Vote now for the Bradenton Herald’s high school football player of the week (Sept. 18)
Manatee County’s football players are already putting together memorable performances as the 2023-24 high school season heats up.
This week, we resume a weekly feature in which we ask you to vote for the best performer of the week in Manatee County high school sports.
Below is a look at the six candidates from last week’s action. Take our poll below to cast your vote. The poll will be open until 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.
You may vote as often as you like until then.
The winner will be announced on the Bradenton Herald’s social media channels. Saint Stephen’s Evan Brown was last week’s winner.
Here are the candidates from last week’s games:
▪ Kei’Shawn Smith, Manatee: Smith ran for 123 yards on eight carries and a touchdown in Manatee’s 28-20 win over Braden River.
▪ Davaughn Thomas, Palmetto: The senior was a buzz saw cutting through Sarasota High’s defense in a 49-31 victory. He ran for 217 yards on 18 carries with four touchdowns.
▪ Bon Bean Jr., Manatee: His elusiveness was on display with his five catches for 139 yards and a touchdown in the Hurricanes’ 28-20 win over Braden River.
▪Raheim Sexil, Manatee: The defensive back broke up four passes, had an interception, five tackles and one tackle for loss to help keep the Canes undefeated.
▪ Simon Freed, Lakewood Ranch: He ran for 214 yards on 16 carries with three touchdowns to lead the Mustangs to their first win this season, a 47-7 triumph over IMG Academy Blue.
▪ Evan Brown, Saint Stephen’s: The dual-threat quarterback cranked out 219 rushing yards on 19 carries with four touchdowns in a 47-7 win over Naples Aubrey Rogers.
This story was originally published September 18, 2023 at 2:15 PM.
