Game Preview: Palestine-Wheatley at Osceola

The Palestine-Wheatley Patriots have experienced success this season in the non-conference portion of their schedule, winning three games in a row. The Patriots were not, however, as fortunate against Conference 3-3A favorites Walnut Ridge, losing 43-0 and Hoxie, losing 49-6. The Patriots (3-3, 0-2) roll into Osceola Friday to face the Seminoles (1-5, 1-0) on what will be senior night for the Seminoles.

Palestine-Wheatley is coached by Carey Knowlton who is in his second stint with the school as head coach. Knowlton also serves at the school’s athletics director.

The Patriots had a three game winning streak earlier this season with wins over Two Rivers, Harrisburg and Marianna-Lee. The Patriots outscored those three teams 87-24, however, the Patriots have been outscored 127-5 in their three losses this season.

Chris James

The Patriots offense is triggered by sophomore Andrew Knowlton and has not thrown the football very much, choosing to keep the football on the ground.

The Patriots defense will be pressed by the Seminoles offense and will have to keep Osceola in front of them to stay in the game.

The Seminoles finally put everything together in their week five win at Piggott. The Osceola offense was efficient and the defense played its best game of the season in the conference opening win. Special teams also got involved with a punt block for a score by Atrion Fultz.

Atrion Fultz

Senior running back Chris James was dominant, with four touchdown runs, the longest covering 76 yards as the Osceola offense ran wild, breaking away from a 12-6 first quarter lead to take a 40-6 advantage to the locker room.

Zion Simpson, Harris Manning and Demarius Hackett all had solid games on defense. The Osceola offensive line played well led by senior Keviss Love.

Osceola will need a similar effort this week as they will try to build momentum for the final regular season stretch against Walnut Ridge, Hoxie and Manila.

Keviss Love

Osceola will be the favorite and should improve to 2-0 in Conference 3-3A play.