Around the county in 30 days
A daily spring preview of every football program in the county.
Osceola
Coach: George Palmer (19th season, 95-93)
Last season: 2-8
District: 4A-9 (Bayshore, Boca Ciega, Northeast, Lakewood, Southeast)
Key losses: LB Rick Duffy, NG Patrick Eschenfelder, DL/OL Mike Jasiukiewicz, OL/DL/TE Anthony Matacchiero, LB Kevin O'Donnell, DB/RB Matt Palmer, LB/RB Sean Palmer, C Billy Siegler
Who's back: DL/TE Reece Dantzscher, OL Logan Jones, QB/LB Dylan Lantz, DB/LB John Lipps, DB/RB Edwin McKinney, WR/DB Renard Rowe, DE/LB/TE Danny Sarine, DL/OL Austin Tottle, DL/OL Taylor Turner
What's new: McKinney, Osceola's best athlete, has 4.5 speed and will be the feature back this season after the graduation of Matt Palmer. The loss of the do-it-all Palmer particularly hurts since he started at running back, defensive back, kicker and punter. … Palmer, the coach, believes the 6-foot-5, 316-pound Tottle, if healthy, can be one of the best linemen in the county. Tottle, a Division I prospect, dislocated his kneecap in last year's spring game and separated a shoulder late in the season, causing him to miss five games. … Dantzscher, with good size (6-3, 225 pounds) and better grades, also is a possible Division I player. … The offensive line should be strong with the return of three starters and Dantzscher at tight end.
Audible: "We've got some experience on the offensive line. If we can get them all together and healthy, then maybe we can create a crack or two for Edwin to get through there." — coach George Palmer
Did you know? Osceola is looking for its sixth playoff appearance in 19 seasons under George Palmer. The Warriors' last appearance came in 2006 when they went 8-2 in the regular season and finished as the runnerup in 4A-9.
Spring game
Friday vs.
Springstead
2008 schedule
Sept. 5 vs.
Dixie Hollins
Sept. 12 vs.
Clearwater
Sept. 19 at Dunedin
Sept. 26 at
Bayshore
Oct. 3 at Seminole
Oct. 10 at Southeast
Oct. 17 vs.
Palm Harbor
University
Oct. 24 at
Lakewood
Oct. 31 vs.
Boca Ciega
Nov. 7 vs. Northeast
Bryan Burns,
Times staff writer
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