Who ranks as the best football team in the Bradenton Herald Week 8 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, 6-1
The Hurricanes were humbled in their trip to Venice, losing 56-24 to the Indians. Manatee lost one of its starting middle linebackers on the first play and struggled to contain Venice’s offense. Despite the loss, the Canes are ranked No. 2 in the FHSAA’s power rankings for Class 4S-Region 4 and head into a much-needed week off to get healthy.
Up next: Off
2. (2) Palmetto, 3-2
The Tigers got back into the win column ahead of this week’s district opener at Lakewood Ranch. Davaughn Thomas made the most of his six carries against Southeast last week, notching 76 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Up next: at Lakewood Ranch
3. (3) Parrish Community, 5-1
The Bulls outlasted Mulberry, 23-22, in overtime. Ashton Springfield had 17 tackles, 5.5 TFL, one sack and three quarterback hurries while Dustin Springfield had a punt block and field goal block in the win. The Bulls can set up a district title game at Port Charlotte if they can knock off Braden River this week.
Up next: vs. Braden River
4. (4) Braden River, 2-3
The Pirates are coming off a bye week after losing three straight games. They’re in a must-win situation with their playoff chances against district foe Parrish Community.
Up next: at Parrish Community
5. (5) Bayshore, 3-3
The Bruins lost for the second straight week and have a difficult test this Friday: a road game against undefeated Englewood Lemon Bay.
Up next: at Englewood Lemon Bay
6. (6) Lakewood Ranch, 2-4
The Mustangs were off last week and play their district finale against Palmetto, which is led by their former head coach Rashad West.
Up next: vs. Palmetto
7. (7) Southeast, 0-6
The Seminoles hit their highest point total last week. That’s the good news. The bad news is they’re still winless.
Up next: at Port Charlotte
Private school rankings
1. (1) IMG Academy National, 5-0
The Ascenders earned a 49-20 victory at St. Johns Bartram Trail and are ranked No. 4 in MaxPreps’ national rankings.
Up next: vs. Pensacola Pine Forest
2. (2) IMG Academy White, 6-0
IMG White has cruised to an undefeated start and is off this week before playing at Lake Highland Prep.
Up next: Off
3. (3) Bradenton Christian, 5-1
The Panthers were sensational last week. They destroyed Marco Island Academy, 72-0, and have two games left before the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs.
Up next: vs. Spring Hill Bishop McLaughlin Catholic
4. (4) Saint Stephen’s, 5-2
The Falcons edged St. Petersburg Catholic, 24-20, last week behind Evan Brown’s 348 total yards of offense. Saint Stephen’s get a week off before its regular season finale at Cape Coral Oasis.
Up next: Off
5. (5) IMG Academy Blue, 0-4
IMG’s third team is off this week. The Blue team next plays undefeated Naples Community School.
Up next: Off
