Kissimmee Osceola ran all over the competition enroute to the Class 7A State Championship game.

Then they ran into St. Thomas Aquinas.

The nationally ranked Raiders shutout the Kowboys, 31-0, to claim the 7A title, their second state title in three years. Nearly 6,000 poured into the Citrus Bowl Friday night to watch the second-straight shutout of the day. American Heritage routed Godby, 38-0, for the 5A title earlier in the day.

Osceola entered the game averaging 382 yards of offense, mostly on the ground. St. Thomas’ stingy defense, led by defensive linemen Brandon Boyce (9 tackles, .5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for a loss) and Nicholas Bosa (7 tackles, .5 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss), held the Kowboys to 38 total yards.

The Kowboys didn’t gain positive yardage until 5:16 remained in the game.

“They’re a great football team, give them all the credit in the world,” Osceola head coach Doug Nichols said. “If you ask me to compare them, I say Florida State. A great football team with a great defense.”

The Raiders offense wasn’t too bad either, putting up 306 yards, led by Miami-bound running back Jordan Scarlett’s 124 rushing yards and one touchdown and quarterback Jake Rizzo’s three touchdowns (two throwing, one rushing).

Osceola’s defense did have some highlight moments. Midway through the first quarter, senior defensive back Dominic Lee saved a touchdown with an interception.

It was one of three turnovers for the Kowboys defense, but unfortunately, they weren’t able to capitalize.

At the end of the game, Nichols gathered his players in a huddle and had the seniors all stand up.

“They gave their heart and soul for this program,” Nichols said as the underclassmen applauded the seniors. “That senior group, we’ve won 37 football games with those guys in the last three years and it all starts with the defense.

“Those guys put a lot of hard work into Kissimmee Osceola High School the last three years.”