08/29/2026
Indians Show Offensive Firepower in 2026 Opener Despite Loss to Midway
By Staff Writer
Osceola, Mo. — August 28, 2026
Friday night marked the beginning of a new football season in Osceola, as the Indians took the field at home for the first time in 2026.
The opening night didn't go the way the Indians had hoped, as Osceola fell to Midway 65-20. But beneath the final score was an Osceola offense that showed plenty of promise and a group of young players who gained valuable experience that will be important as the season moves forward.
The Indians finished the night with 280 yards of total offense, including 235 yards through the air and 45 yards rushing. Osceola completed 18 of 27 pass attempts and found the end zone three times.
Quarterback Braydon Kennedy led the way offensively for the Indians. Kennedy completed 17 of 25 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, while also carrying the ball 15 times for 31 yards. He connected on passes as long as 71 yards and also contributed six tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and a pass defended on the defensive side of the ball.
One of Kennedy's favorite targets was Bryson Murray, who turned in a strong all-around performance in the opener. Murray caught seven passes for 113 yards, including a long reception of 42 yards, and scored two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving. He also carried the ball six times for 13 yards. Defensively, Murray added five tackles and forced a fumble.
Matthew Gilstrap provided another big-play threat for the Indians. Gilstrap caught three passes for 82 yards, with a long reception of 71 yards. He also attempted two passes, completing one for five yards. Gilstrap contributed three tackles defensively and recorded a punt block.
Will Jones gave Osceola production on both sides of the football. Jones carried the ball three times for 11 yards and caught four passes for nine yards. His biggest impact, however, came on defense, where he led the Indians with 11 total tackles, including nine solo stops and two assists. Jones also scored on a two-point conversion.
Jeremiah Lee added three receptions for 26 yards, giving the Indians another contributor in the passing game. Lee also recorded four tackles and defended a pass on defense.
While the passing game provided the majority of Osceola's offensive production, the Indians continued to spread the ball among several players. The combination of Kennedy's arm and the receiving production from Murray, Gilstrap, Jones and Lee gave Osceola several avenues to create plays.
Defensively, the Indians recorded 43 total tackles, led by Jones' 11. Camden Brown finished with eight tackles, while Kennedy recorded six and Murray added five. Lee had four, while Gilstrap and Logan Peery each recorded three. Jackson Minor had one tackle, and Braydan Pierce added two. Dylan Bishop added a fumble recovery.
For Osceola, the first game of the season provided both encouragement and a list of things to improve.
The Indians showed they have athletes capable of making plays in space and an offense capable of moving the football through the air. At the same time, Midway's offensive production exposed areas that Osceola will need to address in practice this week.
That's the value of an opening game.
The Indians now have the opportunity to take the lessons from Friday night, return to work and continue building a team that is still discovering exactly what it can become.
There is no hiding from the 65-20 final score, but there is also no reason for one game to define an entire season.
Friday night was Game 1.
There are still plenty of games left to play, plenty of practices left to work and plenty of opportunities for this Osceola team to improve.
For the Indians, the 2026 journey has officially begun.
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