Who ranks as the best football team in the Bradenton Herald Week 3 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. Manatee, 2-0
After a slow start against Sarasota at Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium, the Hurricanes defense turned it up a notch and slammed the door against the Sailors’ running and passing game en route to a 27-14 victory. The Hurricanes remain unbeaten.
Up next: vs. Punta Gorda Charlotte
2. Palmetto, 1-0
The Tigers’ home opener against Braden River was postponed indefinitely after Hurricane Idalia caused “unforeseen circumstances,” the school announced on social media last week.
Up next: at Sarasota Riverview
3. Braden River, 1-0
After postponing an all-county game with Palmetto to an unknown date, if at all, the Pirates turn their attention toward East Manatee County bragging rights with their annual rivalry showdown against Lakewood Ranch.
Up next: vs. Lakewood Ranch
4. Bayshore, 2-0
The Bruins are off to a hot start, most recently coming off a 48-14 win over LaBelle. Both wins to start the season were at Balvanz Stadium. This week marks their first road test as they attempt to keep the ball rolling.
Up next: at Parrish Community
5. Parrish Community, 1-1
Parrish Community is coming off a shorter week after playing last week’s game on Saturday due to Hurricane Idalia. The Bulls fell by 20 points to Englewood Lemon Bay and will look to end Bayshore’s unbeaten start and get back to a winning record.
Up next: vs. Bayshore
6. Lakewood Ranch, 0-2
The Mustangs have struggled early in the season, scoring just 19 points in two games. They enter this week’s East Manatee County showdown searching for their first win over rival Braden River in 10 years.
Up next: at Braden River
7. Southeast, 0-2
While the Seminoles scored their first points of the season last Friday, they’re still trying to navigate early-season struggles and a lack of depth.
Up next: at IMG Academy White
Private
1. IMG Academy National, 2-0
Boasting a roster full of Division I recruits, including two of the top 10 on the 247 Sports’ composite rankings, the Ascenders’ national team is ranked No. 4 in the nation and cemented atop our private school power rankings.
Up next: at Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Indiana)
2. IMG Academy White, 2-0
The offense is chugging along for the second of IMG’s teams. The Ascenders are averaging 41 points per game on offense and next play host to a Southeast defense allowing 48.5 points per game.
Up next: vs. Southeast
3. Bradenton Christian, 2-0
Absolutely obliterating opponents so far. Under first-year head coach Nate Strawderman, the Panthers have pitched two shutouts while the offense is scoring 38 points per game.
Up next: vs. Fort Lauderdale Westminster Christian
4. Saint Stephen’s, 1-1
The defending Sunshine State Athletic Conference 5A champion Falcons will aim to get back to the winning column after a 24-7 loss to St. Petersburg Northside Christian last week.
Up next: at Out-of-Door Academy
5. IMG Academy Blue, 0-1
The third of IMG’s football teams, the Blue squad hasn’t played since Aug. 24, when it lost 31-9 to Tampa Cambridge Christian.
Up next: at North Port (Thursday)
