BRADENTON – The Palmetto Tigers have fielded one of their most-talented teams in recent years, combining an exciting, yet balanced offensive attack with a stingy defense that has given opposition fits this season. Coming off of a 27-0 route of Lakewood Ranch, they'll be a heavy favorite when they host 5A District 10 rival Bayshore this Friday night at Harllee Stadium.

On offense, the Tigers can hurt you by land or by air. Sophomore sensation Josh Hicks lit up Riverview for 256 rushing yards and 4 TD's in the season opener and has continued to confound defenses trying to key on the slashing runner. QB Trent Miller (6'1, 205), who moved from Buffalo over the summer and has proven to be one of the best QB's in the area, put up 329 yards against LWR last week and continues to impress. He already has over 1,000 yards passing on the season, leading the Manatee/Sarasota/Charlotte area. Miller has a platoon of young receivers to throw to, including play maker Shaquille Harris.

Bayshore at Palmetto Friday 7:30 p.m. Harllee Stadium 1200 17th Street West Palmetto, FL

Harris is joined by fellow juniors Corey Crawford and E.J. Burston, who together form a dangerous trio of big-play burners that area secondaries will have to contend with for still another season. On defense, the Tigers are strong up front, but DB Dallas Jackson, who had two picks last week to help secure their second straight shutout, is perhaps the best defensive back in the area that isn't named Brian Poole.

Bayshore graduated some key players from last season, a team that was only 4-6. They're coming off of a 28-18 defeat to Cypress Lake, who came into the game at 1-4. The Bruins have struggled with dynamic offenses so far and haven't seen anything close to what Palmetto will show them on that side of the ball. They are especially vulnerable in the secondary, which means things could get ugly quick.

Senior RB Dominic Everett will carry the load on offense and he's done a fair job so far, but he might be asked to step up his carries Friday night. Bayshore's passing game, led by senior QB Joshua Maugherman, has struggled this season and they'll want to try and keep their defense off the field as much as possible. In order to stay in this game, the Bruins will need to eat up the clock on offense with a steady running game that will rely on a big, but inexperienced offensive line.

If Palmetto wins big, as expected, they'll enter the following week's game with Hardee 6-0. Hardee, assuming they win Friday night vs. Frostproof, will also be 6-0 in a game that could have District 10 title implications. The Bayshore game is the last breather before Palmetto heads into a grueling three-game stretch that along with Hardee, features games against local powerhouses Manatee and Southeast that will make or break this seemingly banner season.

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