1. (1 last week) Venice High (6-2)
It seems like a long time ago when Venice was 0-2. Currently, Venice has a six-game winning streak heading into a stiff challenge at home against an undefeated
IMG Academy White.
2. (3) Riverview High (4-4)
The Rams jump a spot over Manatee and into the second position after defeating the Hurricanes on Friday at Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium. Riverview finishes the season with home games Friday against rival Sarasota and Nov. 3 against Charlotte. This week’s game will be special as the school will dedicate the field to former Coach John Sprague.
3. (2) Manatee High (6-2)
The Hurricanes have a chance to put the two-game losing streak behind them and bring home some hardware when they travel to Harllee Stadium to take on Palmetto for the Class 4 Suburban-District 13 championship.
4. (T5) Palmetto High (4-3)
The Tigers must put the 51-16 setback to Venice in the rearview mirror since they are playing for a district championship Friday. Palmetto will be at home against Manatee to decide the Class 4 S-District 13 title.
AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS
5. (T5) Parrish Community (6-2)
The Bulls must forget about taking a 34-21 lead into the fourth quarter before dropping a 41-34 decision at Cypress Creek since Parrish Community is playing for the Class 3 Suburban-District 13 championship Friday at Port Charlotte.
Small Schools (Class 2A, 1A, Sunshine State Athletic Association)
1. (1) Cardinal Mooney Catholic (6-2)
The Cougars fell victim to talented Bishop Verot quarterback Carter Smith, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for three more while accumulating 288 total yards. Cardinal Mooney should have no trouble getting back on its winning ways Friday when it entertains a SmartEn Sports Academy that not only has not won, but have not scored in six games this season.
2. (2) Booker High (5-3)
The Tornadoes are going into their showdown at Lemon Bay for the Class 2
Suburban-District 15 championship coming off a loss to a talented Wiregrass Ranch team on the road.
3. (3) Bradenton Christian (7-1)
A one-loss regular season landed the Panthers a No. 3 seed in the Championship bracket of the Sunshine State Athletic Association State Tournament. Bradenton Christian plays a familiar foe, No. 2 seed Westminster Academy, Thursday evening in Fort Lauderdale. The teams played earlier this season with the Lions handing Bradenton Christian its lone loss of the regular season.
4. (4) Saint Stephen’s (6-2)
The Falcons made it three straight with a win at Oasis. That earned Saint Stephen’s the top seed in the SSAA 5A Tournament against fourth-seeded Boca Raton Christian on Friday at home.
5. (5) Bayshore High (4-4)
The Bruins got well quickly with a trip to Marco Island Academy and returned with a 62-0 victory. Bayshore looks to make it two straight with a visit to Lakewood Ranch.