Vote now for the Bradenton Herald’s high school football player of the week (Oct. 16)
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 five candidates from last week’s action. Take our poll below to cast your vote. The poll will be open until 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20.
You may vote as often as you like until then.
The winner will be announced on the Bradenton Herald’s social media channels.
Here are the candidates from last week’s games:
▪ Davaughn Thomas, Palmetto: Thomas was a bell cow last week, using his high-volume workload to produce 172 rushing yards on 28 attempts in the Tigers’ 34-20 victory over Lakewood Ranch. He had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving score.
▪ Jackson Volz, Parrish Community: The senior completed 23 of 31 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulls’ 35-28 win over Braden River.
▪ Bryson Bender, Parrish Community: Bender had a key 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in Parrish Community’s 35-28 win over Braden River but also caused a fumble and tallied nine tackles.
▪Colton Dempsey, Bradenton Christian: A sophomore, Dempsey ran for 99 yards with two touchdowns on 13 carries in the Panthers’ 44-0 win over Spring Hill Bishop McLaughlin. He also had one catch for 15 yards.
▪ Jerrick Gibson, IMG Academy National: The Texas commit ran for 72 yards on nine carries with two touchdowns in IMG Academy National’s 55-14 win over Pensacola Pine Forest.
