Details: Sarasota (1-3) at Manatee (3-1), 7:30 p.m.
On the Air: AM-1490 WWPR; www.1490wwpr.com; 6:30 p.m.
The scoop: Manatee coach Joe Kinnan said tweaking the offensive line was an option after the Canes only managed 106 rushing yards in 31 tries last week. Brandon Persinger, who started all 12 games at right tackle last year before switching to the defensive side of the ball, may return to the offensive line tonight. Despite their record, the Sailors are a quality opponent, Kinnan said, praising a defense that helped stifle Venice early and led Kissimmee Osceola - the defending Class 5A state champion - for most of the game last week. Manatee hasn't lost to Sarasota since Kinnan returned to the sideline in 2005.
The pick: Manatee 28, Sarasota 21.
Hernando Christian at Saint Stephen's
Details: Hernando Christian (4-0) at Saint Stephen's (3-1), 4:30 p.m.
The scoop: The Falcons begin a three-game homestand in the hopes of clinching the program's first-ever winning season. The defense, which scored 21 points last week, is allowing just 131.3 yards a game, powered by linemen Josh Breitwieser and James Allen. Hernando Christian is good too, allowing just 41 points in four weeks.
The pick: Saint Stephen's 17, Hernando Christian 14.
Wauchula Hardee at Lakewood Ranch
Details: Wauchula Hardee (2-2) at Lakewood Ranch (0-4), 7:30 p.m.
The scoop: This is Lakewood Ranch's homecoming game. The Class 5A Mustangs showed signs of life in the first half of last week's 35-7 loss against state-ranked Venice by using Division I receiving prospect Marcus McNeal as a running back from the I-formation. McNeal, who caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zack Self, might be licking his chops at the thought of facing the Class 3A Wildcats. In last year's 47-33 victory, he caught touchdown passes of 70, 39 and 59 yards. Offensive lineman Austin Reiter, sidelined with a dislocated elbow since the opener against Braden River, has practiced this week, but head coach Shawn Trent may elect to hold him out until next week's District 11 game at North Port. Mustangs safety Danny Zarrella has two interceptions the past two weeks. Hardee, which won 46 consecutive regular-season games from 2001-06, defeated Avon Park 24-7 last week.
The pick: Lakewood Ranch 28, Wauchula Hardee 22.
Bradenton Christian at Bradenton Prep
Details: Bradenton Christian (2-2, 1-1 Class 1B-District 6) at Bradenton Prep (3-1, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The scoop: This game marks the first contest between the west Bradenton schools as Class 1B-District 6 opponents. The Patriots are clearly the veterans after advancing to the state semifinals last year and return running back Jared Williams, who has 63 carries for 565 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, coupled with quarterback Zach Hammond, who has thrown for 507 yards and seven scores. Bradenton Prep is averaging 40 points a game. The Panthers aren't scrubs. BCS' defense has pitched two shutouts en route to allowing a measly 78 passing yards a game. On offense, quarterback Eric Fridenberg has passed for 676 yards and four touchdowns. He has completed a pass to eight different receivers with David Schopfer being the leader with 16 catches for 185 yards.
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