The 2024 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Championships get underway this week at Pitbull Stadium, on the campus of Florida International University.
The fourth of our seven state champions will be crowned Friday afternoon when the Kissimmee Osceola Kowboys (12-2) take on the West Boca Raton Bulls (14-0). Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
This will be the first meeting all-time between the two schools.
Heading into Friday afternoon’s state championship game, the Kowboys and Bulls are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in Class 6A respectably, according to MaxPreps.
How did Kissimmee Osceola get here? They defeated Viera 58-14 in the regional quarterfinals. They defeated Durant 35-6 in the regional semifinals. They defeated Armwood 17-7 in the regional finals. They defeated Buchholz (Gainesville) 41-35 in last week’s state semifinals.
The Kowboys have a strong running attack where they’re led by senior running back Taevion Swint (UCF signee) who has 173 carries for 1,799 yards and 25 touchdowns on the season. Also, keep an eye on junior running back Jeffrey Sinophat who has 109 carries for 892 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season and senior running back Elijah Hickson who has 144 carries for 683 yards and 6 touchdowns so far this season.
On the defensive side of the football, keep an eye on senior linebacker Elijah Melendez (Auburn signee) who has been credited for 72 total tackles this season (9.0 Tackles for loss), and four interceptions on the season. Junior defensive end Amier Clarke has also been a force for the Kowboys where he leads the team with 11.0 sacks this season.
What’s At Stake for Kissimmee Osceola? The Kowboys are seeking their second state championship in school history (They defeated Estero, 28-14, to win the 1998 Class 5A State Championship).
How did West Boca Raton get here? They defeated Steinbrenner 48-7 in the regional quarterfinals. They defeated Mitchell 38-7 in the regional semifinals. They defeated Wiregrass Ranch 17-0 in the regional finals. They defeated Miami Southridge 14-11 in last week’s state semifinals.
The Bulls have been without their star playmaker and running back Javian Mallory throughout the postseason as he’s nursing an injury he sustained during the final week of the regular season.
The Bulls will deploy a two-quarterback system where we will see junior Mason Mallory, who has thrown for 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns, as well as sophomore Trey Moran, who has thrown for 1,121 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just three interceptions on the season.
Also, keep an eye on sophomore running back Jayden Lockhart to get most of the reps in the backfield, where he has 126 carries for 964 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Defensively, junior defensive end Xavier Reid has been a machine when it comes to getting to the quarterback, where he’s been credited for a team-high 100 total tackles and seven sacks this season. Also, make note of senior defensive back Damon Allen who has a team-high four interceptions this season.
What’s At Stake For West Boca Raton? The Bulls are seeking their first state title in school history and are playing in their first state championship game as well.
What Is Your Prediction For The 6A State Championship? West Boca Raton 21, Kissimmee Osceola 20
