Go to an Osceola home game, especially a big game, and you will see why kids want to play there.  It’s one of those places you wish your program was if it isn’t already.  Great atmosphere, pageantry, sense of community.  You will be impressed.  

Well we certainly don't have perks to offer top area players to transfer into our program, but we do have lots of Tradition, competition and solid coaching that prepares players for the next level.   That consistency, continuity, discipline, hard work, etc.. also isn't for everyone as we see some come and not last in our program.  At the present time, we don't seem to be as well positioned as we were last year at this time for success into the playoff rounds but time will tell.  As I have clearly pointed out in previous years we do lose as many or more than what we gain on average and outsiders claiming we steal all the surrounding talent are clueless.   Our wrestling program has been extremely successful over the years but currently going thru a coaching change so will see how that affects that program.   I think to be considered a Title 1 school 40%+ of the student body must qualify for the lunch program;  I would guess we are probably closer to 60% but don't quote me on that. 

I frequently have to go to wresting tournaments at Osceola HS.  In fact, I was just there the past four days for Summer Slam.  That neighborhood looks pretty low income.  I can imagine it wouldn't take much $$$ to get some of those kids to transfer out.  That area is also a talent hotbed so I bet the struggle is real to hang on to those kids?

No, this kid has good parents with good jobs and his older brother started for us several seasons and attended LIU on scholarship this past year.  His Dad is a very savvy football guy and he must have been onboard with the decision.  The WHY is always a guessing game, thus speculation so I hope you appreciate me not opining on reasons.  We hope it works in his favor, but you never know as I think he will have to compete for playing time in the secondary there just as he was doing here.  Thankfully our coaching staff believe in merit and all starting positions have to be earned, which I fully support.   Reason given why players transferred to TFA have little merit as they certainly don't apply to the 2 we lost to them last year.  The OL we lost is from a very well to do family whose Dad is a prominent OB/ GYN doctor in the central FL area and after last season and looking ahead to this season, it remains a real head scratcher as to WHY??  Over the summer I am sure we will gain a few and lose a few with the hope in each of those moves it truly benefits the student/player, not the coach that is only trying to make a name for himself by taking shortcuts.

Was the DB who transferred to Lakeland at all involved with, or related to, the awful tragedy that occured with the head coach's family? Obviosuly not to a significant degree as he played there last year. I just recall seeing some names involved last I checked and I wonder. Perhaps not something to discuss publicly. Anyway, I see on the depth chart the Kowboys submitted to the FHSAA for the state title game he was a backup, and three of the starters were underclassmen. So, he's likely in a similar situation at Lakeland where he'll compete for, but not be promised, a starting spot.