Who ranks as the best football team in the Bradenton Herald Week 7 Power Poll?
Editor’s note: These are power rankings, meaning hypothetical head-to-head matchups aren’t considered. Actual head-to-head games, how the team is trending and recently performed are weighed. Considerations to keep teams where they were after a loss are based on the opposition’s strength and how close a game was.
Public
1. (last week 1) Manatee, 6-0
The Hurricanes used a balanced offense coupled with a stout defensive effort to rout Lakewood Ranch, 52-6, and get within one game of winning a district championship. But first, the Canes travel to Venice for what is arguably the game of the year for the area.
Up next: at Venice
2. (2) Palmetto, 2-2
The Tigers picked up their second loss of the season last week. Palmetto’s run defense struggled, giving up 327 yards on 37 attempts to IMG Academy White. Earlier this season, Sarasota Riverview also gouged the Tigers for more than 300 rushing yards in Palmetto’s other loss.
Up next: at Southeast
3. (4) Parrish Community, 4 -1
The Bulls’ defense was ferocious in last week’s 23-2 victory over Southeast. They had five sacks, 16 TFL, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries.
Up next: at Mulberry
4. (3) Braden River, 2-3
The Pirates lost for the third consecutive week after a trip to Port Charlotte’s Pirate Cove. Braden River had three turnovers in a 49-16 loss to open district play.
Up next: Off
5. (5) Bayshore, 3-2
The Bruins struggled against an explosive Sarasota Booker team that hung 50 points on them. The Bruins get a one-week reprieve in their district slate to take on North Port.
Up next: at North Port
6. (6) Lakewood Ranch, 2-4
The district opener for the Mustangs was tough sledding against the Power Poll’s top-ranked Manatee Hurricanes. The Mustangs get a week off to prepare for their district finale against Palmetto.
Up next: Off
7. (7) Southeast, 0-5
The Seminoles continue to search for their first win and have struggled on both sides of the ball.
Up next: vs. Palmetto
Private
1. (1) IMG Academy National, 4-0
The Ascenders are set to play their first game since Sept. 15 when they travel to St. Johns Bartram Trail. IMG’s national team is fourth in the MaxPreps’ national rankings.
Up next: at St. Johns Bartram Trail
2. (2) IMG Academy White, 6-0
IMG White ran, ran and ran some more against Palmetto last week. The Ascenders tallied 327 rushing yards with Clay Ash producing 283 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns.
Up next: at NFL Academy (London, England)
3. (3) Bradenton Christian, 4-1
The Panthers were ball hawkers last week with two interceptions en route to a 29-7 victory over Cape Coral Oasis.
Up next: at Marco Island Academy
4. (4) Saint Stephen’s, 4-2
Cameron Brewer’s 201 rushing yards paced the Falcons’ 32-8 home victory over Fort Myers Canterbury.
Up next: at St. Petersburg Catholic
5. (5) IMG Academy Blue, 0-4
IMG’s third team was off last week and heads to the United Kingdom with IMG White to play an NFL Academy team in London.
Up next: at NFL Academy (London, England)
