Manatee County High School Football Results: October 19, 2012

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MANATEE COUTY – The Manatee Hurricanes rolled over a 6-1 Venice team, en route to another blowout victory. Bayshore gave Southeast a good run for their money, while Palmetto blanked Hardee 42-0. Lakewood Ranch improved to 5-2 with a win over Dixie Hollins, while Braden River was shutout by Sarasota. Bradenton Christian got routed by Admiral Farragut, and St. Stephens got their second win of the year in a Thursday night game against Ft. Myers Evangelical.

Manatee, whose offense hasn't scored less than 40 points all season, was on the board early and often against a Venice team whose been otherwise solid all year. There may come a time when rivals like Venice and Southeast will once again compete with the 'Canes, but it's not going to be 2012. Manatee is now ranked No. 1 in the nation by all three national high school polls (ESPN, USA Today and Maxpreps.com) and might be headed for a consensus national championship.

The 'Canes were led by QB Cord Sandberg, who ran for two touchdowns, threw for three, while completing 13 of 14 passes for 249 yards. Emerging playmakers Trevon Walters and Marquel Hines also had banner nights. Walters rushed for just under 150 yards on only 13 carries with 2 TD's, while Hines had four receptions totaling 130 yards, also scoring twice.

Manatee's defense continued to give up big plays, as their inexperience in the LB spots shows any time a player with game-breaking speed slips past their front four. Speedy Venice QB Kale Youtzy, who was coming off a 189-yd rushing performance against North Port, rushed for 158 yards on 19 carries on Friday, taking three of them in for scores. The defense will have to tighten up before the meet the lightening fast offense of Palmetto.

Palmetto, who faces off with the 'Canes next Friday night in the biggest local game in at least a decade, continues to combine an explosive offense with what has emerged to be a dominant D and look poised to make a strong run at the 5A state title, though they still have to play division rivals Southeast after Manatee. QB Chris Tuten had a breakout night, throwing for over 300 yards and 5 TD's as Palmetto rolled to victory. Southeast's Courtney Allen continued to dominate local defenses, scoring all 4 Seminole TD's, while rushing for 161 yards and racking up 74 more receiving, as Southeast moved to 6-2 on the year.

High Football Results

Manatee 56 Venice 27
Palmetto 42 Hardee 0
Southeast 25 Bayshore 14
Sarasota 28 Braden River 0
Lakewood Ranch 20 Dixie Hollins 3

Admiral Farragut 63 Bradenton Christian 24

St. Stephen's 35 Ft. Myers Evanelical 19

Manatee's fearsome front four (from left): Demarcus Christmas, Derrick Calloway, Marquis Dawsey and Blake Keller Photo by Dennis Maley