Referring to Kissimmee Osceola as loaded going into this season might be an understatement.

The Kowboys have everything, including the highest-rated running back in Central Florida in senior Taevion Swint. He runs behind the best bookend offensive tackles in senior St. Cloud transfer Connor Howes (6-foot-6, 300 pounds) and junior Marcus Ferrer (6-7, 300). Osceola has a very capable quarterback in Cameron West.

Defensively, Osceola has the best linebackers in Elijah Melendez and Robert Mikal-Lee and one of the best defensive backfields with Jeff Banks, Jakyri Watson and Jamario Bradford. Amier Clark is an elite lineman, surrounded by Randy Jean-Charles, Joshua Alamo and Oniel Morel.

Talent abounds for third-year coach Eric Pinellas, who is looking for a much different season after struggling through a very un-Osceola-like 2023, managing only four victories.

The Kowboys did claim another district title and stretch their record in district play to 52-1 since ’11.

Osceola is a heavy favorite in a new three-team district that includes Melbourne and Viera.

A big reason for last year’s struggles was a torn ACL for Swint in ’22. The UCF commit played in just six games last year. He rushed for 601 yards and 6 touchdowns, but the Kowboys started 0-5 and finished below .500 for the first tine since ’05 (2-8).

Now Osceola is hopeful of making it back to the state championship game, where the Kowboys lost to Sanford Seminole in ’20. Since ’14, Osceola has made three state final appearances but have been runner-up each time.

“Winning a district title and the state championship is always the goal,” Pinellas said.

Oviedo is young on offense but looks to be the team to beat in 6A District 4, with the Lions returning eight starters on the defensive side. That experience includes three-year starting seniors in safety Brady Manning and linebacker Joey Gioia. Also back are seniors Jalen Lewis (defensive back), Aidan Mahaffey (linebacker) and Messiah Montgomery (defensive line). Hagerty transfer Anthony White (defensive end) should contribute.

The offense does have leadership up front with senior linemen Nathan Tveit and Gavin Gonzalez.

The skill spots are inexperienced but there is talent starting at quarterback with sophomore Sebastian Galeano. Watch for multi-talented junior running back Brock Joyce, who also can catch.

Junior receiver Emiliano Galarza returns, and this could be a breakout season for another junior receiver in Dashone Febres, a 6-2, 185-pound pass catcher who transferred from Lake Howell.

Speaking of the Silverhawks, first-year coach Dazzie Morris, a former star lineman at Apopka, is looking to turn around the culture at Lake Howell.

Luke Barhorst returns at quarterback and he has some flyers on the outside in fellow junior Shamar Morris and sophomore Jayvon Funnye’. Junior Decorie Johnson (6-1, 198) will likely be the main running back.

Evans earned its first playoff berth since 2012 last season and coach Karlos Odum hopes things are changing for the Trojans. He has one of the best running backs in Central Florida in junior Li’Darious Pryor. Senior offensive lineman Oliver Aime plows the holes, and junior quarterback Nazir McMillan will run the show.

On defense, Devontae Grant is one of the top cornerbacks among Orlando seniors, and the other is senior Zavien Bryant. Junior linebacker Zi’rieck Roberts is also a force.

Wekiva boasts one of the best receivers in Central Florida in Jabari Smith, a USF commit. He has been looking good with new Mustangs quarterback Jackson Keilor, a transfer from Ocoee. Another breakout player could be junior defensive lineman/fullback Isaiah McNish (6-4, 280). New Mustangs coach Doug Gabriel had previous stints at Liberty, East River and Cypress Creek.

In District 6, South Lake coach Brad Lord is excited and thinks he has the squad to make a run at the title in a league that includes Davenport and Ocala Forest. But also in the Eagles’ way will be upstart Horizon and a revamped Lake Minneola team under new coach Mike McGlynn.

Lake Minneola was decimated by transfers, most of which went to Orlando First Academy, so it will be an interesting season for the Hawks.

Horizon coach Dennis Thomas figures he has his best team since the school opened in ’21.

Evans Trojans

Coach: Karlos Odum (2nd year, 5-6)

2023: 5-6, made 4M playoffs

Lake Howell Silverhawks

Coach: Dazzie Morris, Lake Howell (1st year)

2023: 6-5, lost bowl game

Oviedo Lions

Coach: Greg Odierno (3rd year, 26-8)

2023: 10-2, 3M district champ, region semifinal

Wekiva Mustangs

Coach: Doug Gabriel (1st year; career 14-25)

2023: 3-6, missed 3M playoffs

Osceola Kowboys

Coach: Eric Pinellas (3rd year, 23-14)

2023: 4-7, 4S district champ

Horizon Hawks

Coach: Dennis Thomas (4th year, 14-16; career 41-60)

2023: 5-5, missed 3M playoffs

Lake Minneola Hawks

Coach: Mike McGlynn (1st year; career 3-4)

2023: 9-4, 4S regional finals

South Lake Eagles

Coach: Brad Lord (2nd year, 2-8; career 87-64)

2023: 2-8