due to a Niceville offsides penalty we had to re-kick and missed the extra point for the loss sending them to the finals (still believe we need a rule change where that penalty can be declined).  We did get payback when Niceville had to come to our place the following year with us advancing to the finals.   Good luck to two prideful, tradition rich programs in the semi's. 

We have a bit of history playing both these programs during the playoffs about a decade ago.  In both 2013 and 2014 we had to get thru Lakeland to reach the semi-finals both those years vs Niceville.  In Niceville we dropped a heartbreaker 31-30 after tying the game at 31 but due to a Niceville offsides penalty we had to re-kick and missed the extra point for the loss sending them to the finals (still believe we need a rule change where that penalty can be declined).  We did get payback when Niceville had to come to our place the following year with us advancing to the finals.   Good luck to two prideful, tradition rich programs in the semi's. 

We have a bit of history playing both these programs during the playoffs about a decade ago.  In both 2013 and 2014 we had to get thru Lakeland to reach the semi-finals both those years vs Niceville.  In Niceville we dropped a heartbreaker 31-30 after tying the game at 31 but due to a Niceville offsides penalty we had to re-kick and missed the extra point for the loss sending them to the finals (still believe we need a rule change where that penalty can be declined).  We did get payback when Niceville had to come to our place the following year with us advancing to the finals.   Good luck to two prideful, tradition rich programs in the semi's.