For the first time this season, Osceola will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will head out on the road to take on the Melbourne Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Osceola's defense has only allowed 11.6 points per game this season, so Melbourne's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Last Friday, Osceola lost to Jones on the road by a 28-14 margin. The Kowboys haven't had much luck with the Fightin' Tigers recently, as the team has come up short the last four times they've met.
Osceola might have lost, but man, Alijah Jenkins was a machine: he rushed for 98 yards and one score, and also picked up 54 receiving yards and one TD. Jenkins showed off some serious burst, cutting upfield on a catch for 54 yards.
Even if they lost, Osceola's defense still kept up the pressure with three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Amier Clarke, Jasier Thomas, and Jason Lewis, who each picked up one sack apiece.
Meanwhile, Melbourne had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 42.5 points) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They claimed a resounding 59-14 win over the Pirates. Considering the Bulldogs have won three games by more than 44 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Osceola better keep an eye on Tyrese Jefferson. He was instrumental in Melbourne's win, rushing for 169 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 14 carries, while also picking up 51 receiving yards and one score. Michael Rogers also helped with two TDs in total.
Melbourne was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 276 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2024.
Melbourne didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Tyler Gagen and Daniel Negron.
Melbourne's victory bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Osceola, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-2.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Osceola has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 212.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Melbourne struggles in that department as they've been averaging 184.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Osceola against Melbourne in their previous matchup back in September of 2024, as the team secured a 48-7 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Kowboys since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
