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MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee capped a perfect 10-0 season with a 49-6 route over Lakewood Ranch to finish unbeaten two of the last three seasons as they head to the playoffs in search of both consecutive state titles and the High School National Championship. The 'Canes are currently ranked number one in all three national high school polls. Coach Kinnan rested star RB Trevon Walters after the junior ran for 112 yards on just 5 carries before leaving early in the 2nd quarter. Manatee hosts Northeast (7-3) in the first round of 6A district playoffs next Friday night.
Palmetto got back to their winning ways with an impressive 27-7 victory over playoff-bound Trinity Catholic at home Friday night. The Tigers (8-2) were led by senior RB Josh Hicks who rushed for 138-yards and two TD's of 24 and 81 yards, while also catching a 35-yard TD pass from Chris Tuten. Tuten hit senior WR Cory Crawford on a TD pass for their fourth score. The Tigers open up the playoffs at Auburndale (6-4) next week.
Braden River finally got a win last night, ending a 9 game losing streak, as they beat Palmetto Ridge 28-7. The Pirates showed promising signs for next season with 3 TD passes by sophomore QB Dustin Peebles. Senior Austin Rain capped his career with a 140-yard rushing performance. St. Stephen's got their third win, 35-26 over Northside Christian on the back of an amazing 300-yd rushing performance by Herman Israelsson, who started things off with a 70-yard TD run on the 2nd play of the game. Southeast (8-2) had already wrapped up their season and got to rest Friday before hosting Lake Wales (6-4) next week in the first round of the 5A playoffs.
High School Football Results
Friday, November 9
Manatee 49 Lakewood Ranch 6
Palmetto 27 Trinity Catholic 7
Sarasota 43 Bayshore 13
Braden River 28 Palmetto Ridge 7
St. Stephens 35 Northside Christian 26
Manatee's fearsome front four (from left): Demarcus Christmas, Derrick Calloway, Marquis Dawsey and Blake Keller Photo by Dennis Maley |
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