Rams Overcome Early Turmoil to Upset Osceola Kowboys

Pre-Game Chaos Sets a Chaotic Tone

Lake Mary’s preparations took an unexpected hit before kickoff when the bus carrying the offensive unit broke down en route to the game. The defensive squad had to be dropped off first while the other bus circled back for the offense. That delay threw off the team’s rhythm for both offense and defense and pushed back the scheduled start time, setting the stage for a rocky opening.

Osceola Strikes First

Osceola seized early control. With just 3:59 left in the first quarter, senior Jeffery Sinophat plowed in a 5-yard touchdown run. The ensuing extra point attempt collapsed when the holder mishandled the snap and attempted an ill-fated pass into the end zone. Lake Mary trailed 6–0.

The Rams struggled out of the gate, punting on their first two drives and looking sluggish on both sides of the ball.

Kowboys Expand the Lead

Lake Mary’s woes continued in the second quarter as Osceola methodically drove downfield, and once again Sinophat punched in a five-yard touchdown. This time, the two-point conversion attempt failed thanks to solid resistance by the Rams defense. Lake Mary found themselves in a tough 12–0 hole heading into the late moments of the half.

Rams Spark

With Lake Mary’s offense showing life, quarterback Noah Grubbs rallied his troops downfield. The drive culminated in a field goal, slicing the deficit to 12–3 with 48 seconds remaining before halftime—a timely morale boost.

The second half exploded in dramatic fashion: on the opening kickoff, Jahvon Robinson ripped the ball out of opponents’ hands and sprinted 71 yards for a touchdown. After the extra point, Lake Mary trailed 12–10, and momentum had fully shifted in their favor.

Jahvon Robinson on the play:

“I knew me and my teammates needed to make a big play and that’s what I do. I just had to come through. I seen the gap and I knew it was over. Scored a touchdown, make a play and that’s the game changer. Flip the whole momentum around and I’m just proud of my guys for coming through and I think we’re going to have something really special this year.”

When asked what coach said: “Coach Marler, he looked at me and he said, you got this Jahvon, you be you. And then I knew from that I was going to make a play.”

Offense and Defense Step Up

Riding the wave of turnover and energy, Lake Mary’s defense stifled Osceola’s response. Grubbs connected with Terrance Dixon for a touchdown with 3:10 left in the third quarter—to put the Rams ahead 17–12.

Lake Mary’s defense held strong despite Osceola answering with a late surge. A critical fumble recovery with about seven minutes remaining sealed the win for the visitors.

Words from the Team

QB Noah Grubbs reflected on the comeback:

“I would say just the integrity and the grit. Just the grit of the team. I would say no matter what, we’re coming back… if we’re down, the foot on the gas is going down even harder… we did it to ourselves and next week we’re going to come out firing in the first half.”

Head Coach Scott Perry praised the resilience:

“Offense, we couldn’t do a thing against them at the very beginning, but we kept on fighting. That’s what I’m proud of my guys about. They just keep overcoming adversity.”

On halftime adjustments: “Do what we’re supposed to do. We weren’t doing what we’re supposed to do as far as gap control on defense and blocking on offense, so once we started doing that, they turned it around.”

Looking Ahead

Lake Mary remains undefeated at 2–0, with the Osceola win marking their fourth consecutive road triumph dating back to last season. Next Friday, the Rams hit the road again—this time to face Lakeland, ranked 29th nationally as of August 28.

Key Takeaways

• Adversity Tested, Grit Prevails: A delayed start and sluggish execution threw early curveballs at Lake Mary—but they adjusted.

• Special Teams Balance the Scales: Robinson’s kickoff return was the turning point.

• Halftime Adjustments Win Games: Defensive gap control and offensive blocking were addressed and executed.

• Team Character Shines Through: As Grubbs said, the Rams play with “integrity and grit.”