Who ranks as the best football team in the Bradenton Herald Week 10 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 school rankings
1. (last week 1) Manatee, 6-2
After winning their first six games, the Hurricanes have lost two straight. Manatee losses were to Venice and Sarasota Riverview, two teams favored for high seeds in the Class 4S-Region 4 playoffs. This week the Hurricanes aren’t just playing to remain the top team in the Herald’s power poll. They play for a district championship when they travel across the Manatee River to face Palmetto.
Up next: at Palmetto
2. (2) Palmetto, 4-3
The Tigers struggled against Venice last week. They allowed 289 rushing yards in a 51-16 loss. But that was a non-district game. This week’s home game with rival Manatee is for a district title.
Up next: vs. Manatee
3. (3) Parrish Community, 6-2
The Bulls lost a 41-34 shootout to Wesley Chapel Cypress Creek on the road. They continue on the road this week with a trip to Port Charlotte for the Class 3S-District 13 championship at stake.
Up next: at Port Charlotte
4. (4) Braden River, 3-4
The Pirates snapped their four-game losing streak with a 21-10 victory over Punta Gorda Charlotte. They’ll look to continue the momentum with their district finale against winless Southeast.
Up next: vs. Southeast
5. (5) Bayshore, 4-4
The Bruins bounced back after a loss with a 62-0 blowout over Marco Island Academy. They gouged Marco Island Academy on the ground with 256 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Despite the win, Bayshore slipped in the Class 2S-Region 4 power rankings and must win out to have any chance at an at-large wild card playoff berth.
Up next: at Lakewood Ranch
6. (6) Lakewood Ranch, 3-5
The Mustangs edged St. Petersburg Gibbs, 10-8, behind Simon Freed’s 125 rushing yards and a defense that tallied seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Lakewood Ranch is holding onto the eighth seed in the latest Class 4S-Region 4 power rankings ahead of this week’s pivotal home game with Bayshore.
Up next: vs. Bayshore
7. (7) Southeast, 0-8
Southeast lost its eighth-straight game, falling 25-6 to Sarasota in a battle of winless teams. The Seminoles have two chances left at getting a win this season, with Braden River and rival Manatee left on the schedule.
Up next: at Braden River
Private school rankings
1. (1) IMG Academy National, 7-0
The Ascenders breezed past West Columbia (South Carolina) Gray Collegiate Academy, 53-7, and are ranked No. 4 in MaxPreps’ national rankings.
Up next: Off
2. (2) IMG Academy White, 7-0
IMG White’s Clay Ash tallied 151 yards on five carries in the Ascenders’ 35-14 victory over Orlando Lake Highland Prep. Now they’ll get their toughest test: a trip to Venice.
Up next: at Venice
3. (3) Bradenton Christian, 7-1
The Panthers capped their regular season with a 35-7 victory over Out-of-Door Academy. They enter the Sunshine State Athletic Conference state playoffs having outscored opponents 151-7 in the last three games. The Panthers’ first-round opponent is the only team to defeat them this year, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Christian Academy.
Up next: at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (Thursday)
4. (4) Saint Stephen’s, 6-2
The Falcons finished their regular season with a 29-7 road win over Cape Coral Oasis. The Falcons begin the Sunshine State Athletic Conference 5A playoffs at home this week.
Up next: vs. Boca Raton Christian
5. (5) IMG Academy Blue, 0-5
IMG’s third team remains winless after 41-13 loss to Naples Community School last week.
Up next: Off
