West Orange overcomes rain, Osceola in playoff win

West Orange had to battle not only Osceola, but also the elements as it outlasted the Kowboys 16-7 Friday, Nov. 19, to move on to the regional final.

On a wet, chilly night, West Orange struggled to get offense going in the first half. However, the Warrior defense forced a couple turnovers to help keep the game scoreless.

In the second half, the Warriors finally broke through and took command of the game with a 4-yard touchdown run from Terrell Walden. The defense then added points of its own by forcing a safety on a blocked punt from Tony Newsome to make the score 9-0 in the third quarter. 

Osceola scored a touchdown to make it 9-7 in the fourth quarter. In the final seconds, Eddie Kelly stripped the ball from Kowboys quarterback Chad Mascoe and took it into the end zone for a touchdown to put the final nail in the coffin. 

The No. 2 seed Warriors will travel Friday, Nov. 26, to take on No. 1 seed Venice for the Class 8A, Region 3 final. 

The First Academy falls to Benjamin

The First Academy’s season came to an end against the Benjamin Buccaneers Friday, Nov. 19, in a 55-24 loss. 

Running back Terrence Mosley scored two touchdowns on the ground, while Will Richards added another one, but it was not enough for the Royals. 

TFA went into the half trailing 27-17, after Benjamin scored on the last play of the half. 

From then on, an avalanche of Benjamin scores was too much for the Royals to make up. 

TFA finishes its season with a 7-3 record.