Friday, Sep. 05, 2008

Prep football capsules

Manatee at Bayshore

Details: Manatee (0-0) at Bayshore (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

On the air: AM 1490-WWPR; www.1490wwpr.com; 6:30 p.m.

The scoop: Hurricane coach Joe Kinnan hopes to see some improvement from the secondary, which struggled at times during last week's Kickoff Classic, and will be without All-Area defensive back Duncan Isiminger (ankle sprain) indefinitely. Dante Hornes, son of former Manatee star Faron and brother of Southeast star Faron, will star tonight, and Ryan Brown will take Isiminger's spot as the long snapper. Bayshore will hope to reverse last year's result with a veteran-laden offensive line and a more experienced Dustin Linderman (quarterback) leading the offense.

The score: Manatee 35, Bayshore 14.

Southeast at Palmetto

Details: Southeast (0-0) at Palmetto (0-0), 7: 30 p.m.

The scoop: The Tigers knocked off the Seminoles for the first time in 15 years last season and rode that momentum all the way to the Class 3A playoffs. They come into the rematch with a new-look offensive line and a new quarterback in Ethan Gilbert, as well as the good vibes churned by last week's win at Arcadia DeSoto. Running backs Xziver Williams, Taheem Blake and Marva Carley should open things for the passing game, as they did last week against the Bulldogs. The Noles will counter with sophomore quarterback Dyron Speight, who threw for 148 yards and three touchdowns last week at Seminole, and a defense that allowed just 30 yards of rushing.

The score: Palmetto 17, Southeast 14.

Braden River at Lakewood Ranch

Details: Braden River (0-0) at Lakewood Ranch (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

The scoop: Cousins Marcus McNeal and Willie McNeal could have a big say in the outcome. Marcus, the Class 5A Mustangs' senior wide receiver, is being courted by numerous Division I colleges and would like to improve on last year's two-catch output against the Class 3A Pirates. Willie is also a college prospect as a receiver and gives the Pirates another option at quarterback, although junior Stephen Fischer handled the position well in last week's 39-26 Kickoff Classic victory against Englewood Lemon Bay. Running back Jajuan Bell scored four touchdowns for the Pirates. Sophomore Taryn Laws is a rushing threat for Lakewood Ranch, which was unable to schedule a Kickoff Classic last week and played an intrasquad scrimmage. Junior quarterback Zack Self appeared ready to lead the offense. Braden River won last year's meeting 20-6.

The score: Lakewood Ranch 24, Braden River 20.

Saint Stephen's vs. Bradenton Christian

Details: Saint Stephen's (0-0) vs. Bradenton Christian (0-0) at Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

The scoop: The Falcons are looking to throw the ball more after staying grounded during last week's Kickoff Classic at St. Petersburg Admiral Farragut. So expect quarterback Logan Zoller chuck to the ball around to guys such as Alex Freeland and Josh Breitwieser - though Cameron Ayala and Cameron Allen are two viable options out of the backfield. Saint Stephen's limited BCS' passing game last year, and will try to thwart it again. The Panthers return quarterback Eric Fridenberg and their leading tackler, Colton Goodwin, from a year ago, in an attempt to avenge last year's 14-8 loss to the Falcons. The fledgling rivals have split the first two meetings.