George Palmer started this season missing the following:
Roughly 2,400 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns from the best backfield he has had in 14 years at Osceola;
A slew of interceptions from the best defensive backs he has had;
Key starters from his offensive line;
His starting quarterback and wide receivers, and
An enormous amount of big play potential from a playoff team.
And he had one fewer win.
That's all.
Osceola did it with defense and field position, which Palmer knew would have to offset the losses on offense. He also got the most out an inexperienced senior class that developed into a strong group.
After an opening loss to St. Petersburg, Palmer guided Osceola to a 7-2 record, including wins over Boca Ciega, Dunedin and Seminole. The losses were by a combined 15 points.
Had the Warriors not lost fumbles three times this year on the 1-yard line on first or second down and goal - especially in a 6-0 loss to Palmetto - they would have returned to the playoffs.
