Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: September 14-16, 2012

BRADENTON -- High school football is in full swing and there's a big game at Hawkins Stadium tomorrow night as number-one ranked Manatee hosts Miami Central in what could be the toughest test for the 'Canes all season. If football's not your thing, Robinson Preserve has a special dog-friendly event Friday night, and keeping with the pet theme, ArtCenter Manatee hosts Family and Animals Art Day Saturday afternoon. Grab the bleacher cushion, the dog's leash or a paint palette: it's time for another Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Miami Central opened the season as USA Today's number-one ranked squad, but were upset in week one, losing a national showcase game against Georgia powerhouse Grayson High 35-3 on the road. The Rockets bounced back to beat rival Washington High 37-26 last week and will be looking to get back toward the top of the of the national title scene against Manatee, currently ranked number one in the nation by both USA Today and Maxpreps.com and number three in ESPN's High School Top 50.

The game could have other implications as Grayson is ranked No. 1 by ESPN, No. 2 by Maxpreps.com and No.3 by USA Today. Miami Central gives the two teams a common opponent, something of a rarity in national high school rankings, where teams are traditionally matched only in a region of their state. Going into the season, it looked like the Miami Central game would provide a head to head clash of No. 1 teams and most likely determine the national champion when all was said and done. Instead, the polls will likely be looking closely at whether the Hurricanes can handle the Rockets as easily as Grayson did, so Manatee not only needs to win, but by a considerable margin, in order to move forward in their quest toward a first national title.

Southeast (1-1) should have a chance to work on what can only be called shaky play, especially by their offense, which hasn't yet managed 30 points on the season, as they host a struggling Booker High squad. Coach Marino will get to continue to refine Palmetto's (2-0) explosive and revolving offense against DeSoto at home, while Bayshore (0-2) will have its hands full at Lakewood Ranch (1-1)

Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Miami Central @ Manatee
DeSoto @ Palmetto
Booker @ Southeast
Bayshore @ Lakewood Ranch
Braden River @ Miami Palmetto
Bradenton Christian @ Cambridge Christian (Tampa)

Saturday, 6 p.m.
St. Stephens  @ Southwest Florida Christian (Fort Myers)

Football not your thing? Bring your four-legged friends to enjoy a walk through Robinson Preserve Friday evening from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the county's Dog Days of Summer program. Pups and their proud owners are invited to stroll through Robinson Preserve on a healthy hike.

Socialized dogs on leashes are invited. Participants must bring their own pooper scoopers and doggie bags. This program is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required! Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 8. Robinson Preserve

Dog Days of Summer
Robinson Preserve
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
1704 99th Street Northwest
Bradenton, FL 34209

Join ArtCenter Manatee for a day of air conditioned summer fun! Animals & plants and more OH MY! The Southeastern Guide Dogs puppies will be there. Cat Depot will bring cats and Wildlife & Education Rehabilitation’s hawks, owls & other feathery friends.

Three children’s one-hour workshops will add to the family fun. Vendors, creatures and their “wild” exhibition of the season, “Fur, Feathers, Flora & Fauna” are sure to entertain and educate the entire family. The event will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and best of all it's FREE!

ArtCenter Manatee: "Animals & Art" Family Day
ArtCenter Manatee
209 9th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 746-2862