PHOTOS: Dr. Phillips faces Osceola in preseason thriller -- Observer Preps

KISSIMMEE It sure didn't feel like a preseason game.

The Dr. Phillips Panthers, last fall's state runners-up in Class 8A, traveled to Kissimmee to face the state runners-up from Class 8A in 2015: the Osceola High Kowboys. The high-profile affair did not disappoint, as the two teams battled back-and-forth throughout the evening, with Osceola scoring the 30-27 victory.

The Panthers trailed 20-14 at halftime, but would tie the game up 27-27 in the second half. Trailing 30-27 in the game's waning moments, Dr. Phillips drove down the field, deep into Kowboy territory, but a fumble cost the Panthers their final shot at tying or earning a win. 

Turnovers were an unfortunate theme of sorts for Dr. Phillips — but, then, so was resilience, as the Panthers rallied from each deficit they faced.

"I loved the fight and I loved the grit that we played with," Wells said. "We came out flat — we had four turnovers, and three of the turnovers, they converted into points. We've just got to clean that up."

Among several highlights for Dr. Phillips was the play of East Ridge-transfer quarterback BeSean McCray. McCray completed 19-of-22 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns in his fall debut with the Panthers.

"I was very comfortable in the offense — we've went over it all spring and all summer," McCray said.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].