Who ranks as the best football team in the Bradenton Herald Week 5 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. (last week 1) Manatee, 4-0
The Hurricanes’ first-quarter goal line stand set the tone, while Bon Bean Jr.’s fourth-quarter elusive catch and run kept visiting Braden River enough away that a late touchdown came too late. Manatee stays atop the rankings as the last unbeaten team in the county.
Up next: at Port Charlotte
2. (3) Palmetto, 2-1
On a short week, due to Rosh Hashana’s start, the Tigers torched Sarasota on the ground. They gouged the Sailors for 410 rushing yards with Davaughn Thomas (18 carries, 217 yards, six TDs) and Jamari Parker (12 carries, 123 yards, two TDs) providing the bulk of the damage.
Up next: Off
3. (2) Braden River, 2-1
The Pirates had to dig deep in the playbook with how tough the running room was for their tailbacks against Manatee’s stout defensive line, but they showed resolve in never quitting. A late touchdown brought the game to a one-score margin, but Manatee recovered the onside kick to seal the victory.
Up next: at Sarasota Booker
4. (5) Parrish Community, 3-1
The Bulls’ road trip to Avon Park ended after 84 seconds of game time. Lightning in the area postponed the action, before Avon Park decided to forfeit.
Up next: Off
5. (4) Bayshore, 2-1
The Bruins were off last week and head to winless Arcadia DeSoto for a Class 2S-District 15 game. The Bulldogs have scored seven points through three games, which gives the Bruins the perfect chance to get their district slate off with a win.
Up next: at Arcadia DeSoto
6. (6) Lakewood Ranch, 1-3
The Mustangs got their first win last week behind Simon Freed’s 214 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and a strong defense led by Evan Bolick’s seven tackles, two TFL, two passes defended and one sack.
Up next: vs. Longwood Lyman
7. (7) Southeast, 0-4
For the third straight week, the Noles scored 13 points. And for the third straight week, they lost by 30 or more points.
Up next: Off
Private
1. (1) IMG Academy National, 4-0
The Ascenders are No. 3 in MaxPreps’ national rankings, and stayed undefeated with a 28-6 victory Cleveland, Ohio’s Glenville.
Up next: Off
2. (2) IMG Academy White, 4-0
IMG White had little trouble last week, continuing their unbeaten form to start the season. Clay Ash’s 346 rushing yards on 22 carries with four touchdowns keyed a 62-27 win over Fort Myers Evangelical Christian.
Up next: vs. Winter Haven Akelynn’s Angels Christian Academy
3. (4) Saint Stephen’s, 3-1
Evan Brown continues to dazzle as a dual-threat quarterback. He tallied 219 rushing yards and passed for 106 yards, while accounting for five touchdowns in the Falcons’ 47-7 win over Naples’ Aubrey Rogers.
Up next: at Bradenton Christian
4. (3) Bradenton Christian, 2-1
The Panthers were off last week, which gave them extra time to prepare for crosstown rival Saint Stephen’s.
Up next: vs. Saint Stephen’s
5. (5) IMG Academy Blue, 0-3
The Ascenders’ third team was blasted 47-7 by previously winless Lakewood Ranch.
Up next: at Englewood Lemon Bay (Thursday)
