BRADENTON (SNN-TV) – With a condensed Friday Football Fever on tap for tomorrow’s Week 7, we’re taking an in-depth look at a couple of the areas match-ups as part of SNN’s Game of the Week coverage presented by Absolute Aluminum.
Lakewood Ranch vs. Manatee, Hawkins Stadium, 7pm:
First we start at Hawkins Stadium in Bradenton, home of the 4-1 Manatee Hurricanes, the site of this week’s top match-up between the Canes and the 4-1 Lakewood Ranch Mustangs.
Despite not playing each other last season, Manatee High dominates this match-up All-time, winning all 12 meetings. But the Canes enter at a low-point, as they had their four-game winning streak snapped with a 29-6 home loss to Port Charlotte two weeks ago. Lakewood Ranch has won two straight since its only setback of the season, losing 33-14 to Braden River. Last time out the Mustangs defeated Lyman on the road, 47-28.
Both offenses are dominant entering play. The Hurricanes have outscored their foes 144-73, whereas the Mustangs have outscored their opponents, 147-91. For Lakewood Ranch keep an eye on QB Clayton Dees. The junior has thrown for 900 yards on 53-of-109 accuracy with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. As for Manatee, the ground game is solid, with RB Cory Sanders leading the way with 307 yards and 7 TD’s on 63 carries.
Kickoff between these two Manatee County foes is set for 7pm tomorrow night at Hawkins Stadium.
St. Petersburg Catholic vs. Saint Stephen’s Episcopal, Moore Athletic Complex, 7pm:
Another game taking place in Bradenton as part of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference, when Saint Stephen’s Episcopal hosts St. Pete Catholic tomorrow night at the Moore Athletic Complex.
The 1-4 Falcons enter this week after picking their first win of the year, ending a seven-game losing streak with a 42-0 beat down of Jordan Christian Prep on the road. The Falcons are looking to avenge a 34-28 loss last year the Barons, and take advantage of a winless St. Pete Catholic squad. The Barons have been outscored 150-52 in its five losses, including two shutouts, dropping seven straight dating back to last season.
A key player this week for the Falcons is QB Luke Donley. The senior signal-caller has thrown for 466 yards and eight touchdowns on the season.
Kickoff from Saint Stephen’s Episcopal is set for 7pm.
