Manatee County High School Football Schedule: 9/21/12

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BRADENTON – Football is in full swing and though the 'Canes have a bye week in which to prep for their big rivals Southeast, but a lot happened this week for Manatee. Their 34-24 win over Miami Central last week opened up the chance that Georgia powerhouse Grayson High could move ahead of them in the rankings, since they'd beaten the Rockets 35-3 in Week 1.

But Grayson suffered a huge upset last week, pulling them off Manatee's heels. The 'Canes remained No. 1 in two of the three national polls, while moving form third to second in the other. Even with Manatee idle, there is still plenty of local action under the Friday night lights.

2011 Manatee rushing champion Josh Hicks returns for Palmetto, as the Tigers host an undefeated DeSoto squad. Southeast looks to build on their victory last week, but will have to contend with a tough Sarasota offense. Lakewood Ranch travels to Sebring to take on district rivals Boca Ciega, while struggling Bayshore looks to get their first win this week when they take on 1-2 Hardee on the road.

Friday 7:30 p.m.

DeSoto @ Palmetto
Riverview @ Braden River
Southeast @ Sarasota
Boca Ciega @ Lakewood Ranch
Bayshore @ Hardee
Manatee (bye week)

Palmetto's Cory Crawford takes off on a run