Who ranks as the best football team in the Bradenton Herald Week 4 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, 3-0
The Hurricanes dismantled Punta Gorda Charlotte, 46-7, behind an unrelenting defense. The Canes’ defense had four fumble recoveries, a sack and nine tackles for loss, while eight different players caught passes on offense.
Up next: vs. Braden River
2. (3) Braden River, 2-0
After jumping out to a comfortable lead, the Pirates could not put away rivals Lakewood Ranch until the fourth quarter. Braden River, though, remained unbeaten with a 41-23 victory.
Up next: at Manatee
3. (2) Palmetto, 1-1
The Tigers could not stop Sarasota Riverview’s potent rushing attack in a 52-42 loss. The Rams gouged Palmetto for 363 yards on the ground.
Up next: vs. Sarasota (Thursday)
4. (5) Parrish Community, 2-1
The Bulls ran roughshod over Bayshore in a statement game. They scored nine touchdowns in three quarters and tallied 512 total yards of offense.
Up next: at Avon Park
5. (4) Bayshore, 2-1
After winning their first two games, the Bruins were hit with a reality check on the road at Parrish Community. The Bruins fell behind early and could not recoup in a 63-22 loss.
Up next: Off
6. (6) Lakewood Ranch, 0-3
Despite trailing most of the game, the Mustangs showed grit against rival Braden River. A kick return for a touchdown and some extended drives with their passing game kept Lakewood Ranch within two scores early in the fourth quarter.
Up next: at IMG Academy Blue (Thursday)
7. (7) Southeast, 0-3
The Seminoles were trounced in their visit to IMG Academy White, 49-13, and are winless in 2023.
Up next: vs. Naples Lely
Private
1. (1) IMG Academy National, 3-0
The Jayden Bradford to Donovan Olugbode connection was in full effect against Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Indiana) High. Olugbode caught five passes for 163 yards, while Bradford finished with 254 passing yards in the 34-14 victory.
Up next: vs. Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)
2. (2) IMG Academy White, 3-0
The Ascenders breezed to their third straight victory last week. A balanced attack resulted in a 49-13 victory over Southeast.
Up next: at Fort Myers Evangelical Christian
3. (4) Saint Stephen’s, 2-1
Evan Brown’s dual-threat skills outmatched Out-of-Door Academy in a 21-7 win for the Falcons. He ran for 89 yards while passing for 157.
Up next: vs. Naples Aubrey Rogers
4. (3) Bradenton Christian, 2-1
The Panthers dropped their first game of the season, a 34-10 loss to Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, and lost one spot in the private school power poll rankings.
Up next: Off
5. (5) IMG Academy Blue, 0-2
The Ascenders’ third team was more competitive in its Week 3 game with North Port, but is still searching for its first win.
Up next: vs. Lakewood Ranch (Thursday)
